Grant helps expand “Family, Friends and Neighbor Care” project for preschoolers and care providers

The PNC Foundation announced today a $300,000, three-year grant to First Steps to enhance literacy education, language development and child care quality for Grand Rapids’ preschoolers in preparation for their first years of elementary school. read more…

Great Start Parent Coalition of Kent County Hosts Legislative Candidate Forum

The development of a highly skilled work force is a top priority for policymakers in Michigan as they seek to rebuild the state’s economy.  The early education, health and general wellbeing of our community’s youngest children are critical to our state’s future prosperity.  The Great Start Parent Coalition of Kent County is hosting a candidate forum focused on state policies impacting young children and their families.  All candidates who want to represent Kent County in the Michigan House and Senate were invited. read more…

W.K. Kellogg Foundation Renews Support of First Steps

First Steps today announced that the W.K. Kellogg Foundation is making a significant investment in Kent County’s youngest children.  The Battle Creek-based foundation is committing $1.3 million over the next three years to two programs that support the health and development of children across the community:  the Children’s Healthcare Access Program and Welcome Home Baby. read more…

Nationally-known columnist and political analyst David Brooks says supporting quality early childhood programs is the “biggest and best thing” elected officials can do.

“The investment return on early childhood is higher than the return on any other investment in human capital development that we can make,” Brooks told a sold-out crowd of 650 people at the Economic Club of Grand Rapids luncheon on February 8. read more…

Kent County Community Providing Support to Meet the Growing Needs of Young Children

The economic problems of the last decade are taking a toll on young children across Michigan and in Kent County.  Child poverty has increased 40 percent over the last 10 years.  In Kent County, more than 20% of children age 5 and younger are in poverty, with another 20% in low-income households struggling to pay for basic needs.   read more…

The Children’s Healthcare Access Program Shows Encouraging Results; Receives Awards for Collaboration

Grand Rapids, Mich.—As the nation debates healthcare reform, a community partnership in Kent County is ensuring more children have access to quality healthcare by shifting resources to focus on prevention and early intervention.  read more…

The First Steps Commission is pleased to announce the selection of a new executive director.  Rebekah Fennell comes to Kent County from Kalamazoo and brings with her a wealth of non-profit and business experience. Click here to read the complete announcement.

The Great Start Parent Coalition is trying to collect 25,000 diapers for babies and toddlers in need in Kent County.  The parents need your help to keep ‘em covered.  You can drop off diapers at all branches of the Grand Rapids Public Library and all Fifth Third Bank branches in Kent County, as well as a number of other locations.

Download the Diaper Drive Flier for more information and a complete list of diaper drop boxes.

Check out the Parent Coalition’s Diaper Drive Blog.

The Grand Rapids Press published a guest commentary from First Steps Commission Co-chairs Doug DeVos and Kate Pew Wolters urging elected officials to minimize budget cuts to quality early childhood programs and services.  Click here to read the piece.