Building Strong Beginnings for Young Learners

[Harrison, MI—] Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) and Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District are expanding preschool options for local families with a new Strong Beginnings classroom at Mid Michigan CAA’s Harrison Preschool.

The no-cost classroom will serve eligible 3-year-olds beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. While Mid Michigan CAA already welcomes 3-year-olds through its preschool program, the new classroom will be designed just for children at this important stage of growth.

“Three-year-olds are curious, busy, and ready to explore the world around them,” said Stephanie VanderElzen, Head Start Director at Mid Michigan CAA. “Having a classroom created especially for them gives our teachers more ways to meet children where they are, help them feel comfortable at school, and build skills through play. We are excited to welcome more Harrison families and give children another year to learn, grow, and make friends before kindergarten.”

Strong Beginnings is a state-funded preschool program led by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential. It gives eligible 3-year-olds an added year of play-based learning before they move into a preschool classroom for 4-year-olds and later begin kindergarten.

Children will learn through stories, art, music, movement, hands-on projects, and time with classmates. The program helps children practice communication, early reading skills, problem-solving, managing feelings, and taking part in classroom routines.

The new Harrison classroom will offer a full school day four days each week and will have space for 15 children. Strong Beginnings funding will work together with Head Start funding to support the classroom.

Strong Beginnings also supports caregivers. Families can work with staff, take part in their child’s learning, set goals, and connect with other helpful resources in the community.

Across Michigan, Strong Beginnings is growing from 34 classrooms serving 476 children to about 50 classrooms serving 750 children during the 2026–2027 school year. State evaluation results show that 97% of participating families said their child gained new skills through the program, and 96% said their child loves attending.

For families, another year of no-cost preschool can also provide time to work, attend school, complete job training, or focus on other household goals while their child learns in a safe and caring setting.

The Harrison classroom is part of the Clare and Gladwin Counties Quality Preschool Partnership, which brings local preschool programs together to help families find the option that best meets their needs.

Families interested in Strong Beginnings or other no-cost preschool options can apply at www.claregladwinpreschool.org or call 989-386-8075.
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Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.