Resources - First Steps Kent

Resources

Want to learn more about the importance of early childhood development, the benefits of investing in young children, and how national research is guiding our work in Kent County? We have put together resources for parents, news about what is happening in our community, and the latest research about early childhood.

Parents are their children’s most important teachers

As a parent, you are already your child’s first and best teacher. The things you do every day help build your child’s brain and nurture his or her development and learning.

Begin with this resource page source for parents in Kent County to learn more about early childhood development and the resources available in our community.

Connect to Resources

First Steps Kent in the News

Featured Oldest Newest

Pre-K for All will improve long-term health, education, and social outcomes for children

When it comes to education, the 2023 Kids Count Data Book lists Michigan as ranking 42 among the 50 states. One of many ways that the state is working… [→]

Second Wave Media July 19, 2023

Family Child Care Network Grantee Announcement

Family Child Care Network Grantee Announcement [→]

ECIC Child Care Innovation Fund July 12, 2023

RAPID Goes Local: Community-Specific Content for Community-Specific Needs (

Since the early weeks of the pandemic, advocates and policymakers have relied on RAPID’s survey results for up-to-the-minute snapshots of America’s… [→]

Early Learning Nation June 02, 2023

More funding means more playgroups, home visits, help for county families of young children

Kent ISD — Services that provide a foundation for school readiness for Kent County families are benefiting from a new round of two-year funding… [→]

School News Network February 02, 2022

$9 million awarded to tax-funded early childhood programs in Kent County

Kent County’s early childhood millage has awarded $9 million to 28 programs this year aimed at improving the health and school readiness of children… [→]

Mlive January 14, 2022

GRCC receives $1M grant to support 'Play and Learn' groups

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Community College’s “Play and Learn” groups will be better able to support the community’s youngest learners and… [→]

FOX17 January 06, 2022

‘Huge’ COVID stimulus could lift 117,000 Michigan children out of poverty

The American Rescue Plan includes a 15 percent increase in food stamp benefits. In Michigan, more than 430,000 adults reported they can’t afford food… [→]

Bridge Michigan March 08, 2021

Whitmer proposes $370M for child care

Local providers and leaders say the recommended investments are a good start, but more is needed. [→]

Grand Rapids Business Journal March 05, 2021

County, aiding parents as well as children, allocates latest round of Ready by Five early childhood millage grants

The goal of the ongoing Ready by Five early childhood support programs, funded by a countywide milage passed in 2018, is to provide “dedicated and… [→]

WKTV December 09, 2020

Grand Rapids 200

Grand Rapids 200, a comprehensive list of the most powerful executives in more than 20 industries in Grand Rapids. [→]

GRBJ November 17, 2020

Child care providers to receive toys, sanitation supplies with $450K grant from Kent County

Child care providers in Kent County are set to receive easy-to-clean toys, virtual learning curriculum and sanitation supplies thanks to a $450,000… [→]

MLive September 16, 2020

Kent County awards funding to help child care centers

Kent County officials announced the grant Wednesday, Sept. 16, saying the funds will be distributed through First Steps Kent. First Steps Kent is a… [→]

WoodTV September 16, 2020

Kent County agencies launch doula program to address racial birth disparities

The money comes from the county’s share of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars. [→]

MLive August 19, 2020

Giving Children a head start

GRMag August 05, 2020

Supporting parents as teachers

“Too many parents are caught between the need to earn a living and the fear of sending their kids to child care,” Kent County Board of Commissioners… [→]

SchoolNewsNetwork May 05, 2020

Coalition coordinates aid to child care centers

GRBJ April 17, 2020

Lead screening for all children ages 2 and younger part of Grand Rapids- Kent County

In addition to providing supplies, First Steps Kent will assist child care providers in meeting new health and safety requirements and help providers… [→]

MLive February 25, 2020

Linking early literacy and health: Lakeshore healthcare collaborative expands in Kent County

RapidGrowth February 06, 2020

Free early childhood 'Play and Learn’ groups increasing for parents, caregivers

First Steps Kent has been helping child care providers navigate the pandemic since March, according to the county. [→]

Mlive February 03, 2020

Tax-funded early childhood programs to begin, expand March 2020

The nonprofit earlier this year convened the Kent Child Care Crisis Response Team, which paired children of essential workers with child care… [→]

Mlive February 01, 2020

Business Journal selects 50 Most Influential Women

From a record 248 applicants, the Grand Rapids Business Journal selected the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan for 2020. [→]

Grand Rapids Business Journal January 08, 2020

Business Community is Key to Galvanizing Voter Support for Early Childhood Services in Kent County

“Child care providers have been hit hard by this pandemic, and we have had the honor of listening and serving their needs during this time,” Annemarie… [→]

EarlyLearningNation.com October 23, 2019

Early Childhood Education Millage Use Plan Approved by Kent County Commissioners

Kent County was the first in the state and one of the first in the nation to approve tax dollars specifically for early childhood programming when the… [→]

WKTV April 28, 2019

Tax Proposals, Races Kent and Ottawa Voters Will Decide Nov. 6, 2018

MLive.com September 25, 2018

Yes Ready by Five campaign to Help Kent County Children Getting Ready for Kindergarten

WZZM September 04, 2018

Inclusion and Equity: First Steps

WGVU July 05, 2018

Proposed Millage Would Fund Early Childhood Programs in Kent County

WGVU July 04, 2018

Commissioners OK Early Childhood Millage Proposal

WOOD TV June 27, 2018

Conference Aims to Improve Early Childhood Development

WOOD TV April 25, 2018

Kent County Selected to Participate in Early Childhood Development Initiative

More information about First Steps Kent’s program can be found here. [→]

WGVU April 25, 2018

Infants, Toddlers Focus of New Investment from Pritzker Children's Initiative

Child care providers who have taken financial losses due to the pandemic are eligible for grants through the Kent County Small Business Recovery… [→]

Education Week April 24, 2018

Infants, Toddlers Focus of New Investment from Pritzker Children's Initiative

Providers can also obtain personal protection equipment through the county’s back-to-work program. [→]

MiBiz November 25, 2017

News Releases

Publications

Media

Megan Streng
Communications Director
mstreng@firststepskent.org
616.450.8521

Dig into the Research on Early Childhood

First Steps Kent partners with organizations across the nation to build effective early childhood systems. Learn more about our national partners:

Boy on bike

Interested in learning more about the importance of investing in early childhood?

Explore these websites to find research and data that will guide your understanding: