Strong Beginnings Pilot Preschool Program (SB)

Strong Beginnings is a pilot/research project that features high-quality, free preschool for three-year-old children in our county, guided by the Heritage Southwest Intermediate School District. Children are welcome to enter the program if they are three by September 1 and meet certain eligibility requirements. Our administrative offices are located at: 601 N. Front Street, Dowagiac, MI 49047, in the North Pointe Center. We directly run 4 classrooms, one in each of the four local school districts of Cassopolis, Dowagiac, Edwardsburg, and Marcellus.

 

We help children develop a lifelong love of learning! Children play, learn and grow by hands-on experiences in our intentionally designed classrooms. Our daily routine meets the developing needs of the whole child and allows them to fully explore the world around them. Skilled teachers guide children in developing their language, literacy and math skills in holistic, playful, relatable ways. Class sizes are small to support individual learning as we nurture each child. A unique feature of this program is the addition of a trained Family Liaison who works with families to understand their child, provides resources and helps them reach their goal for life. 

You can find SB classrooms in Cassopolis at Sam Adams Elementary, Dowagiac at Patrick Hamilton Elementary, Edwardsburg at Eagle Lake Elementary, and Marcellus at Marcellus Elementary. Full day classes are held Monday through Thursday and follow the schedule of the host school. Meals are provided by the program at no cost and typically eaten “family style”. We’ll plan times for the family to connect and find out how to raise a lifelong learner.

 

When children have a quality preschool experience, they are much more prepared to learn and grow in school and beyond!