Meeting Notes

Character Education: Building a Caring Community

Dr. Coyne talked about what you do matters, and one person can make a big difference. Having good character makes you a better person and it makes the world a better place. She explored character building principles and programs. She also taught us how to help your child to develop good character, which includes knowing about, caring about, and acting on core ethical values such as fairness, honesty, compassion, responsibility, and respect for self and others.

Character Education Presentation

Notes from Meeting

Handouts from Speaker

Children’s Books to teach about Bullying

Family First- Through it All

Special thanks to Horrocks who donated the poinsettias for this meeting.

Bullying

Anne King talked about bullying and how to prevent it. Here is a hand out from the meeting: handout

Organization and Time Management

The featured speaker Judy Warmington from Woman Time Management offered a realistic approaches for both the “Cleanies” and the “Messies.” Judy, a mother and grandmother, has trained professional organizers with her partner in 25 different states. She has often been accused of being “born organized” and will share her secrets of success, among them the art of planning and prioritizing.

We provided 1.5 hours of professional development/ Tier II training for this meeting.

Candidate Forum, July 20th

75 voters and 13 Candidates for the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives attended the Great Start Parent Coalition’s Candidate Forum on July 20th at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. This event provided an opportunity to learn more about the candidates and what their stance is concerning early childhood. And the voters had a chance to let our future lawmakers know why early childhood is important for Michigan.

Whitecaps Fatherhood Event, June 26th

Dads and their families enjoyed an exciting Whitecaps baseball game with food! Dads also had the opportunity to dialogue with Lew Chamberlin of the West Michigan Whitecaps about why he believes it is important to be a strong advocate for investing in young children.

Here are some pictures from this fun, family event!! To see more pictures from this event go to our facebook page

Daniel Hodgins- Grand Rapids Public Library- Main Library, Ryerson Auditorium Level 3, June 3rd

Presentation:

Getting Kids Out of the Jell-O, and Other Mishaps.

Dan Hodgins discussed the importance of reading and strategies in dealing with bedtime, toileting, money, chores, sibling fighting and much more.

See the handouts below from this presentation:

Legislative Process Training, by Holly Wingard

Presentation:

Holly Wingard gave a very informative presentation about the legislative process and how the state government works. Please see the following presentation and handouts.

Advocating for Early Childhood presentation

Budget Process Flow Chart

Understanding MI Legislature

Tips for Meeting with Legislators

Announcements:

Announcements April 22

Handouts:

Handouts from the meeting:

Diaper Drive Flyer

Diaper Drive Letter

Star Power Flyer

Fatherhood Event Flyer

Daniel Hodgins – Grand Rapids Public Library Event

Sharing Science and Nature With Young Children, by Dr. Sue Unger – March 25th

Presentation:

Dr. Sue Unger taught us how to help young children learn simple science and nature concepts. She shared many practical ideas and hands-on activities. Here is some video clips of some of her wonderful ideas:

How to observe animals, like butterflies and snails with children.

How to make a cloth bird with children.

Teaching children where corn comes from.

Teaching children about different kids of houses.