Great Start Shiawassee

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Great Start Shiawassee Sharing information with the parents and people who care about young children in Shiawassee County.

The Story Walk at DeVries Nature Conservancy has a new book, Fall: An Autumn Picture Book About Seasons and Change by Nu...
10/09/2026

The Story Walk at DeVries Nature Conservancy has a new book, Fall: An Autumn Picture Book About Seasons and Change by Nuria Roca (Author) and Rosa M. Curto (Illustrator). The Story Walk is behind the nature center on the West Woods Trail.

With lyrical, age-appropriate text and vibrant artwork, this gentle story follows children as they experience the natural changes that make fall special. From jumping into leaf piles to noticing the changing colors around them, young readers will connect with the simple joys of the season.

Perfect for read-aloud moments or early independent reading, Fall encourages observation, builds vocabulary, and inspires a deeper connection to the natural world.

The walk at DeVries is 1/8th of a mile or as far as your imagination can take you. The nature trail includes a small hill to/from the Story Walk. During inclement weather, the nature trail may experience snow, ice, or mud along the path.

Sponsored by the Great Start Shiawassee Family Coalition.

It’s Not Too Late to Enroll for PreK! http://shiawasseepreschool.orgGSRP/PreK for All classrooms are still accepting s...
10/08/2026

It’s Not Too Late to Enroll for PreK! http://shiawasseepreschool.org
GSRP/PreK for All classrooms are still accepting students for the 2026–2027 school year, but spots are limited!

Learning to manage emotions, make friends, and follow routines and rules are some of the important skills that preschool teaches.

Playing with siblings and friends at home is different. The structure of preschool gives boundaries and sets expectations that allow all children to grow.






Is a tablet part of your evening routine? Are you ready for a digital diet? Routines are where screen habits form. Sta...
10/07/2026

Is a tablet part of your evening routine? Are you ready for a digital diet? Routines are where screen habits form. Start small: pick one section to practice first.

😴 Screens off 60 minutes before bedtime.
😴 Devices charge outside bedrooms.
😴 We do one reconnect activity after screens (read/cuddle/outside).
😴 I “park” my phone during bedtime routine.
😴 We choose tomorrow’s plan (clothes/backpack) instead of scrolling.

Not all screen time is the same. Some screen use can support learning and connection when it’s shared or interactive. Other types are harder for young children to manage and are best avoided.

A quality preschool offers opportunities for young children to learn in ways that are fun and healthy. ShiawasseePrescho...
10/05/2026

A quality preschool offers opportunities for young children to learn in ways that are fun and healthy. ShiawasseePreschool.org

About Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) / PreK For All
🖍️Ranked #1 nationally
🖍️Majority of 4-year-olds qualify for free
🖍️Smaller class sizes with more one-on-one attention
🖍️All teachers have early childhood education and ongoing training
🖍️Research-based, state-approved curriculum
🖍️Meets all state health and safety standards
🖍️Healthy meals and snacks provided

Are you ready for a digital diet? What does your meal routine look like? Routines are where screen habits form. Start ...
09/30/2026

Are you ready for a digital diet? What does your meal routine look like? Routines are where screen habits form. Start small: pick one section to practice first.

🍽️ Phones/screens stay off the table.
🍽️ We sit and eat at the same table or in the same room.
🍽️ We ask questions: What was the best part of your day?
🍽️ TV off during meals (or is only on during weekend meals).
🍽️ If I need my phone, I say why.

When we choose screen-free options during the day, we give children more chances to build these skills.

Go on a “shape hunt” with your little one. Search for different shapes in your home and around your neighborhood. Not ab...
09/29/2026

Go on a “shape hunt” with your little one. Search for different shapes in your home and around your neighborhood. Not able to go outside? Bury a toy in a bowl of dry rice for digging fun!

“The seeds of dreams found in books and planted in your community can grow across the world.” - Dolly PartonThank you t...
09/28/2026

“The seeds of dreams found in books and planted in your community can grow across the world.” - Dolly Parton

Thank you to everyone who donated to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library last week. Your financial support helps put books in the mailboxes of children, ages 0-5. Throughout the year, let's keep improving Shiawassee County literacy by picking up a book to read, reading a book to a child, and/or supporting your local literacy programs. Through generosity and compassion, small acts of support can change a child's world.

New address? Don't let your books get lost along the way! If your family is moving, be sure to update your address so yo...
09/28/2026

New address? Don't let your books get lost along the way!

If your family is moving, be sure to update your address so your child can keep the stories coming month after month.

Simply log in to your Parent Portal at imaginationlibrary.com to update your address, or contact Erica at [email protected] with the information on your child's most recent book mailing label.

Here's to new adventures, new memories, and plenty of great books waiting at your new doorstep!

Today is Give Like Dolly Day! ❤️ https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com/Dolly believed that when you’re in a position to ...
09/25/2026

Today is Give Like Dolly Day! ❤️ https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com/

Dolly believed that when you’re in a position to help, you should help. She gave generously, dreamed big for children and spent her life finding ways to make a difference in the lives of others. Her dream, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, has helped distribute more than 60,000 books to children in Shiawassee County since December 2023.

When donating, you can choose to donate to the Shiawassee County program by selecting "I would like to designate this donation to a specific Imagination Library Local Program Partner" and then entering your zip code. Checks can be mailed to the Shiawassee RESD at:
Shiawassee RESD
Attn: Imagination Library
1025 N. Shiawassee St.
Corunna, MI 48817

Address

114 W North Street
Owosso, MI
48867

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