Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, along with the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), has celebrated the success of the PreK for All Initiative. This program helps Michigan families save money while ensuring the state’s youngest learners are prepared for kindergarten. The milestone was celebrated at an event today at the South Lyon Early Childhood Center in southeastern Michigan.
“Governor Whitmer and I are dedicated to giving every child in Michigan the strong start they deserve,” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist. “Thanks to PreK for All, we’ve seen record enrollment for 4-year-olds statewide, and we plan to build on this progress. Investing in our children’s futures is a priority, and we’ll keep working with all partners to ensure every Michigan family has access to quality early education, regardless of where they live.”
Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP, emphasized the initiative’s positive impact: “PreK for All is changing lives by making quality early education more accessible for Michigan families. We’re happy to see so many children benefiting from this investment, growing both academically and socially, while saving money. With the Governor’s proposed budget, we’ll continue to expand lifelong education opportunities to give every child in Michigan a strong foundation.”
Michael Lloyd, Principal at the South Lyon Early Childhood Center, added, “No family should have to pay for a quality preschool education. Continued investments in PreK for All will allow more families to access early education without financial strain, ensuring every child grows in a supportive environment. Free preschool will have a lasting impact, and with the state’s support, every Michigan four-year-old can build a strong foundation for future learning.”
The PreK for All initiative saves Michigan families an estimated $10,000 annually in child care costs, putting about $450 million back into their pockets this school year. Governor Whitmer’s recent budget recommendation further strengthens these efforts by:
Allocating $676.1 million to continue funding PreK for All through the Great Start Readiness Program.
Piloting free PreK for three-year-olds, aiming to serve nearly 4,000 children by 2029.
Beyond its impact on children and families, PreK for All also boosts Michigan’s economy. A recent analysis by the Upjohn Institute found that for every dollar spent on the program, $1.72 in total economic benefits is generated for the state.
