• Hillsdale Community School's Preschool is a state funded preschool program known as the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) provided for four-year-olds residing in Hillsdale Community School District.

    Our program places a strong emphasis on teacher-directed learning as well as child-directed play.  While planning learning activities, the teachers take into account various learning styles and interests to plan a well-rounded, developmentally appropriate curriculum.  The Creative Curriculum is used as a valid and reliable assessment tool.

    How to apply for GSRP

    Go to the website: www.greatstarthillsdale.com

    Click on Preschool Sign Up

    Fill out the online form (this is the pre-registration step)

    An intake specialist from Community Action Agency will contact you to schedule an enrollment appointment.  You will complete an intake interview and provide some needed documentation at this appointment.

     To select Bailey Early Childhood Center/Hillsdale Community Schools, you must tell the intake specialist at your interview that you want your child to attend at the Bailey location.  Even if you qualify for Head Start, you may still choose a GSRP slot at Bailey Early Childhood Center.

    Please fill out the form and take with you.   Bailey early Childhood Center Request Form

    GSRP   

    Technology

    Children practice skills for reading, writing, and math through the motivational use of technology. Each classroom has the use of IPads.

     Field Trips & Special Events

    We value the opportunity to learn about the world outside the walls of our school, and plan frequent field trips within our community. Some locations included: City Hall,

    Hillsdale Community Library, Hillsdale County Fair, Hillsdale Fire Station and Children’s Museum of Branch County. We also invite parents and other community members to come in and read to our students, as well as participate in other activities.

     Our Staff

    Our highly qualified teachers have special emphasis on early childhood education. Committed to helping children reach their learning potential in a language-rich environment where experiences in social skills and motor skills are also key components of their school day. Our education assistants all have a Child Development Associate’s Degree (CDA).

     

    Early Childhood Special Education Classes
    1/2 Day classrooms:

    Monday - Friday
    Morning class

    8:30 am - 11:30 am
    Afternoon class

    11:30 am - 2:30 pm

    Great Start Readiness Preschool
    1/2 Day A.M. classrooms:

    Monday - Thursday

              8:00 am - 11:00 am           
    Full Day classrooms:

    Monday - Thursday

    8:00 am - 3:00 pm
    greatstarthillsdale.com

    Tuition Based

    Preschool
    1/2 Day A.M. classrooms:

    Monday-Thursday

    8:00 am-11:00 am   

    Call for Tuition Rates

    Full day classroom:

    Monday-Thursday

              8:00 am - 3:00 pm           

    Call for Tuition Rates

    Developmental Kindergarten 
    Full Day classroom:

    Monday - Friday

    8:00 am - 3:00 pm 

     

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: What is the cost?

    A: Free or at a reduced cost depending on eligibility for GSRP students.

     

    Q: Is transportation provided?

    A: YES. Transportation is provided through the Hillsdale Community Schools Transportation Department.

     

    Q: When does the program operate?

    A: From September-May. It follows the Hillsdale Community Schools Calendar with a few exceptions.

     

    Q: When are applications accepted?
    A: Applications are continually accepted for the current school year. If classes are full, your child will be added to our waiting list

     

    Developmental Kindergarten

    Kindergarten is a big step in a young child's life. It is the year that sets the stage for a successful school journey that continues for the next 12 years. Not all children are ready for the same challenges at the same time. This was the reason behind Hillsdale Community School's decision to open a developmental kindergarten classroom at Bailey Early Childhood Center. The new classroom offers families who question their child's readiness for kindergarten an option.

    Our developmental kindergarten classroom focuses on:

    • Gross/Fine Motor Skills
    • Language/Literacy Skills
    • Social Skills
    • Emotional Skills
    • Science/Mathematics Skills

     

    Early Childhood Special Education Program (ECSE)

    The Early Childhood Special Education program (ECSE) offered at Bailey Early Childhood Center services children who reside in the Hillsdale Community School District.  Young children, ages 3-5, who qualify for special education, receive individualized instruction that may include related services such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy or physical therapy. Our ECSE program ensures the provision of a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all eligible children, as well as encouraging interaction with same aged peers within the building.

     

    It's A Great Day to be a Hornet!