Investments in high-quality early childhood care, education, and support programs do more than help children – they also strengthen our workforce and economy. How are communities in West and Southwest Michigan approaching prevention and early intervention in these systems of care? How do the programs benefit children, families, care and education providers, businesses, and taxpayers? Where are the gaps, and how do we fill them? Come along as we take a closer look.
Guests are Kate Robinson of Everbloom Montessori, Pastor Banza Mukalay, of Restoration Community Church and in-home childcare business owner, and Allison McCulley of Together West Michigan
Our guest is Amy Turner-Thole.
Our guests are Jennifer Headley-Nordman, President, First Steps Kent and John Helmholdt, President, Seyferth PR.
Our Guests are Kent County parents Millie Martinez and Taniah Ingram.
Our guests are Erica Willard, Executive Director for the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children, and Dick Bulkowski, Executive Director, of Steepletown Neighborhood Services.
Our guests are Anne Kuhnen, Kids Count Director, Michigan League for Public Policy, and Tami Mannes, Organizational Lead for Western Early Childhood Support Network and Director of District Improvement & Early Childhood, Ottawa Area ISD.
We talk with Karissa Monzo, Family Support Navigator, and Blakelee Dunkelberg, Public Relations Specialist, from Family Futures
Our guest is Jenn Harrod, Client Services Manager, Health Net of West Michigan
Joel Van Kuiken, Cole Williams, and Dowan Mansfield from the Delta Project are here to discuss evidenced-based curriculum developed by Cole Williams called Son to a Father.
Crystal Houston, Executive Director with the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation, joins us to discuss preventative programs that aim to keep families together and keep children from entering the foster care system.
We're joined by Jayme Vosovic, Community Engagement Specialist for the Michigan League for Public Policy.
As we continue looking at why Normal Was Never Enough, we examine pathways to building a more equitable child care system. Our guest today on By Leaps & Bounds is Chana Edmond-Verley, CEO, Vibrant Futures and Vice-Chair, Great Start Collaborative of Kent County.
Kate O'Keefe, Director of Development and Community Engagement, Family Promise, joins us
Annemarie Valdez, President of First Steps Kent, is our guest
Marissa Brown from the Kent County Health Department is our guest
As we continue looking at why Normal Was Never Enough, we examine pathways to building a more equitable child care system.
Dr. Juan Olivarez joins us for our By Leaps & Bounds segment
Children whose fathers are involved in their lives are more confident, get better grades, and avoid risky behaviors, which is why it is critical that fathers and men in our community stay engaged, encouraged, and informed. In an effort to support fathers, Strong Beginnings and Grand Rapids African American Health Institute have partnered on a fatherhood initiative that seeks to strengthen families by encouraging fathers to play an active role in nurturing and raising their children. Through mentoring, father-child activities, and opportunities to learn more on topics such as men's health, healthy relationships, parenting, child development, and how to support partners during pregnancy and post-partum (and more), along with support in accessing community resources and building life skills, this partnership focuses on improving the health and well-being of African American and Latino families. Open to all men with a child under the age of 2, the Strong Fathers/Padres Fuertes Project
Child care is essential to the economy, allowing parents to enter the workforce and providers to support both their businesses and families. COVID-19 has had a profound impact on child care, creating a child care crisis, underscoring the importance for a greater investment in issues of access and affordability as part of state recovery efforts, and leaving families and child advocates to push for big changes. MLPP is part of the Think Babies Michigan Collaborative, which is working to advocate for these changes. The Michigan League for Public Policy is a nonpartisan policy institute dedicated to economic opportunity for all using a racial equity lens. MLPP takes a comprehensive approach to addressing poverty by analyzing the impact of state and federal budgets and policies on residents with low incomes and works to empower and strengthen families with young children by advocating for economic opportunities for all. Here to discuss is Pat Sorenson, Senior Policy Analyst with the
Child care is essential to the economy, allowing parents to enter the workforce and providers to support both their businesses and families. COVID-19 has had a profound impact on child care, and underscored the importance for a greater investment in issues of access and affordability as part of state recovery efforts. The Michigan League for Public Policy is a nonpartisan policy institute dedicated to economic opportunity for all using a racial equity lens. MLPP takes a comprehensive approach to addressing poverty by analyzing the impact of state and federal budgets and policies on residents with low incomes and works to empower and strengthen families with young children by advocating for economic opportunities for all. Here to discuss is Parker James, Kids County Policy Analyst with the Michigan League for Public Policy. To learn more, visit www.mlpp.org
Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative (ELNC) provides high-quality early care and education programs in vulnerable neighborhoods of Grand Rapids, and is a model of a continuum of early childhood education services both in Kent County and the State of Michigan. From programs that support early learners to programming that supports families and advocacy work, ELNC partners within the communities they serve to ensure children are ready for kindergarten. Here from ELNC to discuss their work in support of families are Tara Gwamna, Family Engagement Manager, and Celeste Johnson, Family Coach. To learn more, visit: , To learn more, visit ELNC's webpage or follow ELNC on social media on Facebook www.facebook.com/EarlyLearningNeighborhoodCollaborative , on Instagram elncgr , or on Twitter @elncgr .
