FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 24, 2025 Contact: [email protected]
Lt. Governor Gilchrist and MiLEAP Celebrate PreK for All Success, Highlight Continued Investments for Michigan’s Youngest Learners
LANSING, Mich. – Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) are celebrating the success of the PreK for All Initiative, which is helping Michigan families save money while preparing the state’s youngest learners for kindergarten. This milestone was marked today during in event with families at the South Lyon Early Childhood Center in southeast Michigan.
“Governor Whitmer and I are committed to ensuring that every child in Michigan receives the strong start they deserve,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Thanks to PreK for All, we have witnessed record enrollment for 4-year-olds across our state, and we are building on that momentum. This is about investing in our kids’ futures, and we will continue collaborating with all partners to make sure every Michigan family has access to high-quality early education, no matter where they live.”
“PreK for All is truly transforming lives, making quality early learning more accessible than ever for Michigan families,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “We are pleased to see so many families benefiting from these investments as their children grow academically and socially, all while keeping more money in their pockets. With the Governor’s budget recommendation, we will continue to expand lifelong education opportunities to ensure that every in child in Michigan has a solid foundation for success.”
“I strongly believe that no family should have to pay out-of-pocket for a high-quality preschool experience,” said Michael Lloyd, Principal at the South Lyon Early Childhood Center. “Continued investments in PreK for All means more families will have access to early education without the financial burden, ensuring every child can learn and grow in a supportive environment. Free preschool will have a lasting impact for families in our community, and with support from the state, we can make sure every Michigan four-year-old has a strong foundation for lifelong learning at this crucial stage of their development.”
Michigan’s PreK for All initiative saves families an estimated $10,000 per year in child care costs, putting an estimated $450 million back into Michigan families’ pockets this school year. The Governor’s recent budget recommendation builds on these efforts by:
In addition to the benefits for children and families, PreK for All benefits Michigan’s economy as a whole. A recent analysis from the Upjohn Institute found that for every dollar spent on the program, it creates $1.72 in total economic benefits for our state.
PreK enrollment for 2025-2026 school year will open soon. Families can learn more and find programs that fit their needs by visiting MiPreKforAll.org . For families seeking other child care options, visit the Great Start to Quality website.
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MiLEAP Celebrate PreK for All Success
