The Power of Early: Why Kent County Must Keep Leading for Our Young Children and Families

Dear partners and friends,

Every big success starts small. For children and families, those small beginnings are supported by strong systems of care and education that help create brighter futures. As we look ahead, I’m excited to share more about The Power of Early, a renewed effort to shine a light on the small moments, early investments, and everyday connections that add up to lasting impact for children in Kent County.

In the coming year, you’ll hear stories of progress and resilience. But you will also hear honest updates about what we’ve learned as system builders: where we’re making strides, where families continue to face barriers, and where our community must still step up.

Kent County has long shared a commitment to ensuring every child is ready for kindergarten. This begins with healthy pregnancies, healthy births, and access to quality early care and education. Over time, we have seen meaningful successes. Children here are faring better in several key areas, and that progress is worth celebrating.

Yet we must also acknowledge concerning trends. Kindergarten assessment data demonstrates a continued need for prioritizing literacy within Kent County. Research makes clear that kindergarten readiness is multifaceted and includes academic, social, and emotional development. In Kent County and across Michigan, school systems measure kindergarten readiness in different ways, which affects what these assessments can tell us. “Kindergarten Ready” is much more than recognizing letters. However, reading proficiency often points to broader challenges facing children and families and reminds us that too many still face barriers that limit their ability to thrive, reinforcing why this work remains both necessary and urgent.

If we’ve learned anything, it’s that there is Power in Early. The power of early health, early bonding, early learning, early support, and early investments. Investing early works, and I am sure that without the Ready by Five Millage and the strength of our provider network, the challenges before us would be far greater.

But the need is growing, not shrinking. Here in Kent County, we have chosen to lead. And we cannot do it without you.

The Power of Early will demonstrate how little things make the biggest difference. It will also show that our work is far from finished. Families are counting on us to keep going, keep learning, and keep investing in what works.

So today, I’m asking, "Will you continue to stand with us? Will you help ensure every child in Kent County has what they need to be truly Kindergarten Ready?”

Together, we can turn early moments into lifelong success,
Jennifer Headley-Nordman
President, First Steps Kent