In addition to its impact on the many facets of everyday life for families, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the security of basic needs for families, including housing and food. Currently, Rental Payment Assistance and Emergency Food Assistance are two of the most frequent requests of callers to 2-1-1, the United Way Assistance line. In support of community efforts to achieve equitable outcomes for children, The Kent County Essential Needs Task Force works with partners such as the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness to address residents' basic needs and to ensure equitable access to resources within the community. Here to discuss is Wende Randall, Director of the Kent County Essential Needs Task Force. Need help or looking for more information? Contact 2-1-1 or visit www.entfkent.org and www.endhomelessnesskent.org
With the successful launch of the Kent County Success Basics initiative in 2018, the Nurturing Parent Power Workgroup of the Great Start Collaborative of Kent County is excited to take this work a step further by launching Ready 4K and Success Basics Text in Kent County. Ready 4K and Basics Text are evidence-based family engagement curriculum delivered by text messages. Each week, caregivers receive age-based fun facts, easy tips, resources, and engaging activity ideas that promote moments of family engagement in support of their child's development and learning. Sent two to three times each week, the Ready 4K curriculum is designed to support families with children from birth to 4th grade in multiple languages, while the Basics focus its support on children from zero to three years old. Here to discuss are Chana Edmond-Verley, CEO, Vibrant Futures and Vice-Chair, Great Start Collaborative of Kent County; and Paula Brown, Director, Great Start Collaborative of Kent County. For more
Parent groups are a great way to connect with other parents. Not only are they a place to learn from other parents, but also learn about resources or opportunities in the community. Parent groups can also be a safe space to share their experiences and grow their parenting practices. Often parents feel less alone when facing challenges because of the relationships they develop with other parents and the support they find within the group. The Great Start Parent Coalition of Kent County, working with partners and parents and caregivers of children under twelve, holds events such as Parent Support Stations, Parent Cafes, workshops and speaker events; connects parents to parenting resources via their blog, newsletter, and social media pages; works to provide parents with the tools to advocate for themselves, their families, and their community; and equips parents with leadership skills. Tomarra Richardson and Nicole Burman, Parent Liaisons for the Great Start Collaborative and Parent
Not just about fun and games, play is an important teaching tool! Through playgroups, young children learn social-emotional and communication skills; build their physical, cognitive, and creative skills; boost their confidence; and enhance their connections with caregivers. For caregivers, play groups provide a connection with their child, other parents, and professionals. Play and Learn groups also provide caregivers with the strategies, tools, information and resources to help prepare for their child's success.
