Preschool at Northside Child Development Center

The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is a FREE state-funded center-based preschool program serving all four-year-olds. The goal of GSRP is to provide every preschooler with the best educational opportunities through our child-centered, hands-on curriculum set in a rich learning environment that is created through our families, community, and professional staff. 

Great Start Readiness Program

Before & After School Care

Before & After School Care is open to GSRP and students and is held on-site.

School Calendar 

Monday-Thursday

Monday-Friday

Enrollment Inquiry

Please note, that completion of paperwork does not guarantee enrollment. To inquire about program availability, please contact Michelle Skalla at mskalla@ymcagm.org.

Enrollment Packet

Parent Handbook

Click Here

Young Explorer’s 3-year-old Childcare with Preschool

3-year-olds who join us for care at Northside Child Development Center will have the added benefit of following a preschool-structured routine following age-appropriate Creative Curriculum. Children must turn 3 by December 1, 2025.

Payment

• Enrollment is on a full-time basis with payments drafted on Friday one week before care
• Payments are non-transferable and non-refundable.
• Weekly fees are not prorated on days the center is closed.

Enrollment Process

Step 1: Check Availability

Our classrooms are in high demand – fill out the inquiry below and our team will get back to you to let you know the availability for the classroom you need.

Step 2: Fill out the Paperwork

If we have availability in your classroom, a program director will reach out to you with the required paperwork. Paperwork and your non-refundable deposit will need to be returned to complete enrollment. You will then receive further information detailing your first day after paperwork has been processed. 

Financial Assistance

We recognize that access and affordability to child care can be challenging. Please see your options below for financial assistance.

• MI Bridges can help you to access our state-licensed programs, like the Child Care Network, through financial assistance for those who qualify. Learn more on their website or download a PDF.
• Use this Eligibility Calculator to see what finanical assistance you might qualify for.
• The Y offers financial assistance to those who qualify. Please fill out our financial assistance application, found here, and email Natalie Cooper, membership administrator, at ncooper@ymcagm.org.
• In order to qualify for a scholarship from the YMCA, you must first apply to MI Bridges.

Parent Handbook

Parent Handbook

Montessori 3-year-old Preschool Program

Our program is rooted in the Montessori philosophy, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. This child-centered approach encourages independence, self-motivation, and joyful learning through carefully prepared environments and hands-on exploration. The Montessori method supports growth across all developmental areas—cognitive, social-emotional, and physical—while fostering respect, responsibility, and a deep sense of community. These principles are carried through each classroom, allowing your child to grow confidently as they progress through our program.

Children must turn 3 by Dec. 1. This program follows the school year calendar. Students in this program will have the option to continue their Montessori experience in our 4-year-old GSRP Montessori classroom.

Payment

• Enrollment is on a full-time basis with payments drafted on Friday one week before care
• Payments are non-transferable and non-refundable.
• Weekly fees are not prorated on days the center is closed.

Enrollment Process

Step 1: Check Availability

Our classrooms are in high demand – fill out the inquiry below and our team will get back to you to let you know the availability for the classroom you need.

Step 2: Fill out the Paperwork

If we have availability in your classroom, a program director will reach out to you with the required paperwork. Paperwork and your non-refundable deposit will need to be returned to complete enrollment. You will then receive further information detailing your first day after paperwork has been processed. 

Financial Assistance

We recognize that access and affordability to child care can be challenging. Please see your options below for financial assistance.

• MI Bridges can help you to access our state-licensed programs, like the Child Care Network, through financial assistance for those who qualify. Learn more on their website or download a PDF.
• Use this Eligibility Calculator to see what finanical assistance you might qualify for.
• The Y offers financial assistance to those who qualify. Please fill out our financial assistance application, found here, and email Natalie Cooper, membership administrator, at ncooper@ymcagm.org.
• In order to qualify for a scholarship from the YMCA, you must first apply to MI Bridges.

Parent Handbook

Parent Handbook