Millage Recipient Profile -Grand Rapids Community College

Play and Learn GRCC is a vibrant community-driven initiative dedicated to enhancing the early learning experiences of young children by empowering parents, caregivers, and early childhood educators. With Play and Learn groups scattered across Kent County at various community venues, caregivers and parents of children from birth through five years old are invited to join us for these enriching 90-minute sessions, offered weekly.

During these sessions, participants delve into topics such as child development, early reading strategies, and positive discipline while engaging in playful activities with their little ones. Each session is carefully crafted to align with the kindergarten readiness expectations set forth by the Michigan Department of Education, ensuring that children receive a solid foundation for future academic success.

Through collaboration with numerous community partners, Play and Learn GRCC is committed to nurturing strong connections between children, families, caregivers, and schools, ultimately facilitating a seamless transition into kindergarten and setting the stage for a lifetime of learning and achievement.

Family Voices:

Meet the Litt family, with an active toddler and a four-month-old baby girl who was born deaf. They are currently navigating through the joys and challenges of parenting their little ones. Recently, they faced the task of keeping hearing aids in place for their baby girl, which proved to be quite a challenge. However, during a heartwarming playgroup session, another mother kindly stepped in and crafted wide stretchy headbands with fashionable bows to help secure the hearing aids. This thoughtful gesture not only solved a practical issue but also brought a sense of support and connection to the Litt family during this time.

The Litt family's experience highlights the incredible impact of community and support networks. Despite the difficulties they faced, they found comfort and assistance through the kindness of another family at Play and Learn GRCC. It's a beautiful reminder of how small gestures of compassion and understanding can make a world of difference, creating a stronger, more connected community for families facing similar challenges.