When parents develop a secure attachment relationship with their child, it strengthens children's self-esteem, concept and worth. Arbor Circle's Early Childhood services team partners with parents to build their skills, help them bond with their children, and create a sense of security in their family. When a child faces mental health or other challenges, it can impact many parts of their life— from school performance to behavior at home and in the community. Arbor Circle works alongside families as they face these challenges, working to help both the child and family develop the resiliency to recover from the impact of adverse circumstances that can interfere with the ability to thrive. A therapist or counselor can help parents and very young children navigate their new and sometimes challenging relationships, nurturing the secure attachments and social emotional development that are the foundation for a lifetime of optimal mental and behavioral health. Dr. Marguerite Morgan, Early
The social, academic and behavioral skills that children develop in their early years creates a foundation for their future. Parent Educators partner with parents in understanding their child's development and how they learn best. Parent Educators offer support, parenting tips and strategies on topics most important to parents, personalized with information focused on each family's needs, concerns, and goals. Bright Beginnings is a Blue Ribbon Model Affiliate of the Parents as Teachers program. Karen Lezan, Coordinator and Supervisor with Bright Beginnings, is here to discuss. For more information, visit: www.kentisd.org/early-childhood/bright-beginnings For all kinds of early childhood resources, visit, Help Me Grow Kent www.helpmegrowkent.org , made possible by the Ready by 5 Early Childhood Millage. Also, follow Bright Beginnings on social media for updates and ideas www.facebook.com/kentisdbrightbeginnings
The first few years of life – between birth and kindergarten – are when a child's brain will grow the fastest. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, parents are home with their children now more than ever. Parents, it's important to know that you were made to be your child's first and most important teacher. Don't let that scare you, your child was born ready and excited to learn. They just need your love and guidance to get a great start. Anissa Eddie, Pritzker Early Childhood Fellow with First Steps Kent and K-Connect, is here to discuss a new campaign, “You Got This”, to support parents of young children. Follow WGVU and First Steps Kent on social media as we share resources for parents. For simple tips, and local information and resources, visit . For additional everyday activities and tips for parents and caregivers to try at home, visit PBS KIDS for Parents https://www.pbs.org/parents
Child care is one of the key essential services needed to get and keep our economy rolling. Families and employers alike are counting on the availability of child care slots to get everyone back to work. However, child care businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, albeit historical sector declines. Camp Fire West Michigan 4C is on-the-ground every day as a long-time “institution of trust” providing “hand to heart business support” to child care providers, helping them save their small business and focus on recovery, sustainability, and expansion. Chana Edmond-Verley, CEO of Campfire West Michigan 4C and Vice-Chair for the Great Start Collaborative of Kent County is here to discuss. Child care providers can learn more by visiting org/ or org/ . Parents looking for help finding child care can find assistance here: greatstarttoquality.org/ families .
Responding to the urgent need for educational resources when school buildings closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic, WGVU mobilized to bring our West and Southwest Michigan communities high-quality, free At-Home Learning broadcast programming supported by on-line lessons and resources. WGVU has also organized many additional educational resources and materials for PreK-12 students that educators, parents and students can use to keep learning going while at home. WGVU Education Coordinator, Kristyn Bomberg, is here to give an update.
The COVID-19 crisis brought much of Michigan to a halt at the same time organizations across Kent County were ramping up their services for families with young children. The pandemic has undoubtedly created challenges, but the vital work hasn't stopped. An urgent priority is ensuring high-quality child care for the children of essential workers. Another focus for First Steps Kent right now is assisting organizations that receive Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage funding so that their services are available both during the COVID-19 crisis, and into the future. First Steps Kent, as an established systems organization, was built for this type of situation. After years of working with cross-sector partners to align, convene, and help to eliminate silos in the work of early childhood, First Steps Kent has the ability to move in and help in this type of public health crisis. With established, trusted relationships with dozens of partners focused on providing resources and services to
Nearly 20% of new moms experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder during pregnancy, or up to two years after having a baby. Certain risk factors create a higher likelihood for developing postpartum mental health issues, and untreated, can lead to very serious complications for moms, babies and families. The first five years of a child's development are critical, but struggles with mental health can affect a mother's capacity to nurture and meet her child's needs. And unfortunately, stigma and disparities around health care create barriers to women seeking help. What is postpartum depression and anxiety; when should someone seek help, and what barriers to access exist? What role can a support system play in mitigating risk factors and reducing stigma, and what options do women and families have locally for support and treatment? Kerrie Van Weelden, LMSW, Clinical Social Worker and Therapist and Carrie Kolehouse, Executive Director for MomsBloom are here to discuss. For more
Receiving early and regular care throughout pregnancy is incredibly important for both mother and baby, as preterm birth and low birth weight put babies at an increased risk of developing cognitive, emotional, and physical health issues. Babies weighing above 5.5 pounds at birth are considered to be “born healthy.” Across Michigan, about 8.5% of babies are born underweight (CDC), and communities of color are disproportionally impacted with rates for black and Latinx moms at a six-year high. Recognizing the need to create paths to overcoming the social determinants of health, local programs are supporting moms to improve these outcomes for babies. Courtney Hilbert, CNM, MSN, Director of APP Services for Women's Health and Chair of the Centering Pregnancy Program at Spectrum Health, and Kiara Baskin, Founder and CEO of Bump to Birth Doula Services are here to discuss. For more information, visit: , , or .
