Preschool Programs

GHAPS offers a number of preschool opportunites for students and their families.

• Developmental Preschool
  The Developmental Preschool Program is a tuition-based program available to students ages two to five-years-old. This program is attuned to current trends in early childhood education and provides developmentally appropriate learning that is connected to the K-12 curriculum. The goal is to  prepare children through the creative use of activity centers for successful entry into kindergarten. There are 10 - 15 students per class, and has one teacher and one assistant per class. Developmental Preschool is available at Griffin, Lake Hills, Robinson, Rosy Mound and Central schools. Scholarships are available based on income. For more information contact 616.850.6825.

   

• Prime Time
  Prime Time is an extension of the Open Door childcare program, and is developed for children three-years-of-age through kindergarten, with the exception of the Central School site who take two-and-a-half-year-olds who are not yet potty trained. Early childhood teachers work with the children daily to help them prepare and flow into a school routine. Children of this young age need structure and encouragement. Staff provides this continuity along with meeting each child's needs on an individual basis. Children learn and socialize with other children to create a positive feeling about school. For more information contact 616.850.6825.

   

• Great Start Readiness Program
  The Great Start Readiness Program is a free preschool program funded by the state of Michigan. Great Start Readiness uses Creative Curriculum, a research-based early childhood curriculum that allows teachers to focus on children's strengths and individual needs. This program is available to studetns who are age four by December 1, and is housed at Ferry School. There are 16 students per class, one morning and one afternoon session, and has one teacher and one assistant per class. Great Start Readiness teachers are certified with degrees in Early Childhood Education. The program enrollment is based on family income as well as other criteria. For more information contact 616.850.5142.

   

• Early Childhood Special Education
  The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program emphasizes working with students with disabilities to help them become prepared for kindergarten and the rest of their school career based on their individual needs. There is an emphasis on speech and language, socialization, and working toward appropriate academic skills using scientifically-based curriculum and interventions. A speech pathologist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, psychologist and social worker are also on staff. The average age students involved is three through five-years-old. There are 12 students per classroom, one teacher, and up to two assistants per section. ECSE is housed at Mary A. White School. For more information contact 616.850.5142.
    

   

• Head Start
  The Head Start Program prepares children to be successful in kindergarten through the use of hands-on experiences and activities within the research-based Creative Curriculum program. There is an emphasis on all aspects of development (social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and fine motor skills) as well as the individual's strengths and needs. Head Start is available to three and four-year-olds, and is house at Ferry School. There is a food service person and Family Services Advocate. There are 17 children per class, two classes with one teacher and one assistant per class. The program enrollment is based on family income as well as other criteria. Please call 616.850.5142 for more information.