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!
Meetings will resume in the fall
Schedule TBD
Family Coalition Interest Form
Summer Programs
Grab & Go Summer Literacy Bags
The Great Start Collaborative is partnering with local libraries to get FREE books and activities out to families throughout the summer! Pick up is based on the summer events of each library.
Summer Lunch Programs
Throughout the summer there are many free lunch programs for families throughout Mecosta and Osceola Counties! Use the link below to find the location closest to you!
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.
Virtual Group
Mondays from 10-11:30a
July 22nd through September 30th
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
