Written by Tanya Terry
Ample research studies have shown that when students start school early, they stay ahead of their peers later in life and even have been found to earn more money as adults!
Emily Laidlaw, deputy director at MiLEAP-a department within the State of Michigan, spoke recently with the Courier about PreK for All being Michigan’s initiative to offer high-quality, no-cost PreK to all Michigan children.
She shared that as of October 2025, there were about 51,000 Michigan children enrolled in the main driver for PreK for all, which is called the Great Start Readiness Program. Yet, she emphasized there is still space for more children to take part in the program.
Laidlaw stated the program has economic benefits for Michigan families.
“Not only can families save around $14,000 per year on childcare costs, but there’s also a lot of other benefts,” she said. ”PreK helps ensure children are ready to thrive when they enter kindergarten. It sets them up for long-term success in providing a foundation that they need to be successful in school and work. This is really backed up by research that shows that children enrolled in quality PreK programs grow into healthier adults, earning higher wages over their lifetimes, compared to those who
haven’t participated in a higher quality PreK program.”
The U.S. Department of Education has noted that pre-K students are more prepared for kindergarten and school beyond that. Possibly because of this, studies by the Brookings Institution have indicated higher high school graduation rates among former PreK students. The National Education
Association (NEA) has also reported increased likelihood of attending college or other higher education institutions for students who previously participated in PreK. Additionally, The Pew Charitable Trusts has pointed to long-term economic benefts for individuals who took part in PreK.
PreK has been found to help young people learn numerous skills that can give them an edge later in life. It can teach problem solving, critical thinking and independent thinking.
Genesee ISD Superintendent Dr. Steven Tunnicliff said he noticed that even locally students who have participated in PreK are more engaged in classroom learning in later grades, develop strong and healthy relationships with their peers and teachers and demonstrate resilience inside and outside
the classroom.
“Michiganders, whether they are 4 years old or 40, we’re working to help everyone make it in Michigan,” stated Laidlaw. “That is part of what PreK for All is, in order to help youngsters so that they can be successful in kindergarten, as well as in their secondary career and in their workforce.”
PreK for All is available for all 4-year-olds in Michigan. There are no income requirements. It has not been impacted by any changes at the federal level.
“It is fully funded to serve all 4-year-olds in the state,” Laidlaw added.
The program is available because of a historic, bipartisan investment led by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Legislature.
To get more information about PreK for All, fund a program or register, visit https://greatstarttoquality.org/free-preschool-programs/. Enrollment is open
until February.
