NEMCSA Expands Strong Beginnings Program to Serve More Families in Northeast Michigan
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) announced today that the Strong Beginnings program will expand significantly during the 2026-27 school year, giving more 3-year-olds access to free, high-quality early learning opportunities before entering kindergarten. The state-funded pilot program is growing from 19 to 31 Intermediate School Districts across Michigan and is expected to serve approximately 750 children statewide, an increase of 58% over the previous year.
As part of the expansion, Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMCSA) will open two new Strong Beginnings classrooms in the Thumb region, including one in Sanilac County and one in Huron County. NEMCSA currently operates a Strong Beginnings classroom in Midland County.
Strong Beginnings provides developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences for eligible 3-year-olds. The program focuses on building social-emotional, language, literacy, and early learning skills while supporting families through small class sizes, certified early childhood educators, family engagement, and connections to community resources.
“As a longtime Head Start provider, we've seen how high-quality early learning experiences help children build confidence, strengthen language and social-emotional skills, and prepare for success in school,” said Tricia Grifka, Early Childhood Services Director for NEMCSA. “Strong Beginnings provides families with an additional year of support during a critical stage of development, and we're excited to expand access to more children and families in our region.” [michigan.gov]
The expansion supports Michigan's broader effort to increase access to early childhood education and create a seamless pathway into the state's Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP). According to a recent Michigan State University evaluation cited by MiLEAP, 97% of participating families reported their child developed new skills and abilities through the program, while 96% said their child loves attending. [michigan.gov]
“NEMCSA is proud to partner with communities across Northeast Michigan to ensure more children enter school ready to learn and thrive,” said Grifka. “Expanding access to high-quality early childhood education strengthens children, families, and communities for years to come.”(Suggested NEMCSA closing statement—editorial content, not from the state release.)
Read the full State of Michigan announcement:
More Michigan 3-Year-Olds to Gain Access to Free, High-Quality PreK Through Strong Beginnings Expansion [michigan.gov]