Parent Voice Matters

The early childhood system in Kent County is constantly evolving, influenced by new research, reporting, and funding sources. However, the most important influences guiding the system are the true experts in what works, what doesn’t, and what’s needed: parents. Parents come in all kinds - foster parents, grandparents raising grandchildren, stepparents, and other caregivers. Their voices guide the work we do.

First Steps Kent believes parents are the experts! Since the onset of the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage, parents have helped guide decisions. On the Resident Proposal Review Board, four parents work with local leaders and experts to read and score proposals and ultimately decide which programs and services are funded.

In August 2022, we hosted the national Parent Leader Network, a group affiliated with the Center for the Study of Social Policy in Washington, D.C. Parent leaders from across the country met to learn from one another. They shared best practices and ideas on how early childhood organizations can engage parents and keep them involved. Parents in the network receive training so they are equipped to serve. We also added two new parent leaders to the First Steps Kent Commission and are constantly working to ensure parents are part of all decision-making and advisory groups.

During 2022, First Steps Kent was one of the first communities to join the RAPID survey project offered through Stanford University's Center for Early Childhood. When the national RAPID project began in April 2020, parents were surveyed each month to learn how they were faring through the pandemic. As the project continues, the research has expanded to local communities to keep a pulse on parent needs and successes. The work provides meaningful insight into the experiences of families as we compare Kent County feedback to national feedback. Results are shared with early childhood system partners so they can ensure their work is aligned with what parents need.

2022 Community Findings

  • 92% of Black families and 88% of Latinx families reported material hardship, compared to 55% of White families, and 29% of other racial/ethnic groups.
  • 76% of parents located in the southwest corner of Kent County reported experiencing material hardship, the highest rate of any area in Kent County.
  • 55% of families reported receiving the MI Bridges Childcare subsidy.
  • 65% of parents reported emotional distress in their child(ren).
  • 77% of parents are covered by health insurance.
  • 76% of children under six are covered by health insurance.

(RAPID Survey Project, in partnership with First Steps Kent. Stanford Center on Early Childhood. Stanford Graduate School of Education. Nov. 2022)

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