Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage
Supported by the Kent County Ready by Five Millage
Kent County's dedicated funding for early childhood services
The Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage provides dedicated and sustainable funding for programs that improve the health, school readiness, and well-being of children under age five. It allows more children and families from across the community to participate in programs that are proven to increase their likelihood of success in school and beyond.
Kent County voters overwhelmingly approved the Ready by Five Early Childhood Proposal in November 2018, making Kent County the first county in Michigan with tax dollars collected specifically to support early childhood programming.
The millage is funded by a .25 mil property tax increase that generates about
$39 million in total
- Funding Opportunities
- Millage News
- Millage Reports
Funding Opportunities
The Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage funds a wide range of early childhood programs in Kent County.
The deadline for 2024 funding has passed. Agencies that applied will hear about allocations in early August 2023. Once the allocations are approved by the Kent County Board of Commissioners, this fall, First Steps Kent will announce the 2024 funded programs and services.
Check back next spring for more opportunities to improve the health and well-being of children ages five and younger.
e-CImpact Login
e-CImpact is First Steps Kent's online system for managing the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage process annually. Through e-CImpact, Agencies will submit applications, and provide reports and accountability documents.
Resident Proposal Review Board Members will also have electronic access to Agency and Program information to assist in their decision making
If you are an AGENCY, click HERE to enter.
If you are a RESIDENT PROPOSAL REVIEW BOARD MEMBER, click HERE to enter.
Evaluating Ready by Five
An independent research and evaluation team is assessing the impact of Ready by Five on young children and their families. The external evaluation will lead to continuous quality improvement and assure the effectiveness and accountability of programs funded by the millage.
First Steps Kent administers and oversees the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage.
Community-based organizations apply for funding to provide services such as home visiting, play and learn groups, developmental screening, and navigation support to help families access the help they need and want.
Decisions about which organizations to fund are based on community needs assessments and the recommendations of the Resident Proposal Review Board, which includes parents, Kent County Commissioners and staff, a community early childhood expert, and a First Steps Kent Commissioner.
Check out this video to learn more about the successful Ready by Five ballot initiative and campaign.