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Child Care and Preschool

Types of Child Care Settings

What is high-quality child care?

10 questions to ask when choosing a child care/daycare provider:

  1. What are the qualifications of the staff?
  2. Can I visit anytime?
  3. What is your discipline policy?
  4. Can my child bring comfort items from home?
  5. What is the ratio of caregivers to children?
  6. How many children will you take?
  7. How much do you charge?
  8. When do you expect payments?
  9. Do you charge when my child is not there?
  10. Do you accept DHS Child Care subsidy?

St. Clair County preschool programs for children ages 0-5 

Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP, 4 year olds)

GSRP is Michigan’s state-funded preschool program for four-year-old children with factors that may place them at risk of educational failure. The program is administered by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). GSRP is free of charge to children whose family income falls within program guidelines.

GSRP information

0-5 Head Start (pregnant women and children under 5)

Head Start preschools provide children with a safe environment, nutritious meals, health care and the skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. 

The Head Start program focuses on child development, family support, medical and nutritional care of enrolled children. Head Start is free of charge to children whose family's income falls within program guidelines and to children with disabilities.

Head Start information

Other preschool options

Great Start to Quality helps families find the best preschool and early care settings for their children and helps educators improve the care they provide to children.

Great Start to Quality

 

Resources

Great Start to Quality
Great Start to Quality helps Michigan families find quality daycare, preschool and early childhood education in their area and providers with training to improve their programs.

Great Start to Quality Resource Center
Provides a variety of services for parents, guardians, and child care providers.

Great Start to Quality Resources for Families
Resources to help families understand the Great Start to Quality rating system, and help them find the best care for their child.

Resources for Licensed Child Care Providers
State of Michigan information and resources for licensed child care providers.

Learn more about how to find high-quality child care
Is This The Right Place For My Child booklet