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 School Readiness Program strives to prepare children for Kindergarten, to ensure their success upon entering the public school system. It focuses on the importance of early brain development and the need to promote and extend children’s learning and social development both at home and in school.

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. Multiple locations are located through-out the district for this program, including locations at the Education and Training Connection, Longview School, the West Midland Family Center, and 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