Young 5'S Programs

Depending on where you live in Warren, you have a couple of options. There is a program in Warren Woods school district called the Great Start Readiness Program. Its located on Frazho just before 10 mile.

www.warrenwoods.misd.net/GSRP_Application_Packet.pdf

Go to the website to check it out. Mrs. Moroney is the lead teacher in this program and she is TERRIFIC. My son attended this year and we couldn't have been happier. They do have some requirements that will need to be met, as it is a free preschool program funded by the state of MI. Its NOT headstart though. They actually have an open house coming up on Thursday May 6th from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. You can contact Mrs. Moroney directly at ###-###-#### or the main office number at ###-###-####. Feel free to let her know that I referred you to their program, as last year they had a lot of trouble getting the word out about this program and love to hear feedback on how you found out about it.

I'm not sure of all the specific qualifications to get in the program. In my situation, I was unemployed (even though I get unemployment and my hubby is working we still qualified). My son was also a preemie at birth and had some minor delays as he was growing up.

Seriously, I don't want you to get the impression that this program is full of low income families (lower income families would be referred to Headstart) or children with behavior or health issues. Some of the kids do have minor speech delays, but they had a speech therapist come in to assess the kids and work with them.

Its a wonderful program and fully focused on education that really gave my son an edge to start kindergarten. He'd been attending daycare/preschool before I lost my job and I was worried he would get behind since I couldn't afford to have him in preschool. They focus on letter recognition and writing those letters, spelling, science, math, etc. Its structured much like a formal preschool. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to message me. I only wish I knew more parents that needed to know about this program so I could pass the word.

There is also a program in Warren Consolidated/Sterling Heights called "All About Fours" that is very similar to GSRP, however, its only a 1/2 day program instead of full day like GSRP. Just an FYI, both programs fill up VERY quickly, so if you opt to wait until September to inquire, you most likely will find that they're full. I would recommend start checking in to them NOW.

D. B.

Our district cut this program last fall, so when I looked for one last year for my son the only one I found was the Fraser district. I ended up not enrolling him, but keeping him home one more year, and I'm so glad I did. He is now much more ready for school this coming year, and more advanced than he would have been had I sent him to kindergarten. These types of programs were great for our kids, it's sad that our educational system and state only looks at budgets rather than what's best for our children.

Anchor Bay School District has one. It's Monday-Thursdays, 3.5 hours a day. www.anchorbay.misd.net

Avondale schools (deerfield elementary) offers a "Begindergarten" program which is meant for young 5's and those just not ready for full fledge Kindergarten. It is an amazing program.

Someone has to be the youngest in the class! My twins have a Sept 24th birthday and I started them in K when they were 4 - turned 5 the same month. They had no problems being the youngest. Look at where she is socially and academically rather than looking at the date on the calendar. In the UK where we are from it is against the law not to send a kid to school in the year they qualify to start (age 4 there) even if their birthday is one day before the cut-off so to me it seems weird not to send them if they are 3 months before the cut off.....If she's done preschool i suspect she will be more than ready for K

Immanuel Lutheran in Macomb (21/Romeo Plank) has Jr. Kindergarten. I believe it's the same as young 5's. Here is the website, where you could get the phone number of the school to ask any questions. www.immlutheran.org