Early Learning Programs

High-quality early learning experiences nurture a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. Programs in this area ensure all children have access to quality learning opportunities and build literacy and language skills.

Play and Learn Community Programming

Play and Learn Communities offer welcoming, drop-in, play-based sessions where children and their caregivers learn and grow together through activities that support early learning, social-emotional development, and school readiness.

  • Little Learners Playgroups – Vibrant Futures
    Playgroups for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers, hosted in child care centers, schools, and community settings. Uses play-based activities to support cognitive, language, literacy, social, and emotional development.

  • Therapeutic Play and Learn Groups – Comprehensive Therapy Center
    Inclusive playgroups for children ages 0–5, including those with developmental disabilities. Led by trained pediatric therapists, the program equips caregivers with strategies to support their child’s growth at home.

  • Play and Learn – Grand Rapids Community College
    Community-based groups that help caregivers support children’s language, literacy, and STEM development using everyday materials and routines. Also emphasizes emotional and physical growth.

  • Bright Beginnings – Kent ISD
    Playgroups across Kent County that support parent-child interaction, development-focused parenting, and family wellbeing. Families connect, explore parenting topics, learn about child development, and grow through play.

Early Literacy and Learning Programming
Early Literacy and Learning programs give young children opportunities to build language, communication, and school readiness skills through evidence-informed, play-based activities that align with Michigan’s Early Childhood Standards of Quality.

  • Regie’s Rainbow Adventure® (RRA)- National Kidney Foundation
    A seven-book health curriculum for children ages 2–5 that combines fun storytelling with hands-on learning. Educators use the program to encourage children to try fresh fruits and vegetables, engage in physical activity, and build early literacy and language skills. Family letters and take-home tools help parents support healthy habits at home.


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