Pre-K and Head Start Programs
State PreK and federal funded Head Start preschool programs are generally delivered in center based environments. PreK programs serve children aged 3-5 years, while Head Start programs serve children aged 3-4 years and Early Head Start programs serve children birth – 3 years and can be delivered in center based environments or through home visiting. Michigan's free PreK program for four-year-olds is the Great Start Readiness Program, known as GSRP.
Early Head Start/Head Start is a federally funded program that prepares America’s most vulnerable children to succeed in school and beyond. Head Start programs deliver services to children and families in core areas of early learning, health, and family well-being while engaging parents as partners every step of the way.
Because the program focuses on the family as a whole, children receive early screenings which may lead to early identification of developmental delays, lead poisoning, and dental, health care, and mental health service needs. The program also provides nutritious meals to children and referrals to community resources for families.
Working with small children means no two days are exactly the same. However, all Pre-K and Head Start staff contribute their unique experiences and training to provide cohesive, safe, and educational care to the children in their program.
Anyone working with children should be trained in CPR and first aid. They should also pass a background check. Depending on additional training and education, they may be more or less qualified for certain roles. In fact, roles in Pre-K and Head Start are found at all levels of the MiRegistry Career Pathway.
Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Associate Teachers and Head Start Assistant Teachers provide direct care for children, guided by a lead teacher in implementing daily activities. A Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Associate Teacher or Head Start Assistant Teacher may find themselves facilitating activities, supervising independent and group play, and nurturing interpersonal relationships.
More information about specific qualifications for Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Associate Teacher and Head Start Assistant Teacher roles can be found by exploring Professional Level 1 on the MiRegistry Career Pathway.
Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Lead Teachers, Early Head Start Lead Teachers, and Head Start Lead Teachers also work directly with children, but additionally supervise newer, less experienced teachers. Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Lead Teachers, Early Head Start Lead Teachers, and Head Start Lead Teachers take on more responsibility for planning activities and ensuring educational goals are met. They may also take on administrative functions.
More information about specific qualifications for Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Lead Teacher roles can be found by exploring Professional Level 3 on the MiRegistry Career Pathway.
More information about specific qualifications for Early Head Start Lead Teachers Lead Teacher roles can be found by exploring Professional Level 1 on the MiRegistry Career Pathway.
More information about specific qualifications for Head Start Lead Teachers Lead Teacher roles can be found by exploring Professional Level 2 on the MiRegistry Career Pathway.