Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition of Traverse Bay

All the early childhood development and parenting resources one could wish for! Go to www.HelpMeGrow-mi.org and find your county of residence. Connect with our Care Coordinator or complete a fun developmental screening as a quick check-in on your child's growth. Looking for preschool or ways to connect with other families with kids the same age? This is the place!

🌟 Join the Family Coalition! 🌟

Are you interested in making a difference for families in our community?
The Family Coalition supports, empowers, and connects families through resources, events, and advocacy efforts.

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/YSRxq0y/memberprofile

By joining, you'll have the opportunity to:

Connect with other families
Participate in educational events
Access valuable resources and support
Advocate for positive changes in our community
Together, we can create a stronger, happier community for all families. Join our coalition today and make a difference!

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Looking for a parenting class? Do you want to learn more skills to add to your parenting "toolbox"? Are you interested in learning better ways to co-parent and/or communicate? Join Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan for Always A Parent classes!

Child & Family Services offers the “Always a Parent” program to parents who want to improve their parenting skills or who are having difficulty communicating with a co-parent. “Always a Parent” emphasizes the impact of parents’ behavior on their children, and teaches parents positive, effective, cooperative communication techniques in an enjoyable, interactive way.

Classes are offered the last two Thursdays of every month, from 9am -12 noon, via secure Zoom.

To register or get more information call 231-715-1166 or visit cfsnwmi.org/always-a-parent

🎉 August is Breastfeeding Month! 🎉

Governor Whitmer has issued a powerful proclamation highlighting that breastfeeding is not just a lifestyle choice but a racial equity and public health imperative. Let's ensure every family has the support they need by addressing systemic barriers such as paid family leave, workplace support, and culturally appropriate breastfeeding resources. Reclaiming traditional birth practices through breastfeeding is vital for Indigenous and Black communities, countering the lasting impacts of colonialism and chattel slavery. Read the full proclamation for more details.

https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/proclamations/2024/08/01/august-2024-breastfeeding-month

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The Children's Advocacy Center is hosting a FREE Talk.Protect.Report. Prevention Program!
All you have to do is log into your computer and soak in the knowledge of how to keep kids safe 💙

8.5.24 5:30-7:30 pm via Zoom

Scan the QR code in the image or follow this link https://forms.gle/AtQQSsw6kgBvLV9w5 to register!

🌟 August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month! 🌟

Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and strengthens the bond between parent and baby. Here are some key benefits:

🌟Nutritional Goldmine: Breast milk contains the perfect mix of vitamins, protein,
and fat.
🌟Boosts Immunity: Helps protect your baby from infections and diseases.
🌟Bonding Time: Enhances the emotional connection between you and your baby.
🌟Healthy Growth: Supports healthy weight gain and brain development.

Need support? There are many resources within our 5 county footprint including Healthy Futures, which offers home visits and breastfeeding assistance for parents in northern Michigan.
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Do you live, learn, work or play in Northern Michigan? We invite you to take this quick survey about perspectives on mental health put on by the District Health Department #10.

Looking for a fun, idea boosting calendar to post on your fridge to keep your family busy this August? Check out this fun calendar! You can also find it on our website: https://greatstartkids.com/early-childhood-calendar/

Take a listen to our friends at Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency as they dive into the value behind Early Head Start and what the program offers families in our region.

This week on The Collective Us, Join Erica and Ryan as they welcome Erica Canfield and Michele Maxwell from NMCAA's Early Head Start program to talk about the program and how it benefits not only the child, but the entire family. Erica Canfield reveals why it's her favorite program offered through NMCAA, and we hear about Michele's NMCAA journey starting with her being a Head Start student. You won't want to miss this episode!

Yesterday, the Great Start Collaborative joined the Kalkaska County Library, The Lewis School, and the Kalkaska Conservation District for an exciting adventure hike at Camp Kellogg! Families experienced the art of pressing flowers, nature-based printmaking with linoleum prints, and an adventurous scavenger hunt in the woods. Thank you for such a fantastic experience!

