The
Michigan School Readiness Program is provided in our community with
a grant from the State Department
of Education.
This grant affords a preschool experience to more children than otherwise
qualify for federally funded programs. The importance of early brain
development and the need to promote and extend children’s learning
and social development at home give focus and significance to this
program.
The program’s mission statement reads “We will promote
the physical, social, and emotional growth of young children to prepare
them for future growth and development. We will support parents in
their role as primary caregivers and educators of their young children.
We will prepare children to enter the elementary school system ready
to learn the necessary developmental skills to succeed”.
The Midland School
Readiness Program is funded through a state aid grant awarded through
the Midland Public Schools.
Through
a collaborative effort, two locations are operated to serve the Midland
Public School District. The Salvation Army serves as the
site and other children are served by the
North Midland Family Center.
Staffing for this
program includes a program coordinator as well as classroom and transportation
staff. The lead teachers are state
certified and hold an Early Childhood (ZA) endorsement. The ratio of
one adult to every eight children is adhered to and all staff meet
or exceeded the requirements established by the Department of Social
Services Child Care Licensing Division.
The curriculum
used is developed and implemented through a joint effort of the
preschool staff and the Midland Public School’s
K-1st grade teachers to assure an easier 
transition
into kindergarten.
Center-based learning
include: home living/dramatic play, math puzzles, blocks, listening,
free (creative) art, small motor, science, writing,
sensory and computer centers, along with large motor skills promoted
through outdoor and gymnasium activities.
Some special activities
and programs include:
- A loan program that allowed children to borrow books and tapes to
share with their families at home
- Field trips, held each year, included the Grace A. Dow Library, a
local Fire Station, and Dow Gardens
- Special events were held this year and included Fall, Winter, Valentines
Day, and graduation parties
For more information contact 989-496-0524, Ext. 211
