Dearborn Public Schools’ Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) will begin distributing applications on March 13, 2026 for the 2026-27 school year.
GSRP is a free preschool program available to any family who lives in the district and qualifies. The state in recent years has expanded eligibility so that most district families now qualify. Dearborn Public Schools is strongly encouraging all families who live in the district and have a child the correct age to apply for GSRP. The district’s program is available at 16 locations offering 608 students a free, high-quality preschool.
To be eligible, children must turn 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2026. Most families will know by mid-June if they were accepted into the program. If spaces are still available, the district will accept children who will turn 4 between Sept. 1 and Dec. 1. Applications for those students will be taken in late August.
Applications will be available for pickup on March 13 at several locations throughout the district. Parents coming to pick up an application should bring a copy of their driver’s license or ID and the child’s birth certificate. At that time, an appointment will be scheduled to return the application along with the other required documents.
Applications will be available at the following schools and times on March 13:
- 8:15 to 10:15 a.m. at Salina Elementary, McCollough, and Lowrey
- 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. at Cotter, DuVall, Geer Park, Henry Ford, Long, McDonald, Oakman, Snow, Whitmore Bolles, and William Ford
- 9 to 11 a.m. at Becker and River Oaks
After March 13, applications can be picked up at Cotter Early Childhood Center, 13020 Osborn St., Dearborn. Appointments can also be made by calling the school office at 313-827-6150. Visit the Cotter School webpage to learn more.
GSRP is a state-sponsored preschool program. The district’s GSRP will take applications for all district students who are age eligible. Historically, GSRP prioritized children facing specific educational hurdles—such as low family income, primary languages other than English, or parents with limited educational backgrounds. The program still gives priority to families meeting these criteria. However, as Michigan transitions toward universal free preschool, Dearborn Public Schools has expanded GSRP to welcome a much broader range of students. Today, most families within the district will qualify for GSRP.
To apply, students must live with a parent or legal guardian within the Dearborn Public School District.
The district’s GSRP locations include Cotter, Becker, DuVall, William Ford, Henry Ford, Geer Park, Long, Lowrey, McCollough, McDonald, Oakman, River Oaks, Salina Elementary, Salina Intermediate, Snow, and Whitmore Bolles schools.
GSRP classes consist of 16 students with two adults. In Dearborn Public Schools, classrooms are led by a Michigan Early Childhood certified teacher and an associate teacher with a Child Development Associate Certification. Classes meet for a full school day from Monday through Thursday. Times vary slightly by building, but are similar to the elementary school schedule. The program meets detailed state requirements using the Highscope Curriculum to support the needs and interests of all learners.
Dearborn Public Schools also has 28 spots for the Strong Beginnings program, which will accept children who will turn 3 years old by Sept. 1, 2026. Applications for this free program will also be available on March 13, but only at Cotter from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Strong Beginnings placement is income based and focuses on children with eligibility factors that could affect academic success.
“Social and emotional learning is at the heart of our preschool program,” said Amy Modica, the district’s Early Childhood Coordinator. “While we offer a well-rounded curriculum that includes literacy, math, motor skills, and language development, we prioritize fostering important social-emotional skills like independence, problem-solving, and cooperation.”
“We strongly encourage interested families to call and learn more and to fill out an application,” Modica said. To learn more, parents can call Cotter School at 313-827-6150.
GSRP enrollment form flyer 2026
