Great Start Collaborative
Mission
Support the early childhood system so all children THRIVE.
Vision
Provide a Great Start for every child focusing on the state's early childhood outcomes.
Michigan's early childhood outcomes
1. Children are born healthy;
2. Children are healthy, thriving, and developmentally on track from birth to third grade;
3. Children are developmentally ready to succeed in school at the time of school entry; and
4. Children are prepared to succeed in fourth grade and beyond by reading proficiently by the end of third grade
Great Start Family Coalition
The Great Start Family Coalition (GSFC) is a group of parents and caregivers who work together to make Mecosta and Osceola Counties a supportive place for families with young children. Parent Voice is crucial and instrumental to the work of the Great Start Collaborative (GSC). Parents are children's first and most important teachers!
March 21, 2024
10-11a Evart Public Library
6:30-7:30p Virtual Meeting via Zoom
April 18, 2024
10-11a The Corner Cup
6:30-7:30p Virtual Meeting via Zoom
May 16, 2024
10-11a MOISD School Improvement Room
6:30-7:30p Virtual Meeting via Zoom
June 20, 2024
10-11a Morley Community Center
6:30-7:30p Virtual Meeting via Zoom
Upcoming Family Coalition Meetings
Family Coalition Meeting Registration
Mom Power
Parenting young children is the most one of life's most rewarding and challenging experiences! Mom Power is a 10-week strengths-based workshop. During the workshop moms will have the opportunity to connect with other mothers, take time for self-care, and learn parenting techniques that strengthen the parent child relationship.
In-Person Group at Angels of Action
Mondays from 10a-12p
April 1st through June 3rd
In-Person Mom Power Group
In-Person Mom Power Registration
Virtual Group
Mondays from 10a-12pm
June 17th through August 19th
Virtual Mom Power Group
Virtual Mom Power Registration
Parent Cafe
Parent Cafes are a parent support group for parents with conversations centered around the Be Strong Families Protective Factors.
G.T. Norman Elementary
Family Services Office
April 9th 2-3p
Morton Township Library
April 11th 10-11a
Parent Cafe
Parent Cafe Registration
Talk, Read, Sing!
Parents can help their children develop strong language skills through everyday interactions. Check out this tip sheet from Too Small to Fail to learn more about things you can do every day at home and in the community to build your child’s language skills: Tip Sheet