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.

• Announcements:

  

Announcements for March 25

• Handouts:

Handouts from the meeting:

April 22 meeting flyer

May 13 meeting flyer

GRPL Meeting in June

Star Power Flyer

Diaper Drive Letter

Meatballs with the Mayor – February 11th

• Minutes:

Here are the minutes from the meeting

• Handouts:

Handouts from the meeting:

First Steps – Great Start one pager

This Week in Washington – Policy Update 2-10-10

March 25 Meeting Flyer – english

March 25 Meeting Flyer – spanish

Nutrition/Collaboration Meeting – January 21st

• Presentation:

Here is Alyson Henemann’s presentation about Portion Distortion – Nurtition Presentation and How to prevent Obesity Presentation

• Minutes:

Here are the minutes from the meeting

• Handouts:

Handouts from the meeting:

Writing for Results Workshop – January 7th

• Presentation:

Here is  Eileen Raphael’s presentation Writing for Results