Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Our curriculum is designed to vertically align with our elementary schools, providing active, engaging, and appropriate learning for the growing brain of a preschooler. Our building’s systems and structures mirror the Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) that our elementary schools use to create a predictable, positive, safe, and effective learning environment for all students. 

Each week, you will receive a newsletter explaining the learning activities and their connection to preschool learning and school readiness. We use a research-based curriculum, Creative Curriculum, within a framework of nature-based learning. 

Registration can be completed online at www.GHAPS.org/enroll.

• Children 3 years old on or before September 1st are eligible to register for the Preschool Development Program.

• Children 4 years old on or before September 1st are eligible to register for the Great Start Readiness Program.

• Children are eligible for Young Fives if they turn 5 years old before December 1st. This program is an option for children who may benefit from an extra year of social, emotional, and academic development before transitioning into traditional kindergarten.

  
  

Before the start of the school year, parents will be required to provide and/or complete:

• A Student Information Record.

• Forms for walking field trips, photos, and videos.

• A health appraisal and immunization record.

• An original birth certificate to verify the child’s date of birth.

No. Those residing outside of the Grand Haven Area Public Schools boundaries may follow the district’s School of Choice process.

• Preschool Development Program (3-year-olds): Tuition-based. However, scholarships are available for families who qualify financially through the Grand Haven Schools Foundation. Tuition is based on the number of days the child attends each week:

  • 2 Days per week (T/Th): $50/week

  • 3 Days per week  (M/W/F): $65/week

  • 5 Days per week: $80/week

• Early Childhood Special Education (ages 3-5): No cost.

• Great Start Readiness Program (4-year-olds): No cost for qualifying 4-year-olds. Income and other eligibility factors are no longer the determining factors for eligibility. Instead, these factors will now help prioritize enrollments but will not determine who is eligible. While we are still required to prioritize spots based on certain criteria, we strongly encourage any family interested in the no-cost 4-year-old program to apply.

• Young Fives (5-year-olds): No cost.

Yes. Preschool Development Program scholarships are available through the Grand Haven Schools Foundation. Learn more and apply at GHSF.org/preschool-scholarships

Usually, students spend about half of their class time outdoors, including play time, hikes, and time in our outdoor classroom spaces. Teaching staff will consider the weather and adjust the amount of time accordingly. As a rule, though, the children spend a significant amount of time outdoors every day, in all weather. Appropriate dress is important; so all children should come to school dressed for the outdoors each day.

Nature-based learning can be messy! For this reason, it is important that your child comes dressed for outdoor play. This includes:

• Clothing that can get messy

• Layers for changing temperatures

• Closed-toed shoes

• A backpack with spare clothes and inside shoes

Fall and Spring: Rubber boots, coat, rain suit or jacket and pants

Winter: Snow pants, winter coat, waterproof mittens, scarf, wool socks, hat, boots

Many parents order rain gear from www.oakiwear.com.

We have a number of rain suits and boots that can be borrowed (year-long checkout).

We will schedule public open house times when families are invited to meet our teaching staff and visit the classroom. Open Houses usually occur right before school starts. Dates will be posted on our website and shared with families as we get closer to the event.

Special education services (for example, speech and language therapy) are provided through the school district where your family resides. Our teaching staff will help facilitate communication with the appropriate special education personnel.

Research strongly supports that children who are on the younger side of school entry or need more time developmentally can benefit significantly from a Young Fives program, including:

• Self-Regulation and Mental Health: Delaying kindergarten by a year can significantly boost focus and self-control—Stanford researchers found a 73% drop in inattention and hyperactivity by age 11 in later starters.
• Academic Readiness: Children in Young Fives often start kindergarten ahead in reading and math. A California study found those early gains can last through third grade.
• More Time to Grow: Young Fives gives younger children extra time to grow, focusing on social skills, confidence, and independence, so they’re ready to thrive in kindergarten.

Consider Young Fives if your child:

• Has a birthday close to the kindergarten cutoff date.
• Would benefit from an extra year to develop social and emotional skills.
• Could use additional time to build confidence and independence.