Great Start Family Coalition of Kent County

The Great Start Parent Coalition comes together to share information about early childhood and to support the plan for Kent County's Early Childhood System.

We will prepare our children for success in school and life. For more information: 632-1007 Funding from the Office of Great Start within the Michigan Department of Education supports the implementation of Great Start.

'Blindsided' by budget cut, Michigan early childhood programs fight to survive - Bridge Michigan

01/27/2026

https://bridgemi.com/talent-education/blindsided-by-budget-cut-michigan-early-childhood-programs-fight-to-survive/?utm_source=Bridge+Michigan&utm_campaign=9e154e6f1d-Bridge+Newsletter+01%2F27%2F2026&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c64a28dd5a-9e154e6f1d-82184703

'Blindsided' by budget cut, Michigan early childhood programs fight to survive - Bridge Michigan Across the state, Michigan early childhood groups work to connect families to resources. But the state has cut off funds leaving many in limbo.

After funding slashed, early childhood resource group shutting down

01/22/2026

We had our 6th and Final One County One Book Launch yesterday and WOOD TV8 did an amazing job capturing it!

After funding slashed, early childhood resource group shutting down The Great Start Collaborative of Kent County, which coordinates early child care across the county and helps kids get ready to succeed in school, says it will shut down at the end of the month afte…

01/20/2026

GSC Funding Statement

Great Start Collaborative ending "One County, One Book" initiative

01/20/2026

One County One Book Finale! Great Interview by our director Paula Brown! Fox 17 Morning Mix

Great Start Collaborative ending "One County, One Book" initiative With the elimination of 32p funding from the Michigan State Budget, 2026 will mark the final year for the program.