(WXYZ) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said that pre-k enrollment in Michigan is the highest it's been in over a decade.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer provides update on free pre-K for all program
Whitmer was in Livonia at an early childhood center where she showed up with Clifford the Big Red Dog to surprise students and make the announcement.
She said that more than 47,500 kids are enrolled in the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), which equals 56% of 4-year-olds.
Whitmer first announced the plan for delivering free pre-K for all Michigan families, regardless of income, two years ago at her State of the State address.
"The fact that we jumped 24 percent in just two years is really something to be proud, but there's still a gap between who's eligible and who's attending," Whitmer said.
See video of Whitmer with Clifford below
Whitmer said that it's estimated families who enroll in the PreK for All program save up to $10,000 per year in childcare costs. Wednesday, she urged families to take advantage of the opportunity.
"Because kids who are ready for kindergarten excel when they get to school instead of learning the basics," Whitmer said.
As pre-K enrollment increases, Katie Dodge, the principal of the Livonia Early Childhood Center, said one focus is bringing in educators.
"Currently, Wayne RESA has put some programs in place to help train teachers and get them certified to be able to do that," Dodge said.
Beverly Walker-Griffea, the director of MiLEAP says early education paves the way for Michigan's future.
"When you look at the jobs that are out there, the jobs are looking for more that have post-secondary credentials. In order to do that, you have to start day 1 when a child born," Walker-Griffea said.
In her latest budget proposal, Governor Whitmer is calling for 676 million dollars to continue free preschool for 4-year-olds.
