Strong Beginnings Program

Our evaluation project examines the implementation, quality, and impacts of 35 publicly funded preschool classrooms for 3-year-old children. Classrooms are currently located in fifteen Michigan ISDs/RESAs that include: Berrien RESA, Calhoun ISD, Charlevoix-Emmet ISD, Eastern Upper Peninsula ISD, Eaton RESA, Heritage Southwest ISD, Ingham ISD, Jackson ISD, Lapeer ISD, Menominee ISD, Midland ESA, Northwest ES, Oakland Schools, St. Clair County RESA, and Wayne RESA. Our research agenda includes: (a) examining the impacts of attending two years vs. one-year or no experience in public preschools; (b) collecting input from teachers and families on effective family engagement practices; and (c) using data to help inform decision-making for future scale-ups.