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The Great Start Readiness Program

Published in 2024 Taylor Today Issue Two


Empowering Taylor Preschoolers with a Bright Future

By Dr. Sophia Lafayette-Lause, Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency (Wayne RESA) Executive Director of Early Childhood

preschoolers wayne resa great start readiness program
The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is a building block for learning and achievement across Taylor, offering high-quality preschool at no cost to families. With its comprehensive curriculum and dedicated, credentialed teachers, GSRP proves to be a vital stepping stone toward a brighter future for our children. As an advocate for early childhood education, I wholeheartedly support GSRP and see the transformative impact its classrooms have on our young learners.

The power of the Great Start Readiness Program is its people and accessibility. This four-year-old preschool program provides the highest-quality education at no cost for many Wayne County families, offering transportation services in many instances. By providing an equitable opportunity for all children, GSRP supports parents and caregivers, building a strong foundation for their children’s education.

There are many ways that the four-year-old child in your life can qualify for GSRP, in addition to household income. Call or text our Early Childhood team at any time, (313) 410-4588 with translation services available, or visit our website, findfreepreschool.org, to learn what program your child qualifies for.

As the executive director of Early Childhood services with Wayne RESA, it is both inspiring and heartwarming to watch children in GSRP classrooms, led by high-quality teaching teams, grow more self-assured as they explore the world. Our Wayne RESA Early Childhood team supports the directors and teachers who lead GSRP classrooms countywide. I know their dedication to a curriculum that makes an impact. Walk into a GSRP classroom and you’ll observe interactive imaginative play that captivates students’ interests, from running a restaurant, becoming a veterinarian, or building a construction site. The educators’ commitment to engaging, supportive and innovative teaching ensures that every student's needs are met, promoting your child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development and a love for learning.

The transformative impact of GSRP becomes evident in the stories of its students. From struggling with social skills and speech delays at the beginning of the year, GSRP educators celebrate all the progress they witness, including children who blossom into confident individuals with flourishing friendships and improved communication skills. Watching young non-eaters turn into independent mealtime decision-makers is a testament to the program's dedication to nurturing a child’s self-reliance.

Equally commendable is GSRP's emphasis on building strong partnerships between home and school. By involving families in their children's learning journey, the program creates a supportive environment where guardians are active participants. Collaboration with families, including home visits, not only strengthens a child's development but fosters a genuine sense of community.

Great Start Readiness Program classrooms across your neighborhoods in Taylor are an invaluable resource that empowers young learners and their families. GSRP is a shining example for early childhood education programs with its comprehensive curriculum, nurturing environment and inclusive approach. As a community, we celebrate, support, and invest in GSRP as it continues to lay the groundwork for a brighter future for our children and society as a whole. Learn what program the four-year-old child in your life qualifies for.
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