Himawari GSRP Q&A

Here are some Questions and Answers that we’ve had so far. For background, please read out overview presentation from May 23, 2025: What is “Free Pre-K for All” (GSRP)

• What is our cost for being in GSRP?
  • There is no cost for the GSRP program, which includes the following:
    • tuition according to the Himawari GSRP calendar
    • Food (snacks, and lunch if choosing a school lunch that day)
    • Any field trips or activities
    • Any home visits
    • Any classroom materials
• Is there an age requirement for the 2025-26 school year at Himawari GSRP?
  • Yes, 4 years old on or before September 1, 2025
    • You can ask about a waiver for turning 4 years old before December 1, 2025
      • On or before September 1st are enrolled first
      • September 2nd-December 1st window children can be enrolled on or after September 2nd
• Does my child need to be potty-trained?
  • While it’s not a requirement to be potty-trained before starting GSRP, we will be working closely with you to make sure your child develops consistent and dependable toileting habits without using pull-ups or other aids.
• Are there any family income requirements?
  • While there is an enrollment preference for families in the 100-300% range, starting this year there will be no limits on family income for participating in GSRP
• Do we need to have an “Eligibility Factor” to be eligible?
  • There are 7 Eligibility Factors (EF) (see the GSRP Wayne RESA Enrollment Application form for a list). If there needs to be a choice made between one or more applicants, then the one with the most EF would be chosen first.
• Once we are registered for Himawari GSRP, can we lose our spot to a family with more EF?
  • No. Once your child is accepted at Himawari GSRP, they cannot be removed unless you choose to leave the program.
• We have already registered at another GSRP location. Can we switch to the Himawari GSRP location?
  • Yes. Before school starts, you can check out and apply to as many GSRP locations as you wish. Once the school year starts, it’s more difficult to switch as your child will make friends and become more comfortable at school.
• Is there any bus transportation?
  • We do not have bus service now, but are looking into the cost and availability of service for the future.
• What will be the balance of Japanese and English instruction in the classroom?
  • We plan to have 2 days taught in Japanese, and 2 days taught in English each week.
• We would like to have more time and opportunity for our child to be with the other Himawari children and learn more Japanese. Is this possible?
  • Yes. Please see our page on additional Himawari services to see about Friday classes and activities, extended year, and before/after care.
• Is the Himawari GSRP the same as the other Himawari preschool programs?
  • No, it’s not.  This is because there are some state requirements for the families to participate, and also because the GSRP calendar is different.
    • GSRP is only 120 school days, whereas Himawari Preschool is 186 days
      • also, the school day must be 7 hours long
    • GSRP families have to follow state guidelines regarding things such as food, parent involvement, curriculum requirements, etc.
    • GSRP is taught in both Japanese (50%) and English (50%).
• Is Himawari GSRP the right choice for my child?  This depends on your family’s goals:
  • If you want your child to become fluent in their Japanese language and culture and you are in an English-only household, then GSRP will only give you 60 day’s worth of full immersion, which is much lower than Himawari’s typical 186 days.
    • Our Himawari additional Fridays (33 days, 11 per trimester) can help to strengthen the Japanese experience
  • If you want more English for your child than is available in the regular Himawari Preschool program, then GSRP has 60 days of English immersion.
• How is the GSRP Himawari food program different?
  • It’s paid by GSRP, and provides a small breakfast, snack, and lunch during the day.
  • The food program is determined by state and federal nutritional requirements.  Therefore, a programmed monthly menu will be provided.
  • Parents must choose to use the food program, unless they agree to a waiver:  “Parent Request to Provide Food”.
    • Parents can provide food from home, but it must meet the same nutritional requirements.  (we can provide more information on this).
  • We will ask to see if families can switch back and forth between home- and school-provided food.
• What are the additional family responsibilities for GSRP?
  • Families are expected to:
    • Come to all parent-teacher conferences
    • Allow 2 home visits a year
    • Participate in family engagement activities at school
• What are the additional family responsibilities for Himawari GSRP?
  • Families are expected to:
    • Support their child’s Japanese language and cultural growth at home as well as at school
    • Support their child’s English language and cultural growth at home as well as at school

Please email us at gsrp@himawaripreschool.org if you have other questions, or would like us to add a question to our list!

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