Early Learning

YCS Preschool and Kindergarten  Age Eligibility Guidelines

2026-27 School Year

Welcome to Ypsilanti Community Schools Preschool and Kindergarten Programs. We look forward to getting to know you and your family.  The information below will assist you in the registration process.

Preschool

(Early Head Start) Eligibility: Age 18 months - 36 months by September 1, 2026

• DOB Eligibility: 9/1/2023 through 3/1/2025

Eligibility: Age 3 by December 1st, 2026

• DOB Eligibility:  11/30/2022 through 12/1/2023

Eligibility:  Age 4 by December 1st, 2026 

• DOB Eligibility: 11/30/2021 through 12/1/2022

Our preschool program focuses on the social, emotional and academic needs of the Three and Four-year-old child. Our teaching staff provides developmentally appropriate activities in Math, Science, Reading and Writing. Your child will learn Kindergarten Readiness skills and help build a solid foundation for success in his/her educational journey.

Young Fives

Young Fives is designed to be a two-year program; year one is Young 5s and year two is kindergarten. It is designed for children turning 5 years old between June 1 and December 1st and to provide great school readiness and success.

• DOB Eligibility: 6/1/2021 through 12/1/2021

The program provides a strong foundation for future success in all areas of learning. Children are taught with hands-on materials, songs, and games. They are assessed by observation and work samples. Upon completion of the two-year program, children enter first grade.

Another option for students who turn 5 after August 31st is to enroll in the preschool program. 

Kindergarten

Eligibility: According to Michigan Compiled Law under MCL 380.1147 and 388.1606 enrollment age for incoming kindergarten students are as follows:

• Students who turn 5 by September 1, 2026

• A waiver is required for students who turn 5 between 9/2/26 & 12/1/26 

• Waiversare only approved by the building principal

• Waivers must be submitted prior to school starting

• A school district that receives this written notification may make a recommendation to the parent or legal guardian that the child is not ready to enroll in kindergarten due to the child's age or other factors. 

• The school will work with the parent/guardian to make the best placement decision for your child. 

• Schools may contact you to set a readiness assessment appointment.

Our Youngest Learners

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Have You Heard?

Free Quality Preschool - WISD Readiness Program

Research indicates that early childhood programs are crucial in preparing children to be successful when they enter kindergarten. Obtaining this goal will be approached in three actions steps:

1. Raising community awareness as to the value of early childhood education;
2. Developing a plan for a future Family Resource Center hub to provide information on a variety of topics including education, health care, support programs and services for parents;
3. Strengthening the current early childhood programs to make them family-friendly and accessible to all.

YCS has four early childhood sites:

1. Ford Early Learning Center (PreK-1)
2. Perry Early Learning Center (PreK-1)
3. Beatty Early Learning Center (Headstart)
4. Ypsilanti International Elementary School (K-5th)

Washtenaw County Quality Preschool Partnership
 

Welcome to Head Start!

Mission
Project Head Start was designed to help break the cycle of poverty by providing preschool children of low-income families with a comprehensive program to meet their emotional, social, health, nutritional and educational needs.

Washtenaw County Head Start will not discriminate against any individual or group because of race, sex, religion age, national origin, color, marital status, sexual orientation, political beliefs or disability.

Program Philosophy and Goal
Head Start is a uniquely organized and comprehensive Early Childhood Program. We provide a comprehensive preschool experience to children, including children with special needs, to creatively challenge and develop their competency skills. Our goal is to help the children build self-confidence and competence needed to become lifelong learners. Washtenaw County Head Start nurtures the WHOLE child in the context of family and community. We see our program as a catalyst for change as we partner with our families.