
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Our 2nd Annual Michigan Indian Day Celebration is on Thursday, September 25th from 4-6pm at Camp Jijak in Hopkins.


Join MSU Extension The Parent Talk System , Tuesdays, 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14 (7:30-9 pm). Register at https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9ymsFvepoXP3cFw


Join MSU Extensions on 9/10 (7-8:30pm) for Intro Into Hope Framework
Register: https://msu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dZEat3Y_RLmerD7NcoQGyA
Register: https://msu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dZEat3Y_RLmerD7NcoQGyA


Join MSU Extensions on Thursday, September 11, 18, 25, and October 2, 9 (7:30-9pm). Register
at https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dd7Nnn1h8Y1TcNg
at https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dd7Nnn1h8Y1TcNg


HAPPY SEPTEMBER! "Let's Talk About Our Community" at home or FREE Talking is Teaching Play-and-Learns across Allegan County.







Join MSU Extension Classes - September 2nd: Working Together to Develop Early Literacy Skills and/or September 9th: Back to the Basics: Skills in Infant and Toddler Care from 8- 9:30 PM. Register at https://bit.ly/4oskK2I



Protect Michigan's Youngest Learners: Keep Section 32p Early Childhood Funding Dedicated
Great Start Collaboratives and Family Coalitions are not duplicative programs. They are the backbone of early childhood infrastructure in Michigan. Their neutral, cross-sector leadership ensures every family has a place at the table and that no child falls through the cracks.
We urge Michigan lawmakers to:
✅ Maintain Section 32p as a dedicated funding line
✅ Reject proposals to merge it into Section 22f
✅ Protect the statewide network of Great Start Collaboratives and Family Coalitions that make our systems work
NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT!
🖊️ Add your name and stand with us to protect Section 32p and the systems that support every Michigan child’s great start in life.
https://chng.it/HN42RYr4GP
Great Start Collaboratives and Family Coalitions are not duplicative programs. They are the backbone of early childhood infrastructure in Michigan. Their neutral, cross-sector leadership ensures every family has a place at the table and that no child falls through the cracks.
We urge Michigan lawmakers to:
✅ Maintain Section 32p as a dedicated funding line
✅ Reject proposals to merge it into Section 22f
✅ Protect the statewide network of Great Start Collaboratives and Family Coalitions that make our systems work
NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT!
🖊️ Add your name and stand with us to protect Section 32p and the systems that support every Michigan child’s great start in life.
https://chng.it/HN42RYr4GP


🎉 It’s Book Reveal Time! 🎉
We’re excited to announce the 2025 NEA BIG • MIDDLE • LITTLE • MINI Read Lakeshore titles!
Allegan County’s Great Start Collaborative is proud to team up with Hope College for the third year in a row to celebrate stories, spark conversations, and share the joy of reading with all ages this fall.
We’re excited to announce the 2025 NEA BIG • MIDDLE • LITTLE • MINI Read Lakeshore titles!
Allegan County’s Great Start Collaborative is proud to team up with Hope College for the third year in a row to celebrate stories, spark conversations, and share the joy of reading with all ages this fall.



We need Allegan County parents and grandparents to join our Great Start Collaborative meetings to ensure decisions reflect local families' needs. Participants who attend any of our GSC "Whole Group" or "School Advisory Committee" Meetings will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card for their participation. Sign up at bit.ly/GSCMeetings2026.



SAVE THE DATES!
Join Kelli Stuifbergen this school year for FREE Coffee Connections! These relaxed gatherings give Allegan County parents and caregivers a chance to connect, share experiences, and chat about parenting, while little ones (ages 0-5 years old) enjoy playtime in a welcoming space. Location TBD. Register at bit.ly/2026CoffeeConnection



Great Start "Families Connected" Events are back again this school year. Don't forget to register your family for the events requiring registration at bit.ly/familiesconnected2026.



We are so excited to share this school year's Talking is Teaching Play-and-Learns! We look forward to seeing you at our September Play-and-Learns throughout Allegan County soon.





Join MSU Extensions August 26th: Reducing Challenging Behaviors in Toddlers from 8- 9:30 PM. Register at https://bit.ly/4oskK2I


Join MSU Extensions August 19th: What Children Need to Know for School from 8- 9:30 PM. Register at https://bit.ly/4oskK2I


We are still "Talking About the Summer". Please join our FREE Popsicles in the Park celebration at Paradise Park in Fennville TODAY from 1-2pm.



We are still "Talking About the Summer". Please join our FREE Popsicles in the Park celebration at Paradise Park in Fennville TOMORROW from 1-2pm.



Join MSU Extensions August 12th: Mindfulness for Children from 8- 9:30 PM. Register at https://bit.ly/4oskK2I


Moms and dads, you are doing a great job! Follow the #safesleep steps to keep baby sleeping safely. Learn more https://www.michigan.gov/en/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/safe-sleep2/safe-sleep-for-your-baby/safe-sleep-steps


Know the facts on infant #safesleep and sleep-related infant deaths in Michigan. Learn more at: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdhhs/Safety-and-Injury-Prevention/Safe-Sleep/Sleep-Related_Infant_Death_Infographic.pdf?rev=02c7d123b7d040ef8c8d7b982e36f6ab&hash=92AEE6400499D7CC0FB657805ECD9D14


TODAY (7/24) is our 3rd POPSICLES IN THE PARK! Come visit us in Allegan at Hanson Park from 1-2pm!

