Parkside Discussion: Does this have anything to do with GSRP?

Parkside Discussion:

Does this have anything to do with GSRP?

This document is intended to answer questions that have arisen as we have begun a conversation about repurposing Parkside Elementary to an Early Childhood Center.

Does the recommendation to consolidate Parkside and Valley View have anything to do with the state of Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)?

• There has been a focus in Michigan to ensure that preschool students have the opportunity to participate in preschool programs. 
• Michigan has created the Great Start Readiness Program to provide preschool for children who turn 4 before December 1 of each year. 
• The Great Start Readiness Program is coordinated through Kent ISD.
• In Rockford, we have two GSRP classrooms. They currently are housed at Cannonsburg Elementary School. 
• While there is a per pupil allocation for students enrolled in the Great Start Readiness Program, the Rockford Public Schools does not receive this funding. Our school district only receives a rent payment from the Kent ISD for our classrooms. 

The recommendation for Parkside Elementary is not based on the Great Start Readiness Program. 

We believe that our early childhood programming – preschool and childcare – is a quality program that prepares our preschool students for a successful entry into kindergarten. Our parents are supportive of our programming and have a desire to see our Rockford program expanded.