Expanded UM-Flint preschool program impacts Flint kids

Launched in April at Holmes STEM Academy on the north side of Flint, the Great Expectations Early Childhood Program has nearly reached capacity while clearly impacting the lives of the eager children it serves.

Great Expectations was established through a partnership with Flint Community Schools and is operated by UM-Flint’s Early Childhood Development Center as a program expansion to address the needs of Flint children affected by lead exposure and poverty. It provides a free preschool program that matches the ECDC’s high-quality and holistic teaching methods.

“This experience has been amazing for these families,” said associate teacher Deondra Cross. “Some parents have commented that their child has an independence they didn’t have before. The kids are showing empathy for each other. They’re building social skills because they spend time with more kids their age and have more opportunities to interact. Parents notice those changes in their kids.”

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