As Governor Gretchen Whitmer once said, free Michigan daycare “gives every kid a fair shot at a bright future.”
Completely free? High-quality curriculum? The concept of GSRP sounds too good to be true. Let The Breakie Bunch gang answer all your questions and more.
What is a GSRP Daycare?
The Great Start Readiness Program or GSRP is a state-funded preschool program in Michigan for eligible four-year-olds. The goal of this free Michigan daycare is simple: to provide children from lower-income backgrounds with an equal chance at future success in kindergarten and beyond. Every child deserves a safe and welcoming place to start their school journey—GSRP makes that possible.
What is Included in the GSRP Curriculum?
GSRP daycares use a state-approved curriculum that parents, kids, and teachers adore. Math, reading, and problem-solving skills are taught daily with hands-on activities and learning methods.
The curriculum is designed to narrow in on each child’s individual needs and interests (something made easier by the 1:8 teacher-to-student ratio). With this heavily researched curriculum, every kid is set up for success!
Who Funds GSRP in Michigan?
You may be asking, how is this free Michigan daycare funded? What’s the catch? Well, we’re here to say—there isn’t one!
The state sets aside an allocated fiscal budget each year dedicated to expanding and continuing the GSRP. Said funds are then divided amongst Independent School Districts (ISDs), which have the choice to operate the programs directly or contract with community-based daycares.
Who Can Attend a GSRP Daycare?
All families can access a GSRP for the 2025-2026 school year, as long as the child is four years old by September 1st of their program year, with priority given to those who need it most. Currently, families who are at or below 400% of the federal poverty limit (about $128,000 per family of four) are given priority.
Sounds like it’s time to apply! Currently, over 38,000 children are benefiting from this free Michigan daycare program—how amazing is that?
How to Apply for GSRP Daycare in Michigan
Interested in sending your tots to a free Michigan daycare? Follow these three steps to get started:
Step 1: Locate a Free Michigan Daycare Near You
First, find which GSRP daycares are near your home or workplace. Visit the Great Start to Quality website and search by zip code. Review the profiles of each of the free Michigan daycare programs in the area to find one that meets your needs.
Step 2: Contact the GSRP Daycare
Before filling out an application, we recommend contacting the free Michigan daycares on your list directly. That way, you can set up tours, inquire about enrollment requirements, and get a real feel for your child’s potential teachers. The friendly folks at The Breakie Bunch Learning Center locations in Waterford and Goodrich are always ready to answer any questions you may have!
Step 3: Fill Out Your Application
Applying for a GSRP daycare is as easy as one, two, three! Unless your chosen program requires specific instructions, you can apply using the GSRP application button on the program’s profile. A few of the old-school programs may require a paper application.
Materials Required to Apply:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Income verification
- Proof of residence
- Guardianship/custody documents (if relevant)
The free Michigan daycare option has changed thousands of lives over the years. If you think GSRP may be a good fit for your family, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Breakie Bunch and research our programs—we can’t wait to hear from you!