Preschool and Childcare

Attending early care programs help a child be ready for entering kindergarten. In St. Joseph County, there are many options available for families, serving children from infants to five years and beyond.

PreK4All
GSRP

Did you know all Michigan 4-year-olds can now qualify for FREE PreK? Your child can explore early math, science, and reading in a safe, nurturing environment with caring adults. Help Me Grow can assist you in navigating all these choices in your local community.

Head Start

Head Start services are available at no cost to children ages birth to 5 in eligible families. Typically, eligibly family income is at or below the federal poverty guidelines or who participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program public assistance services. Other eligible participants include children who are in the foster care system or experiencing homelessness.

Tuition-based
Child Care/Preschool

As a Michigan family, you can use Great Start to Quality as a tool to help you look up and compare early childhood programs to find the best care that meets your needs. Michigan child care, preschool, and afterschool programs are recognized for their quality improvement efforts and measured with nationally recognized tools across five levels of quality.

2025-26 Enrollment is underway!

Be sure to upload your 2024 income proof and copy of child’s birth certificate when submitting an application.