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).
Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.
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.
Please provide the following to complete registration:
- Completed Registration forms
- Payment for your registration fee or a completed scholarship application including proof of income.
- A Health Appraisal form signed by a parent/guardian and your child’s physician.
- A complete Immunization Record or a waiver signed by the Ottawa County Health Department
- A copy of your child’s birth certificate
- A copy of the parent's/guardian's Drivers License
These documents are required in order to complete registration and begin preschool.
Registration Forms
Preschool Development Reg 2020-21
Preschool Development Handbook
Field Trip Permission Form PDP
Parent Participation Agreement PDP
Sunscreen Authorization Form PDP
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: 7 Hours, Monday-Thursday
To complete enrollment for GSRP you will need to provide the following
- A completed Registration Packet
- Proof of income - Tax Return, W2s or the last three paystubs
- A Health Appraisal form signed by a parent/guardian and your child’s physician.
- A complete Immunization Record or a waiver signed by the Ottawa County Health Department
- A copy of your child’s Birth Certificate
- A copy of the parent or legal guardians Driver's License
These documents are required in order to complete registration and begin preschool.
Registration Forms
Field Trip Permission Form GSRP
Parent Notice of Program Measurement GSRP
Parent Participation Agreement GSRP
Parent Request to Provide Food
Sunscreen Authorization Form GSRP
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. 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 
CDS Lakeshore Head Start
Age: 3-4 Year Olds
Location: Central School
Tuition: Head Start is free to families who qualify financially.
Daily Session: Monday-Thursday - Full Day
Registration Form
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. 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.
