Preschool FAQs
Enrolling your child in preschool can be a daunting process! Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions. As always, please feel free to contact us with any further questions!
What is the difference between Great Start & Head Start?
Both are free preschool programs. Head Start is for 3 & 4 year olds & is federally funded; Great Start is only for 4 year olds & is state funded. Income eligibility requirements are different for each program, but generally speaking, your family needs to have a lower income to qualify for Head Start than it does for Great Start.
Both are free preschool programs. Head Start is for 3 & 4 year olds & is federally funded; Great Start is only for 4 year olds & is state funded. Income eligibility requirements are different for each program, but generally speaking, your family needs to have a lower income to qualify for Head Start than it does for Great Start.
How do I know if I am eligible for free preschool?
Head Start & Great Start programs have different eligibility guidelines. For a detailed explanation, click here or here. For a generalized description, read below: If your child is 3 years old:
If your child is 4 years old:
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Note: FPL is adjusted on an annual basis. These numbers are for 2022 but may change in coming years.
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When I complete the preschool application, what exactly am I applying for?
When you apply on-line (find the application here), you are applying for all of the Head Start & Great Start preschool programs in Huron County (NOT private programs, such as a religious organization's preschool). You are asked to specify your preferred program, but if there is not availability at that location, you can still be enrolled in a different preschool if you wish. You do not need to complete multiple applications to apply for multiple locations.
When you apply on-line (find the application here), you are applying for all of the Head Start & Great Start preschool programs in Huron County (NOT private programs, such as a religious organization's preschool). You are asked to specify your preferred program, but if there is not availability at that location, you can still be enrolled in a different preschool if you wish. You do not need to complete multiple applications to apply for multiple locations.
When will I find out if my application has been approved?
After you submit your application AND submit all required documents for preschool, it will be reviewed to determine eligibility. Then, it is assigned to a program. A representative from your preschool program will contact you regarding your preschool enrollment. You can expect to hear back about your application within a month of submitting paperwork & your application; please contact the office of Great Start at 989-269-3485 if you have not been contacted after a month of submitting your documents.
After you submit your application AND submit all required documents for preschool, it will be reviewed to determine eligibility. Then, it is assigned to a program. A representative from your preschool program will contact you regarding your preschool enrollment. You can expect to hear back about your application within a month of submitting paperwork & your application; please contact the office of Great Start at 989-269-3485 if you have not been contacted after a month of submitting your documents.