We're First Steps Kent

Choose a path below to find resources, learn about our work, or get involved.

Find Help Near You

For families and caregivers — childcare, screenings, parenting support, and more.

I’m a Partner or Provider

Partner portals, funding opportunities, and collaboration.

I Care About Early Childhood

The case for investing early, advocacy, policy updates, and how to support this work.

How We Strengthen Early Childhood in Kent County

Strengthening the system requires ongoing commitment from all of us – those who raise and love young children, those who work within the early childhood system, those who make policies and funding decisions, and those who want this community to be as equitable and prosperous as possible.

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The Power of Early
Our Impact

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Community engagement

At First Steps Kent, we engage with parents and providers in order to inform the work that supports our mission and helps strengthen our early childhood system in Kent County.

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Vision

We see bright futures for Kent County’s youngest kids! We are working to make sure our community has the policies, programs, and supports in place so that children are healthy, thriving, and developmentally on track when they start kindergarten.

Impact

First Steps Kent is an independent nonprofit organization that works with parents, service providers, funders, advocates, and other stakeholders to build a comprehensive early childhood system in Kent County.

Investing in early childhood leads to a more prosperous and equitable community. Prevention and early intervention get better results and cost less than trying to address problems as children get older.

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Early Childhood News

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Funding Opportunities

2026 Funding Opportunities

First Steps Kent is pleased to offer funding opportunities, organized into four service categories that reflect the essential supports children and …

Power of Early Care & Education

First Steps Kent Hosts Press Conference on New Bipartisan Legislation…

First Steps Kent hosted a press conference at our Grand Rapids office today where we were proud to partner in coordinating a major announcement by …

Power of Early

The Power of Early: Why Kent County Must Keep Leading for Our Young…

Every big success starts small. For children and families, those small beginnings are supported by strong systems of care and education that help …

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Early Literacy

Families at the Center of Early Literacy

First Steps Kent heard through parents and partners that families of children with developmental differences - specifically those with autism, …

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Power of Early Investments

Power of Early Intervention and Support

For more than a decade, Kent County has been committed to ensuring every child can enter kindergarten healthy, supported, and ready to learn. Through …