2026-2027 School Year Enrollment Starts January 5, 2026!
Our full day preschool program for 4 year-olds meets Monday - Friday, 8:45am - 3:45pm. Our classrooms have three teachers to 20 students. Extended Care is available for families who need care before or after school. Spots are limited.
This program is funded through the State of Michigan as part of the "PreK For All" initiative. The state is gradually transitioning to free Universal preschool for all 4 year-olds. Great Start Readiness Preschool (GSRP) was established in the mid 1980's and is serving as the model for our Universal Preschool throughout the state.
Each year the state legislation sets the standards for eligibility with the highest priority set for families with financial needs. In recent years ALL 4 year-old students (regardless of financial circumstances) became eligible for free preschool.
In order to service as many 4 year-olds as possible our enrollment process begins at the county level. Families must complete Phase 1 with MiECC and once families are assigned to their local district they will complete Phase 2.
GSRP Enrollment Process 2026-2027*
For the 26/27 school year, your child must be born between September 2, 2021 - December 1, 2022 to be eligible for GSRP.
Families must be residents of Michigan. While there are no income limits, applications are prioritized by families that need it most .
The process to register and enroll into GSRP has a number of steps which are outlined below. Please note this is a new process implemented throughout Oakland County, coordinated by the Help Me Grow Care Coordinators at Great Start Collaborative Oakland County.
Phase 1:
How to Apply
You can apply online using Michigan Early Childhood Connect (MiECC). Start your application here:
**LINK TO APPLY BEGINS JANUARY 5, 2026**
https://www.greatstartoakland.org/
If you would like help, a Care Coordinator can guide you through each step. You can call or text 1-844-456-5437 for support.
Required Uploads:
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Proof of age (child must be four years old on or before December 1, 2026)
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Proof of income
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Proof of residence
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Copy of IEP and MET or 504 for students receiving special services
What's Next?
Help Me Grow Care Coordinators from Great Start Collaborative Oakland County receive and review all applications. Please make sure you are uploading all required documents to ensure your application is processed promptly.
Phase 2:
The Royal Oak ECC Secretary contacts families by email. One of the following will be sent:
- The family is notified of additional Royal Oak GSRP program specific documentation needed to move to the next steps. This includes an up to date health appraisal and immunization records.
- The family is notified they are on the waiting list and will be contacted in the future if/when a spot becomes available.
Once all Royal Oak GSRP program specific documentation is received, families will be asked to enroll into the Royal Oak Schools District through our Enrollment Department.
Royal Oak Schools Enrollment (Do not proceed until granted approval)
Enrollment - Royal Oak Schools
Please visit the Enrollment website for specific information and requirements. A direct link for pre-enrollment will be sent once all program-specific paperwork is confirmed.
Once all of the above processes have been completed and if a family qualifies, the family will receive an email with a letter of enrollment.
*Subject to change during the 2026 legislative session