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GSRP PROGRAM

The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is Michigan's state-funded preschool program for four-year-old children with factors which may place them at risk of educational failure.
http://www.greatstartwayne.org
Age Requirements:
The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) was designed to provide high-quality preschool to children at risk for low educational attainment in the school year before they are eligible for kindergarten. Children enrolled in GSRP must be at least 4, but less than 5 years of age as of September 1st of the school year in which the program is offered.
Program Information:
The program is tuition free for families of eligible children who turn 4 years of age by September 1st.
Mondays-Thursdays: Full Days
Fridays: No School (Teacher Planning)
Please contact ITAVA for more information
For more support and resources visit http://www.greatstartwayne.org
Qualified Teachers:
Lead Teachers must meet the GSRP qualifications upon hire. A lead teacher will be considered credentialed for the position with minimally any of the following:
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A valid Michigan teaching certificate and an Early Childhood Education (ZA) or Early Childhood-General and Special Education (ZS) endorsement, or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Any GSRP associate teacher must minimally have one of the following:
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An associate degree (AA) in Early Childhood Education or Child Development or the equivalent; or
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A valid classroom CDA credential
Curriculum: We use Creative Curriculum www.creativecurriculum.org
Parent/Student Handbook:
The Pre-K Parent/Student Handbook is available from the main office. You may view it here as well.
DOCUMENTS:



Our Staff
Mrs. Amy
I'm the lead GSRP teacher. I graduated from Eastern University in 2015 with my Bachelor's Degree. I have a double major in Early Childhood Education with a Special Education endorsement and Elementary Education. I have been working in GSRP for the past 5 years. I really enjoy having family partnerships in this program and love building relationships with the families and children in my class. I am married to my husband, Brandon, and we have two dogs. George is a Dachshund and Angel is a Black Lab. We like to take them for walks and play fetch. In our spare time, we enjoy going to Detroit sports games and hanging out with our family.
Ms. Jeanine
I earned an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood from Schoolcraft College and have worked in the field, servicing Pre-K children, for over 20 years. Prior to coming to ITAVA, I taught at various Head Start sites in the Wayne county area as well as lended added support to classrooms when I was needed. I also mentored new teaching staff on various aspects of the HS program. I took a brief time away to care for my aging father, then returned to HS again to be a classroom member. Since then, I worked as a teacher assistant at Tipton Academy for the past 5 years. I have two adult children and I am the very proud "Nay Nay" of 2 precious grandsons. I love being with my family and friends! I adore being outdoors, gardening, being creative and strive to keep my inner child active and alive working with Preschoolers!
Ms. Donna
Mrs. Tracy
My early childhood career began while I was a senior in high school and I fell in love with working with young children and making a difference in their lives! Since then, I graduated with my Associate's degree in 2017 and my Bachelor's degree in 2020--both of which I majored in Early Childhood Education and graduated with honors! Throughout my time in the field, I have been an assistant teacher, lead teach with infants and preschoolers, as well as, both an assistant director and director. Recently, I felt a pull to get back in the classroom and that is how I wound up here. Garden City is my hometown and it is so amazing to be working with children in the community! My husband, Drew, and I are high school sweethearts and have been together since 2010. We married in 2016 and have two beautiful children, Hunter and Avalynn. Hunter attends the school-age program here and Avalynn attends the center at the main campus. Some of my favorite things are cooking, baking, reading. I also enjoy Target and Biggby coffee!
Ms. Terri
I'm the GSRP 1 Lead Teacher. I'm a mother of one son named Isaiah. He's currently in the Toddler Classroom here at ITAVA. My first career path choice started out in Culinary Arts but my journey took me on a completely different life path which landed me in the Early Childhood Classrooms from April 2003 until now. By far, this was one of the best decisions I could have ever made! I'm currently working on completely my Bachelor's Degree at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. In my spare time, I love doing coloring apps on my phone as well as watching my favorite tv shows, "The Big Bang Theory" and "The Golden Girls". I also had the pleasure of singing at a National Platform event with my Church Choir. And the best thing of all is.... GO BLUE!
Mrs. Pam
Mrs. Kristin
I am super excited to be your child's teacher! I graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Early Childhood Education. I have been working with children in different classroom settings for the last 20 years, with five of those years working as a Director. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching my son play sports, traveling, shopping, and just relaxing. I also enjoy hanging out with my three puppies, Ellie, Zoey and Lucy!
Ms. Donna
I am a GSRP Co teacher at ITAVA. This will be my second year teaching GSRP and my 17th year working in early childcare/development. I was born and raised in Garden City. I have one daughter Cecilia who will be two in April. I enjoy spending time with my daughter, listening to music, watching sports, and my favorite show is Friends.
Mrs. Melissa
I am a mother of 3 children and 1 grandson. I started taking Early Childhood Development classes in High School. Between 1994-1998 I became an assistant teacher for a Montessori School in West Bloomfield with the Toddler and Preschool age groups. My daughter attended school there and I also became a nanny for one of the Toddlers. Moving to the Westland area from Commerce in 1993, I became an assistant teacher for Starfish Family Services Head Start where my son attended school. I then moved into the medical field as a medical assistant/receptionist for an Oncology doctor. I continued in the medical field for a while until a few years ago where I became a caregiver for my parents and my 91 year old neighbor. In 2021, I decided to go back into the workforce for myself and really wanted to work with children. This venture landed me here at my current position. I couldn't have asked for a better position, children and co-workers as I have received at ITAVA.
Ms. Ashley
I am a Madonna University Alumni, with a double major in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. I have been working in different classroom settings for the past seven years. Teaching is my passion, and I absolutely love helping students achieve their individual goals. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and puppy Ross. Some of my favorite things are Target, traveling, the color Lilac, Crumbl Cookies, 80’s movies, and the season Autumn.
Mrs. Tori
I am a Grand Valley State University Alumni and I have a Master’s in school counseling. I have been working with kids in different classroom settings for the past three years. In my free time, I love shopping, traveling, spending time with my family, friends, and my puppy Stella. Some of my favorite things are Starbucks, going to concerts, the color Periwinkle, flowers and butterflies, and all things Fall! I know we are going to have a great school year together.
Ms. Alisia
I am an assistant teacher in GSRP. I have an Associate’s Degree in general studies from Schoolcraft College. I am currently working to get my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at University of Michigan-Dearborn. I am so grateful for the relationships I have built with staff members and students here. It’s a privilege to be able to take care of your children. I have always known I had a passion for working with children and I feel like I’m finally found what I am supposed to do. When I am not working or attending college, I usually am watching tv shows, spending time with friends and family, painting, reading, or doing puzzles.
Mr. Chris
I have been at ITAVA for 3 years and in education for 12 years. I have been in different classrooms, but I currently reside in the office. I love working at the front desk and greeting all the kids. I have a 6 year old daughter, Reagan, and I must say, she has a pretty cool dad! When I'm not working, I'm usually spending my time with her.
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