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Michigan Invests $9.7M To Expand Free PreK Classrooms
Russ Survance
Tue, 13 Jan 2026 11:23:06 EST
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Michigan has allocated $9.7 million in startup grants to create or enlarge 246 preschool classrooms throughout the state, according to the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). The initiative aims to increase availability of no-cost, quality early education while reducing childcare expenses for families.
The funding represents the initial distribution of fiscal year 2026 Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) grants. New classrooms will receive $40,000 each, while existing programs expanding their capacity will get $17,900 per classroom. Grant recipients can use funds for educator recruitment and licensing, facility upgrades, family outreach efforts, and educational quality improvements.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer emphasized the program's financial benefit to families, noting it saves households approximately $14,000 annually. The state has seen record participation in its universal PreK programs following sustained budget commitments to early childhood education.
MiLEAP Director Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea attributed the expansion to continued legislative support, with the FY26 state budget designating $10 million specifically for GSRP startup costs. Local administrators in Oakland and Macomb counties reported the grants effectively address financial barriers that previously limited classroom expansion, with Oakland Schools alone adding capacity for roughly 1,800 additional students.
Families can find nearby programs and check eligibility requirements at
CLICK HERE FOR PREK FOR ALL.
