Business Details
15 Years
experience
Trusted Partner in Early Childhood Education
Great Start to Quality is committed to advancing early childhood education through high-quality learning experiences that establish essential skills for children's success in school and life. We support Michigan's childcare providers by offering resources and tools to continuously improve services for children, families, and communities. Since our launch in 2011, we've refined our approach to quality improvement, emphasizing continuous growth for programs and providers. Our network of 10 Resource Centers provides localized assistance to programs, while empowering families to make informed childcare choices. We prioritize equitable access to quality care through professional development opportunities and partnerships.Our work aligns with nationally recognized quality standards, offering a five-level recognition system to measure program excellence. Through collaborative efforts with state and community partners, we increase program availability while maintaining rigorous quality benchmarks. Our team of experienced assessors conducts on-site evaluations to ensure programs meet developmental needs and safety requirements. We maintain transparency through our searchable database of licensed programs, helping families find quality care that fits their budget and schedule. Our commitment to continuous improvement drives our ongoing evolution as Michigans leading quality recognition system.
Services
Quality Recognition
Free Preschool Programs
Family Support Services
Professional Development
Program Assessment
Child Care Search
Financial Assistance
Training Calendar
License Exempt Providers
Equity Initiatives
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We have specialized expertise in early childhood quality improvement since 2011
- Our statewide network includes 10 Resource Centers providing localized support
- We implement nationally recognized quality assessment tools and standards
- We offer free preschool programs for qualifying Michigan families
- Our team includes credentialed assessors with extensive early education experience
What people say
Free preschool programs
Quality recognition system
Professional staff support
Extensive resource network
Child development focus
Services
Quality Recognition
We evaluate early childhood programs using nationally recognized tools across five quality levels. Our assessors provide detailed feedback to help providers improve services. This quality recognition system helps families identify top-rated childcare options.
Free Preschool Programs
We administer Michigan's GSRP and Head Start programs for qualifying families. Income-based eligibility determines access to these free preschool options. Our search tool helps locate available programs with various scheduling options.
Professional Development
We offer comprehensive professional growth opportunities through our Resource Centers. Our training calendar features courses on child development and program improvement. These resources support providers in meeting quality standards and enhancing care practices.
Child Care Search
Our online tool allows families to search licensed childcare programs across Michigan. Users can filter by location, cost, and specific needs to find suitable options. Detailed program profiles include quality ratings and service information.
Financial Assistance
We help eligible families access subsidized childcare through the CDC program. Assistance is available for working families and those in educational programs. Our eligibility calculator helps determine qualification for financial support.
People
Bushra Al-Hemyari
Assessor
Psychology graduate with Early Childhood minor, 12+ years childcare experience in New York and Michigan. Focuses on quality improvement through provider-family collaboration.
Kate Armstrong
Assessor
Early Childhood Studies graduate with Magna Cum Laude honors. Former preschool teacher and assistant director committed to advocating for quality education.
Lisa Bremer
Assessor
Elementary Education graduate with 18+ years in early childhood field. Former preschool teacher and assistant director with extensive program evaluation experience.
Kristen Howard
On-Site Observation Manager
25-year early childhood veteran with MSU degree. Oversees assessment team and provides leadership for quality improvement initiatives across Michigan.
Felicitas Gonzalez Membrillo
Assessor
Associate degree holder in early childhood education with bilingual program expertise. Current student pursuing bachelor's degree while supporting quality improvement efforts.
Questions
What is Great Start to Quality?
Michigan's quality recognition and improvement system for early care programs, established in 2011 to enhance childcare standards.
How do I find quality childcare in Michigan?
Use our online search tool to locate licensed programs and compare quality ratings across 10 Resource Center regions.
Is free preschool available in Michigan?
Yes, through GSRP and Head Start programs for qualifying families, with priority based on income levels.
How do I apply for childcare assistance?
Check eligibility through our calculator and complete the application process via MI Bridges for subsidized care options.
What quality improvement resources are offered?
We provide professional development opportunities, assessment tools, and resources through our statewide Resource Centers.
Videos