Next Tuesday will be the final event for the Summer Reading Series, held on the Senior Center lawn. We hope to see you there! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Take a minute to watch this gentle reminder for caregivers with young children from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as we enter the dog days of summer.

Over 970 children have died from heatstroke in hot cars over the past 25 years. These tragedies are preventable.

Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
Always check the back seat before locking up.
Have your childcare provider call if your child doesn't arrive as expected.
Place a personal item in the back seat as a reminder.
Store car keys out of children's reach and teach them that cars aren't play areas.

Never Happens – Forgotten :60 | Heatstroke Prevention Never could happen to anyone. Parked cars get hot, fast – and can be deadly. Prevent Hot Car Deaths. Once you park, Stop. Look. Lock.Subscribe for Ad Council...

Sensory bins are a wonderful way for little ones to engage in hands-on learning. Just fill a tub with rice and add various items for them to explore, scoop, and dump. It's easy to set up and provides endless fun. Sensory play boosts fine motor skills, creativity, and language development.

Many of our local libraries have these bins set up to use during story times. Next time you attend a story time, make sure to encourage your little one to explore! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

The Northwest Michigan Breastfeeding Coalition is hosting a FREE event in Traverse City.

Enjoy free cookies and refreshments while meeting other families with babies in Northern Michigan. There will be free professional, digital family and breastfeeding photos available, plus amazing raffle prizes including postpartum goodies and spa gift cards worth up to $200! 🎁✨

Bring a friend and receive two entries into the giveaways. The first 25 attendees will receive a special door prize! 🌟

See you there! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🌟 Our friends at the GTA Children's Garden are hosting a FREE Sensory Awareness Event at their garden space behind the TADL Woodmore Library. This event is designed for children with neurological and physical diversity. 🌟

Date: July 26th - Please NOTE the date has been rescheduled to the 26th (not the 25th as the flyer says)
Time: 1:30-2:45

The Accidentals will be performing and you can join the Traverse City Philharmonic with a musical petting zoo!

🧠 Free noise-reducing headphones for every child who wants them, and resources from pediatric support organizations.

🎟️ Limited to 5 FREE tickets per family. Register now and receive an informational sheet about the event.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-accidentals-tc-philharmonic-sensory-awareness-event-tickets-938808189567?aff=ebdsshother&utm_share_source=listing_android&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR23_KI1C2YY4CSbDdFoTi4TK_3NGnp6Wox1LLRIxqua9pdY5i53kWD65X8_aem_qxMAAZ1u4ROrZFsK0DqwAg
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Today is the day! Traverse City Horse Shows is sponsoring the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library at the horse show today at 2 pm. Your $15 ticket sale goes directly to the nonprofit to support early literacy in our region.

See you there!

Families, this is such a great opportunity!

NMCAA is joining together with United We Smile to offer free dental screenings to all enrolled Head Start children. Call today to schedule your appointment! 231.844.4601 To see if your family qualifies for quality preschool check us out at nmcaa.net.

Do you have young children in your life? North Ed is your resource! Let us connect you to a local grid of child development community resources right here in northwest Michigan. We understand the role of parenting and caring for young children is no easy task. Whether you have a concern about your child's development, seek childcare or preschool, or are looking for local play groups, we are here to support you. www.helpmegrow-mi.org

Are you a new or expecting parent? Join us for a virtual baby fair to learn about resources available to you, important information, and ask questions to experts.

Wednesday, July 10, 2024, from 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Register at Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Virtual Baby Fair.

Summer time is the perfect time to explore the cycles of life with your little one!

🌞 Thank you Elk Rapids District Library for sharing this moment! Libraries are incredible hubs of information and resources, perfect for exploring nature's wonders. 📚✨

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The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) funds our Great Start Collaborative and provides a wealth of resources to support families and early childhood development. From milestone checklists and educational tips to family toolkits and early learning programs, MiLEAP offers invaluable support to help our child thrive.

Visit the MiKidsMatter website to access these resources and learn how they align with our initiatives like 5toOne, Child Caring Now, and School Readiness Advisory.

