Become a GSRP Site

• GSRP serves children who meet eligibility criteria and who are typically in the year before they are eligible for Kindergarten. There are early entry options as well, so a child may start GSRP two years before they enter Kindergarten. 

• All classrooms use a state approved curriculum, and comprehensive child assessment tool.

• Each classroom has a lead and associate teacher who meet credentials specified in the State School Aid Act.  Programs can partner with Oakland Schools to develop a plan for their teachers to attain credentials within three years of being hired.

• Parents have opportunities to be involved in the program in multiple ways and are not required to do so.

• There are part- and school-day options.  Most programs offer school-day options based on family need. 

• There is the option to run 4-days a week or 5-days a week. Most programs operate 4 days a week for 30 weeks and 120 days.

• Programs can choose to offer before and after school programming and Friday care for a fee.

• More can be learned about program requirements at: www.michigan.gov/gsrp.

• Funding to cover the costs of teacher meals in GSRP that is required, but not reimbursed by CACFP.

• Free access and use of the Mi Early Childhood Connect (MiECC) referral and enrollment system to support full enrollment early in the year.

• Additional funding to offer transportation for children to get to school and home on program days.

• Add funds to the operating budget to improve program quality and improve utilization.

• Receive coaching, mentoring, and support from a qualified early childhood specialist.

• Participate in professional learning opportunities for directors and Early Childhood Educators.

• Implement state approved curriculum.  Oakland Schools provides HighScope professional learning at a reduced cost.

• Access to child assessment tools for a reduced cost.

• Become part of a bigger local network of early education and care professionals.

• Improve the overall quality of early education and care in Oakland County

• Allows parents to choose the setting that best meets family needs, like location, hours of operations and ages of children accepted and transportation provided.

• Provides more continuity of care for children as they may stay in one place for all education and care needs.

• Provides convenience of one drop off/pick up for the parent for all of the family’s children who are enrolled at the site.

• Receive high quality preschool with no out of pocket costs.

GSRP is provided in sites licensed as child care centers.  They may have either a regular license or a provisional license as a new or relocated center.  Those with one of these types of provisional license must agree to submit a Self-Assessment Survey in the Great Start to Quality (GSQ) system as soon as the regular license is issued.  Centers with licenses that have been modified to provisional status are not eligible. If organizations are interested in providing GSRP but are not yet licensed, we can share information and related resources to get you on your way. All centers that have eligible licenses must also have or be able to reach at least a three star (or “Enhancing Quality”) rating in GSQ.

If funded, you will be expected to hire qualified staff and have staff trained in the curriculum and assessment tools.  You will have to operate in compliance with child care licensing rules and GSRP statute, policies and procedures.  You would also have the support of an Early Childhood Specialist and Oakland Schools to implement a program that meets requirements. 

Questions you may be asked

We are accepting applications for new GSRP partners for the school year 2023-2024.  Applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis, due on the 1st of each month.  The last day to submit an application for the school year 2023-2024 is November 1st, 2023.All classrooms must open by January 2024 or earlier.

Here is a timeline for the application process

All steps start with completing the GSRP Application. To support you in doing this, check out the:

• Information Session Recording

• Slides from Recording

• May 25th GSRP Potential Partner Meeting Info

• Assurances and Certifications

• Appeals Process

For more detailed information regarding GSRP requirements, please contact us.  If you still need more time but are interested in applying in the future:

• Email Darlene Zimny or call 248.209.2558 .  There may be resources available and professional development that you can take part in as you prepare for the next year’s application process. 

• If you haven’t already started the Great Start to Quality rating process, start now!

• Take advantage of all the local Great Start to Quality Regional Resource Center has to offer.  

• Join the Great Start Collaborative-Oakland.

Please contact us to receive ongoing communication regarding upcoming application processes, resources and other opportunities.