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Understanding the Difference Between MMSD 4K and Get Kids Ready (GKR)

4K is Wisconsin’s public school instructional program for four-year-old children and is part of the K–12 educational system.

Get Kids Ready (GKR) is a supplemental school readiness program that operates independently of public school requirements.

While both programs support children’s growth and development, GKR is not intended to replace or duplicate 4K instruction. Instead, it provides additional opportunities for social interaction, play, and family support outside of the 4K instructional day. Families may participate in both programs during the same year.

Both programs are most effective when they work together to provide children with a consistent, high-quality early learning experience.

What Sets MMSD 4K Apart from Get Kids Ready

Elementary Students at a Table with a Teacher

Program Overviews

MMSD 4K

  • Established in MMSD since 2011
  • Free for eligible 4-year-old children during designated instructional hours
  • Families may choose AM or PM programming; limited sites offer full-day options
  • Uses Creative Curriculum developed by Teaching Strategies
  • Provides:
    • 437 instructional hours annually (part-day)
    • 874 instructional hours annually (full-day)
  • Lead teachers hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and are licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
  • Directly connected to kindergarten readiness and the K–12 system

Get Kids Ready (GKR)

  • New program beginning in the 2026–2027 school year
  • Free for eligible 4-year-old children during designated program hours
  • Uses curriculum aligned with the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards
  • Provides a minimum of 437 hours of school readiness instruction annually (12-month model)
  • Lead teachers hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree
  • Meets state expectations for health, safety, and well-being
  • Operates independently from public school 4K and K–12 requirements

Instructional Focus

Elementary Student Working at a Table

 

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature MMSD 4K Programming Get Kids Ready (GKR)
Primary Purpose Public school instructional program for 4-year-olds Supplemental school readiness and enrichment program
Program Availability Since 2011 Begins 2026–2027
Cost to Families Free during instructional hours Free during program hours
Required Hours 437 hours (part-day) or 874 hours (full-day), school-year calendar
 		 Minimum 437 hours, annual (12-month model)
Wraparound Care Costs Families may pay for care beyond instructional hours
 		 Families may pay for care beyond program hours
Connection to Public Schools Fully part of K–12 system
 		 Independent of K–12 system
Eligibility Child must be 4 by September 1
 		 Child must be 4 by September
Curriculum Standards-based, aligned to kindergarten expectations
 		 WMELS-aligned curriculum; not required to align to K–12
Assessment District progress monitoring and readiness benchmarks
 		 No formal public school assessment requirement
Teacher Requirements DPI-licensed teachers with bachelor’s degree or higher
 		 Associate’s or bachelor’s degree required
Family Engagement Required and ongoing
 		 Not required; varies by site
Transportation Provided based on district eligibility
 		 Not required
Funding Source Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
 		 Wisconsin Department of Children and Families

 

Key Takeaway

MMSD 4K is Wisconsin’s public school 4-year-old kindergarten program in the city of Madison and serves as the entry point into the K–12 education system.

Get Kids Ready is a supplemental program that extends learning and support opportunities but does not replace or duplicate 4K instruction.

Together, these programs can complement one another and support children in building strong foundations for future school success. Separately, Get Kids Ready does not provide the necessary alignment that 4K provides in order to truly get kids ready for school.