Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District (TBAISD) is one of four ISDs in the Michigan to be awarded funding to participate in a pilot program to research publicly funded preschool for three-year-old children. 

The pilot program, Strong Beginnings, is a two-year research and development initiative starting mid-January, and will provide funding to support ten new preschool classrooms throughout the state, with additional sites to be added in September.

Targeted to reach at-risk families of three-year-old children, the program will engage children in preschool and provide dedicated family liaisons.

“We are thrilled about the benefits this pilot program will bring to our northern communities,” said TBAISD Early Childhood Supervisor Dr. Yvonne Donohoe. “This model is specifically designed to meet the developmental needs of three-year-olds and includes a unique supportive component for parents that is designed to strengthen the family experience to ensure children receive the appropriate support at home and through early learning before they enter kindergarten.”

The grant is funded by the Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and is under the direction of the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Great Start.

Selected through a competitive bid process, Traverse Bay Area ISD, Berrien Regional Education Service Agency (RESA), Lewis Cass ISD, and Wayne RESA were each allocated funding for the project. TBAISD will support project development in three local classrooms hosted by Benzie County Central Schools, Mancelona Public Schools, and a Munson Healthcare preschool program located at Northwestern Michigan College.

Traverse City area families may call 231.342.7861 for more information about Strong Beginnings.