SAS Early Childhood Vision Statement

At SAS, we believe that a strong early childhood foundation is the key to lifelong learning and success. Our Early Childhood Program, serving children from birth through age five, is committed to nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—through a play-based, developmentally appropriate approach that fosters curiosity, problem-solving, and self-regulation.

Our Commitment to Young Learners:

Supportive Learning Environments: We create safe, welcoming, and engaging spaces where children develop confidence, independence, and a love for learning.
Highly Skilled and Caring Educators: Our dedicated staff are trained in early childhood best practices and child development, providing each child with nurturing support.
Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum: Learning through constructive play is at the heart of our program, helping children build essential problem-solving, social-emotional, and critical-thinking skills.
Strong Family and Community Partnerships: We collaborate with families and the broader community to provide a network of support, ensuring every child has access to the resources and care they need to thrive.

By honoring each child, we strive to lay the foundation for a positive transition into elementary school and a lifelong journey of discovery and success.

Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)

Offered through a partnership with Saline Community Education

Age: 4 (as of September 1, 2025) - 5 years old
Eligibility: Families must meet income eligibility requirements and enrollment is prioritized based on risk factors.
Location: Liberty School (Families must choose three locations when registering)
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Free for families who qualify

Contact: 734-401-4063

Pooh Corner Adventure Room

Offered through a partnership with Saline Community Education

Age: 3-5
Eligibility: Open to all children ages 3-5
Location: Liberty School
Hours & Cost
Choose a session
- 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, $470/month
- 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, $270/month

Contact: 734-401-4063

Pooh Corner Busy Bee Room

Offered through a partnership with Saline Community Education

Age: 3-5
Eligibility: Open to all children ages 3-5
Location: Liberty School
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Monday-Friday
Cost: $670 per month

Contact: 734-401-4063

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

Age: 2 years 6 months to 5 years (2.5-5)

Eligibility: Students must meet the eligibility requirements established by the State of Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education. Programs and services are determined by the evaluation team. The evaluation team can include a general education preschool teacher, a certified special education teacher, speech therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, teacher consultants, social workers, and a school psychologist.

Location: Liberty School and community-based preschools/daycares
Hours: varies depending on program or services
Cost: Free for students who qualify

Early Childhood Special Education

Contact:

Lisa Melvin

Special Education Office Assistant

734-401-4016

Early On Intervention

Offered through the Washtenaw Intermediate School District
Age: Birth to Three (0-3)

Eligibility: For infants and toddlers, birth to age 3 who have developmental delays or are at risk for delays due to certain health conditions

Location: Services provided at child’s home or daycare
Hours: Services are scheduled by appointment xx hours/week
Cost: Free for students who qualify.

Contact: WISD Early On Website

Request an Evaluation

Make a Referral

Young 5s (Developmental Kindergarten)

Classroom(s) integrated into each elementary building
Age: 5 (those turning 5 between July 1st and December 1st)

Eligibility: Young 5s will be open to those turning 5 between July 1st and December 1st.

Location: Harvest, Pleasant Ridge, Woodland Meadows
Hours: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. Monday-Friday
Cost: Free for students who qualify

Contact: Individual Building Administrator or 734-401-4000

*Saline Area Schools rents space to operate a privately paid daycare out of Liberty School. Little Star programs are not affiliated with Saline Area Schools.