2026-27 Preschool Applications Now Open for Families with 3 & 4-year-olds
Families encouraged to apply for preschool for their 3- and 4-year-olds at no cost to them!
Washtenaw County, Mich – Applications for high-quality preschool for the 2026-27 school year are now open for Washtenaw families with 3- and 4-year-olds! High-quality preschool is offered at no cost at more than 40 preschool locations across Washtenaw County through Head Start and the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP). Families can apply at www.HelpMeGrowWashtenaw.org.
With more than 90% of a child’s brain development occurring before age 5, early childhood education is a powerful time for learning, growth, and connection. Alicia Kruk, Washtenaw ISD’s Assistant Director of Preschool and Family Services, strongly encourages all families to explore local preschool opportunities.
“Preschool is about more than preparing children for kindergarten,” shared Kruk. “Preschool lays the foundation for a child’s future success in school and life. It is an investment in strong brain development, social-emotional growth, and a lifelong love of learning.”
Help Me Grow Washtenaw is the one-stop shop for families to apply to over 40 preschool programs offered through the Washtenaw Intermediate School District’s network of Head Start and GSRP providers. Families can also see a full list of preschool locations across Washtenaw County. As part of the application process, families can choose up to three preschool locations on their application.
To help make the application process as smooth as possible, families should gather the following documents required for enrollment. Some documents are needed during the application process, while others may be provided after placement. However, families can begin the application even if some documents are not immediately available.
Documents necessary for the enrollment process:
- Proof of birth (birth certificate, hospital record, baptismal record, or passport)
- Immunization record
- Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement, or similar document)
- Verification of income (tax return, W-2, DHHS statement, or similar documentation)
- If applicable, guardianship or custody documents
Families will begin hearing updates on the status of their preschool applications in March.
To learn more about high-quality preschool in Washtenaw County, visit www.HelpMeGrowWashtenaw.org. Families are always welcome to reach out with questions by contacting (734) 994-8186 or helpmegrow@washtenawisd.org.