Now Enrolling: Head Start Preschool in Clare and Gladwin Counties

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is now enrolling for Head Start Preschool for the 2025–2026 school year. Children who will be 3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2025 and who live in Clare or Gladwin County may qualify.

Head Start is a free, high-quality preschool program that prepares children for school and beyond by supporting their development academically, socially, and emotionally.

“This year marks 60 years of Head Start, and we are proud to continue that legacy here in Mid Michigan,” said Stephanie VanderElzen, Head Start Preschool Director at Mid Michigan CAA. “We see every day how powerful early learning can be for our children, their families, and our whole community. It's about more than getting ready for kindergarten—it's about building a foundation for a lifetime of growth and learning.”

Head Start Preschool offers a warm, supportive classroom environment with individualized learning plans, nutritious meals and snacks, family engagement, and connections to additional community resources. The program is designed not only for the child, but for the whole family—working to reduce barriers and build stability that lasts.

Head Start also supports families and local communities in practical ways. This past school year alone, we served over 50,000 meals and snacks to children in our classrooms and purchased more than $23,000 in food from local grocery stores—boosting nutrition and supporting local businesses at the same time. And for parents and caregivers, having access to preschool means more than early learning—it often means the ability to work or go back to school while knowing their child is in a safe, supportive environment.

Through our partnership with the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) and the Clare and Gladwin Counties Quality Preschool Partnership, we’re able to serve even more families and ensure more children in our community have access to quality early learning.

Families can apply today at www.mmcaa.org/preschool or by calling 989-386-8075.

For families who are expecting or have children from birth through age 3 and aren't yet ready for preschool, Mid Michigan CAA also offers Early Head Start. This free program provides support for pregnant individuals, infants, and toddlers and is available in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola Counties.

Apply for Early Head Start online at www.mmcaa.org/ehs or call or text 1-877-386-4406 to learn more.

This year marks 60 years of Head Start’s impact across the country. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or community member, we invite you to celebrate with us by sharing this opportunity with families you know. Early learning is a powerful way to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. Discover more about our Early Childhood programs here: www.mmcaa.org/childrenandfamilies.
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Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.