Regional Preschool Partnership

08/13/2026

If you know someone who has concerns about their child's progress at school but doesn't yet have an IEP, please share this post with them.

Evaluation is the first step in the special education process. Register today to join us online on September 16 at noon to discuss special education evaluation and eligibility. We'll cover when and why a parent might seek an evaluation for their child, and how the process works.

SPECIAL EDUCATION EVALUATION AND ELIGIBILITY
This free, online workshop will explain when and why a parent might seek an evaluation.
• how to request a comprehensive evaluation
• understand the purpose of the evaluation process
• explain eligibility category criteria
• review of timelines

We’ll cover important terms parents need to know, like REED, Notice, and IEE, as well as parent’s rights during the evaluation process.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/2j5mt836c
See our full calendar of events at www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/

08/12/2026

The Trump administration has proposed an overhaul of Head Start, the federally funded early childhood program that launched in 1965. The proposal, titled “Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs,” would pull back many federal requirements and shift control to states.

08/09/2026

08/08/2026

Statement on proposed Head Start deregulation from Steve Barnett, the founder and senior director of the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University:

“The Trump Administration’s proposal to remove 80% of Head Start regulations could undermine the program’s ability to fulfill its purpose of improving the school readiness of children in poverty.

"Among the most important targets of the proposed deregulations are the elimination of child-staff ratios, which could lead to higher child to teacher ratios, double or even triple for infants and toddlers in some Head Start programs.

"Low child-staff ratios are linked to better school readiness. The most comprehensive research reveals that success depends on individualized teaching 1:1 and in small groups. That is why our Institute recommends no more than 1:10 as a staff:child ratio among 10 research-based preschool quality standards, and why Head Start and most state-funded pre-K programs mandate lower child-staff ratios than child care licensing standards.

"Also of concern are the reduction in required hours to just 3 hours per day for 128 days a year and a new requirement for English-only instruction. Fewer hours make it even more difficult to individualize instruction. Limiting instruction to English has no advantage for learning English and increases loss of home language, while dual language fluency has cognitive, social, and economic advantages.

"While reductions in federal micromanagement of Head Start have long been needed, the program should align with the best state pre-K standards rather than defaulting to states’ child care licensing minimums as the administration proposes. Whether public or private, high-quality pre-K programs have been found to produce large improvements in school readiness and success, educational attainment, and adult earnings."

https://nieer.org/research-library/statement-proposed-head-start-deregulation-nieer-director-steven-barnett

08/07/2026

Our Kindergarten students will start their elementary school journey with a new addition to their bookshelf and a little more confidence, thanks to Great Start Collaborative!

The Midland County Great Start Collaborative, with support from grant funding through the Midland County Educational Service Agency, stopped by with a free copy of "Kindergarten, Here I Come!" for every kindergartener at MPS. In fact, they provide it for all kindergarten families across Midland County!

The initiative is about so much more than a free book. Each year, the GSC's Kindergarten Transition Team chooses one title to create a shared experience between preschool, kindergarten, and home. Preschool teachers in Midland County have the opportunity to read the story with their students before the end of the school year, so when children receive their own copy from their elementary school, they're greeted by a familiar story that helps make the transition to kindergarten feel a little less overwhelming and (hopefully) a lot more exciting.

The Kindergarten Transition Team also brings together preschool and kindergarten teachers, support staff, and families each year to share ideas about how we can make those first days of school the very best they can be.

Thank you to the Great Start Collaborative and everyone who helps make this tradition and an easy transition to kindergarten possible for our kiddos!

Pictured (L-R): Bethany Shoun, Great Start Collaborative Director, and Kara Stark, MPS Associate Superintendent of Student Services and Human Resources

08/06/2026

Did someone say "Free Preschool"? We still have openings in Midland, Gratiot, and Isabella Counties! Check out our website at preschoolpartnership.org for information and the link to apply! You can search our locations under "find a preschool program".

07/30/2026

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) helps ensure children have access to nutritious food by reimbursing child care providers for healthy meals.

Yet only 48% of Michigan's early childhood programs take advantage of this support. Why? We turned to the experts, early educators, to understand what an equitable CACFP program should look like to support Michigan's youngest children.

Join us on Tuesday, August 11, to hear about the specific policy changes providers are calling for, help identify the top policy priorities, and discuss actionable advocacy approaches to transform CACFP and turn this shared vision into reality.

Register now: https://bit.ly/4fLS7KF

07/29/2026

🍦 Get the Scoop on Head Start! 🍦
Looking for a FREE preschool program for your 3- or 4-year-old? Come "Get the Scoop on Head Start" with us!
We're teaming up with the Great Lakes Ice Cream Co. to help families learn about our FREE preschool programs. Stop by, ask questions, and if you're ready, we'll even help you complete an enrollment application!
🍨 Thursday, July 30
📍 Great Lakes Ice Cream Co. – Midland
🕑 2:00–5:00 PM
Families who complete an enrollment application at the event will receive a FREE scoop of ice cream! 🍦
Whether you're just starting to explore preschool options or you're ready to enroll, we'd love to meet you and answer your questions.
Bring the kids, enjoy a sweet treat, and Get the Scoop on Head Start!

07/28/2026

We have spots open for the 2026-2027 school year! Apply at preschoolpartnership.org!