Preschool

Grand Haven Area Public Schools offers a number of preschool opportunities for students and their families. If you are unsure which program would be the best fit for your child, please refer to the program guide below.

We are currently offering in-person assistance at our office. We do ask that everyone wear a mask who enters our building. We are also answering questions and accepting registrations through email (children@ghaps.org), the drop box outside our office at 106 S. Sixth Street (the sign above the door says Child Services) and through phone (616-850-6825).

Registrations for the 2021/2022 School year will be available mid to late February 2021.

Preschool Development Program

The Preschool Development Program is a tuition-based program available to students ages 3 to 5 years old. This program is attuned to current trends in early childhood education and uses Creative Curriculum, a research-based early childhood curriculum that allows teachers to focus on children's strengths and individual needs. The goal is to prepare children through the creative use of activity centers for successful entry into kindergarten. There are 16 to 18 students per class depending class, with one teacher and one assistant per class. Scholarships are available based on income.

Age: 3 - 5 Years Old

Locations: Central, Griffin, Lake Hills, Robinson and Rosy Mound.

Tuition: Preschool Development is a tuition based program, however scholarships are available for families who qualify financially. Please contact the Child Services office at 616.850.6825 to inquire about our scholarships opportunities that are available.

Daily Session: 2.5 Hours, 2 through 5 days per week options available.

PDF Document Preschool Development Handbook

For more information about specific classes available and the cost, please see pages 1-2 of the Preschool Development Registration packet found below under "Registration Forms".

How to Register:

Please provide the following to complete registration: You may either email the paperwork to children@ghaps.org or bring it into our office at 106 S Sixth Street (the sign above the door says "Child Services"). These documents are required in order to complete registration and begin preschool.

Completed Registration forms - Please see below for the registration PDF that is needed.
Payment for your registration fee or a completed scholarship application including proof of income.
- Proof of income can either be the previous year's tax return (Adjusted Gross Income), The previous year’s W2, or three of your most recent pay stubs. We do need to see the income of all parents/guardians in the household who are working as well as any government assistance you are receiving.
A Health Appraisal form signed by you and your child’s physician.
A complete Immunization Record from the pediatrician or a waiver signed by the Ottawa County Health Department
A copy (or picture) of your child’s birth certificate
A copy (or picture) of the parent's/guardian's Drivers License

Registration Form

PDF Document Preschool Development Registration 2021-2022

*If you are looking for availability for this CURRENT school year, please contact our office at 616-850-6825

Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)

The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is a tuition 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 students who are age four by September 1. There are 16 students per class with 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. GSRP offers full day options at the following locations: Ferry, Griffin, Lake Hills, Peach Plains and Robinson.

Age: 4 Years Old by September 1st

Location: Ferry, Griffin, Lake Hills

Tuition: GSRP is free to families who qualify financially.

Daily Session: 9:00am-4:00pm, Monday-Thursday

Please see PDF below for more detailed information on the GSRP program.

PDF Document GSRP Family Handbook

How to Register:

Completed Registration forms - Please see below for the GSRP Registration.
Proof of income. This can either be the previous year's tax return (Adjusted Gross Income), The previous year’s W2, or three of your most recent pay stubs. We do need to see the income of all parents/guardians in the household who are working as well as any government assistance you are receiving.
A Health Appraisal form signed by you and your child’s physician.
A complete Immunization Record from the pediatrician or a waiver signed by the Ottawa County Health Department
A copy (or picture) of your child’s Birth Certificate
A copy (or picture) of the parent's/guardian's Drivers License

Registration Form

PDF Document GSRP Registration 2021-2022

*If you are looking for availability for this CURRENT school year, please contact our office at 616-850-6825

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 of students involved is three through five-years-old. There are 12 students per classroom, one teacher, and up to two assistants per section.

For more information about our ECSE program please contact the Special Education department at 616-850-5142.

Need Wrap Around Child Care?

Open Door Child Care program is developed for children 3 years (36 months) through kindergarten, with the exception of the Central School site where care is available for children 3 years and over and being potty trained is not required. 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 about Open Door please visit Open Door Child Care.

Head Start

Head Start is an independent federally run program. For information on this specific program please call 616-850-6870.

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. There is a food service person and Family Services Advocate. There are 17 children per class with one teacher and one assistant per class. The program enrollment is based on family income as well as other criteria.

Head Start is available at Central School.

For more information about Head Start please visit External Link CDS Lakeshore Head Start