Kent County Invests $8.3 Million in Early Childhood Programs
Thousands of young children and their families in Kent County will continue to benefit from a major investment in their futures. The Kent County Board of Commissioners has approved $8.3 million in Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage funding for the 2025–2026 year.
The funds will support 30 programs across 16 local organizations, all focused on helping children thrive by the age of five. Between October 2025 and September 2026, families will see expanded access to services that promote healthy pregnancies, child development, school readiness, and more.
Last year alone, more than 14,000 children and their families were served through Ready by Five-funded programs. This year’s investment builds on that momentum, continuing to open doors for families and create lasting impact.
“The Ready by Five Millage continues to deliver on its promise that every child in Kent County has the best possible start,” said Kent County Administrator Al Vanderberg. “These funds strengthen the building blocks of learning, health, and well-being that will support children throughout their lives.”
Funding decisions weren’t made lightly. A Resident Proposal Review Board—made up of parents, county commissioners, and community members—carefully reviewed 40 proposals totaling more than $14 million in requests. Their recommendations went to the First Steps Kent Board of Commissioners, and the final approval came from the Kent County Board of Commissioners on August 28.
Ready by Five funding supports a wide network of programs. This year’s grants fall into four major categories:
1. Outreach and Navigation
Families often need help finding the right support, and that’s where Outreach and Navigation programs step in. Think of this network as the “front door” to resources—connecting parents quickly to the services they need.
Funded organizations: Kent ISD, Health Net of West Michigan, Family Futures, MomsBloom
2. Early Learning Programs
High-quality early learning builds a foundation for a lifetime of success. These programs nurture cognitive, social, and emotional growth while helping children develop key literacy, math, and motor skills.
Funded organizations: Comprehensive Therapy Center, Vibrant Futures, Kent ISD, Grand Rapids Community College, National Kidney Foundation
3. Healthy Development Programs
Healthy pregnancies, strong beginnings, and developmental milestones matter. These programs focus on child health and well-being, ensuring kids are on track to thrive.
Funded organizations: Kent County Health Department, Family Promise, Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, Health Net of West Michigan, Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan
4. Parent Education and Support
Parents are a child’s first teachers. These programs give families the knowledge and tools to support children’s learning, health, and development. From home visiting to education, translation services, and support for preventable child health issues, parents get the resources they need.
Funded organizations: Cherry Health, D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s, Kent ISD, MomsBloom, Corewell Health, Vibrant Futures, Bethany Christian Services, Hispanic Center of Western Michigan
“We’re grateful for the continued support from the Kent County Board of Commissioners and our community,” said Jennifer Headley-Nordman, president of First Steps Kent. “These dollars go directly to community-based organizations serving families. The impact is real, and the need continues to grow.”
The Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage is a voter-approved six-year property tax that ensures dedicated, sustainable funding for early childhood services. All funds are independently audited and reported to the Kent County Board of Commissioners each year, ensuring transparency and accountability.
At its heart, this effort is about giving every child in Kent County the best chance to start school healthy, supported, and ready to learn.