Together, we're building a brighter future for all children in our community!
Explore more here: MiKidsMatter - https://www.michigan.gov/mikidsmatter
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greatstartkids.com

🎶 Music and child brain development are closely linked. Singing can boost language skills, concentration, and learning in children. 🌟

Join us tomorrow at Herman Park in Suttons Bay for a fun, music-filled morning with Mindful and Musical with Miriam Picó and Parenting Communities of Leelanau County! Let's get your little one grooving! See you at 10 AM – it's a free event! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

PS: This event is intergenerational, and the whole family is welcome to attend!

🌟 We're excited to share our new rack cards with you! 🌟

These cards highlight the wonderful efforts of the Great Start Family Coalition in empowering families and supporting early childhood.
Join us in making a difference! Scan the QR code or visit our website to learn more about how you can get involved and help nurture our community's young families. Together, we can create a brighter future for all children. 🌼

greatstartkids.com

We are so thankful to collaborate with Parenting Communities of Leelanau County in supporting families with young children in our region. If you haven't already, check out their latest video showcasing their amazing work!

And mark your calendar for June 25th for a special event with Mindful and Musical with Miriam Picó in Suttons Bay. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Parenting Communities of Leelanau County - Program Overview Would you like more information about the Parenting Communities program?https://bldhd.org/parenting-communities/Would you like to join Parenting Communities ...

🎉🌞 What a fantastic start to the summer! The Kalkaska County Library's Summer Reading Kickoff today was a huge hit, featuring the amazing Guy Louis and Worlds of Music. With perfect weather, we had so many join us for a morning full of music, dancing, and fun. Thanks to everyone who came out and made it special! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Kalkaska's next Summer Reading event is June 25th. RSVP here - https://www.facebook.com/events/1600237854160176

Check out our 5toOne summer playgroup calendar! 🎉 Print a copy for your fridge, share with friends, and we will see you there!

All of our playgroups are FREE and open to everyone. 🌞

Check out our website for more information - greatstartkids.com
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Thank you to our partners at Great Lakes Children's Museum, Lake Ann United Methodist Church, Grow Benzie, Betsie Valley Elementary School, Kalkaska County Library and Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency

🎉 It's time to celebrate and say goodbye to our incredible Family Liaison, Missy Smith! For the past 10 years, Missy has been a beacon of support for families with young children in our region, helping parent leaders thrive and communities grow stronger. Her dedication has led to amazing projects filled with creativity, fun, and lasting relationships.

Missy, thank you for every moment you've dedicated to our shared mission. We wish you all the best as you step into your new role with the Strong Beginnings Preschool Program this fall. Your unwavering support and enthusiasm will surely continue to inspire everyone you meet.

Here's to Missy and her fantastic journey ahead! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Oh boy! Traverse City Horse Shows is hosting the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library at the horse show on July 14 at 2 p.m. 🐴📚 This event is perfect for all your bookworm, horse-loving children (and adults too!).

A big shout-out to Traverse City Horse Shows for their support! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Books for Kids Fun Summer Event to Support Literacy   Northwest Education Services | View in Browser Leaping for Literacy Sign Up Today! Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Books from Birth and other organizations a

BE sure to VOTE and check out our latest eNews! https://conta.cc/3TesV25

5toONE Neighborhood Network & Great Start Parents Update Connections for Families Playgroups, Parent Connection, and Family Fun Special Education Millage Proposal Northwest Education Services ("North Ed"; formerly TBAISD), in partnership with school distric

Check out this week's most current offerings for families. You can subscribe at the bottom of the newsletter. Playgroups, events, and learning opportunities in your mailbox each week. Fun, fun, fun! https://conta.cc/3MEzut9

5toONE Neighborhood Network & Great Start Parents Update Connections for Families Playgroups, Parent Connection, and Family Fun TONIGHT! Meet the Candidates on Early Childhood Issues Save Yourself a Spot for Tonight! Tips for Engaging with Your Candidates E

Learn about your candidates and their position on early childhood issues. Hope to see you Monday at the 2022 Candidate Forum in Traverse City at the Woodmere Branch of the Traverse Area District Library from 6:00-8:00pm.