Preschool Application Process
Welcome
Applying for preschool is an important step, and we’re here to support you through the process.
Washtenaw ISD offers preschool opportunities focused on early learning, family partnership, and supporting each child’s development. This page will guide you through how to apply, what to expect after you submit an application, and where to find help if you need it.
Whether you are applying for the first time or returning to WISD preschool, you’ll find clear next steps below.
Which program is right for my child? Head Start, GSRP PreK for All, or Strong Beginnings?
Washtenaw County offers preschool programs through Head Start , GSRP PreK for All, and Strong Beginnings. All programs support children’s learning and development, but eligibility and program features may differ.
Head Start
Head Start is a federally funded preschool program designed to support children and families who meet income and eligibility guidelines. Head Start programs focus on school readiness, health, nutrition, and family support.
Typically serves children ages 3–4
Eligibility is based on income and family circumstances
Comprehensive services including education, health, and family support
GSRP PreK for All
The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) PreK for All is a state-funded preschool program for 4-year-old children. GSRP focuses on preparing children for kindergarten through high-quality early learning experiences.
Serves children who are 4 years old by September 1
Eligibility is based on age and additional risk factors
Focus on kindergarten readiness and early learning
Strong Beginnings
The Strong Beginnings Program is a state-funded pilot preschool program for three-year-old children. The program aims to provide high-quality early childhood education to help address gaps in school readiness and promote health development.
Strong Beginnings works closely with Michigan's existing Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) allowing eligible children to access a two-year preschool sequence, which is found to have significantly more impact than one year, especially for children with low family income.
The Strong Beginnings Program is currently offered at one location, Model Early Childhood Center, operated by Lincoln Consolidated Schools.
Eligibility for Strong Beginnings:
- Residency - children must reside within the boundaries of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District
- Age - children must turn three on or before September 1st
- Income - children's household income must be under 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Not sure which program your child qualifies for?
Families only need to complete one preschool application. Eligibility and placement are determined during the application review process.
*Program availability may vary by location. Submitting an application does not guarantee placement.
Gathering Your Application Documents
Before starting the online application, it may be helpful to gather the documents below.
To complete the preschool enrollment process, families will be asked to provide the documents listed below. Some documents are needed during the application process, while others may be provided after placement.
Having these ready can make the process smoother.
Documents required for enrollment
Proof of birth
(birth certificate, hospital record, baptismal record, or passport)Immunization record
Proof of residence
(utility bill, lease agreement, or similar document)Verification of income
(tax return, W-2, DHHS statement, or similar documentation)Guardianship or custody documents
(if applicable)
Health requirement after enrollment
Physical exam
A physical exam is required within the first 30 days of enrollment. Program staff will share details and help families understand how to meet this requirement.
Families can begin the application even if some documents are not immediately available.
Choosing Preschool Locations
- Families may select up to three preschool locations on the application.
- Selecting multiple locations can increase placement opportunities.
If you would like to explore available preschool locations before applying, you can view current program locations and openings below.
Choose How to Apply
Select the option below that best fits your family.
New Families
New Families
Choose this option if:
- This is your first time applying for WISD preschool, or
- You are unsure whether your family has applied before
You will complete a preschool application and provide information needed to begin the process.
Important Information for New Families
When you start the preschool application as a new family, you will be taken directly to a document upload page as part of the ChildPlus pre-application process.
You can return to this document upload page using the same link while your application is being processed.
After your application has been reviewed and processed, that upload link will change. If you need continued access to upload documents after this point, please contact the program directly. Program staff will provide you with a new link if needed.
Returning Families
Returning Families
Choose this option if:
- Your child or another child in your family has previously attended WISD preschool
Returning families may have a shorter application process using information already on file.
What Happens After You Apply?
After you submit your preschool application, it is reviewed and processed based on your preferences and program availability.
Here’s what to expect:
Application review
Program staff review your information to make sure everything needed to move forward has been provided.
Preference consideration
Applications are first considered for your top location preference. If that location is full, your application may be considered for one of your additional preferences.
Program staff communication
Program staff will contact you to schedule an appointment to review the information you provided and complete your application.
Waitlist status
Once your application is complete and verified, your child’s application will be placed on the program waitlist until selections occur.
Submitting an application does not guarantee placement, but it ensures your child is considered as openings become available.
You do not need to reapply unless you are contacted or instructed to do so.
Need Help?
If you have questions about the preschool application, documents, or next steps, we are here to help.
Program staff can assist with:
Application questions
Document uploads
Scheduling appointments
Accessing application links
Contact Information:
Phone: (734) 201-3308
Email: preschoolenrollment@washtenawisd.org