High-quality licensed programs help children learn, grow, and creates a strong foundation for children to be successful in school, work, and life while supporting parent participation in the workforce. Children learn so much in their first five years, especially when they have a safe place to learn, explore their world, and build relationships. Families have many questions about finding the right program – what will fit with their schedule, budget and transportation needs? Should they choose a home-based or center-based program? What should they know about quality programs when making a decision? Additionally, early education and care providers face challenges – how do they connect with peers and where can they find professional development opportunities? Where can they access support with staffing, managing their business or improving their program? And finally, what happens in communities when there are not enough programs and/or spots to meet the needs of families? Terese Smith,
Investments in child care accessibility and affordability are investments in both in the current Michigan workforce, and the future workforce. High-qualify affordable child care supports parents in contributing to our community, while providing for their families, and prepares children for school and life success. A growing number of West and Southwest Michigan businesses are coming together to focus on child care accessibility and affordability, along with Michigan policy makers. What is their motivation and what is the return on these investments? How can the community support or become involved in this critical and important work? Alexa Kramer, Director of Government Affairs, Grand Rapids Chamber; Representative Greg VanWoerkom, Michigan District 91; and Ken Sikkema, Senior Policy Fellow, Public Sector Consultants, are here to discuss. For more information, visit: grandrapids.org.
High quality early childhood education experiences have a direct impact on outcomes for young children. Our communities in Michigan are filled with passionate, dedicated and innovative early childhood teachers and programs. Effective leadership, stable and sufficient funding streams, and access to professional development opportunities and resources can create a pipeline of well-trained and invested teachers. And yet, despite the important role early childhood educators play, it is difficult to earn a living wage as an early childhood educator, leading to programs facing challenges around recruitment and retention. According to NAEYC, the median hourly wage in early childhood is $10.60 per hour and at least 46% of the early childhood workforce is receiving public assistance. Additionally, earnings among early childhood teachers can be markedly different within communities, despite the same levels of education or experience. How do these inequities impact programs, staff, families and
In Michigan, 83% of parents with children younger than age 6 report having difficulty finding high quality, affordable child care and more than 4 of every 10 people live in child care deserts - defined as any census tract with more than 50 children under age 5 with no or very few licensed child care providers. Kent County mirrors many other communities with nearly 70% of children under age 6 having all parents in the workforce. High quality child care supports the healthy development for young children and fuels our economy by enabling adults to participate in the workforce. How does the lack of access to high quality child care impact our entire community and what can you do to help? Tammy Britton, Workforce Development Project Manager for Talent 2025 and Anissa Eddie, Pritzker Early Childhood Fellow with First Steps Kent and KConnect are here to discuss. For more information, visit: www.talent2025.org , www.firststepskent.org , and www.k-connect.org
The purpose of the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage is to provide dedicated and sustainable funding for programs that improve the health, school readiness, and well-being of children under age five; therefore allowing more children and families from across the community to participate in programs that are proven to increase their likelihood of success in school and beyond.
All parents want to give their children a strong start in life. Becoming good at math begins long before a child enters school. Each one of us is born to be a “math person” as math concepts help children make sense of the world.
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