In the spring of 2026, a new program in Michigan began changing how young children learn before kindergarten. The program, funded by a $1.5 million federal grant, allowed home-based child-care providers to offer free pre-K to children ages 3 and 4. One of the people involved was Lori Leggert, who owns The Sky’s the Limit Family Childcare in Fowlerville. Along with education leaders like Deb Dupras and Katie Sloan, Leggert became part of a pilot effort designed to expand access to early education.
At Leggert’s home daycare, children learn in a setting that feels both like a school and a home. They sit at small tables, read books, and even say the Pledge of Allegiance, just like in traditional classrooms. However, the environment is different because there are animals like hens and roosters outside, and younger children, some as young as 18 months old, are also present. This mix allows kids to learn in a more personal and flexible environment while still getting a structured education.
The goal of the program is to give families more choices and make pre-K accessible to more children across Michigan. Before this pilot, only schools, churches, and child care centers could offer free pre-K, but now home providers can too. Parents like Taylor Provost chose to keep their children in familiar home settings instead of moving them to larger schools. Because of the program, Provost expects to save about $2,600 while still feeling confident in the quality of her child’s education.
The program works by providing funding, training, and materials to home providers so they can meet educational standards similar to traditional schools. Advocates believe this approach helps children who benefit from smaller class sizes and individualized attention. If the pilot is successful, it could expand across the state in the future. Overall, Michigan is testing this new idea to improve early education, support families, and ensure more children are prepared for school.
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