Great Start Collaborative
Mission
Support the early childhood system so all children THRIVE.
Vision
Provide a Great Start for every child focusing on the state's early childhood outcomes.
Michigan's Early Childhood Outcomes
1. Children are born healthy
2. Children are healthy, thriving, and developmentally on track from birth to third grade
3. Children are developmentally ready to succeed in school at the time of school entry
4. Children are prepared to succeed in fourth grade and beyond by reading proficiently by the end of third grade
Parent Cafes
Looking to connect with other parents?
Parent Cafes are a time for parents to connect over coffee where together we can openly share in the struggles and celebtrate the triumphs of parenting.
Upcoming Parent Cafes
All Parent Cafes are held from 10-11am
October 2025
Wednesday, 10/8 - Country Chicks Kitchen & Bakery, Morley
Thursday, 10/9 - The Corner Cup, Remus
Tuesday, 10/14 - The Bridge Coffee Shop, Reed City
November 2025
Tuesday, 11/11 - The Bridge Coffee Shop, Reed City
Wednesday, 11/12 - Country Chicks Kitchen & Bakery, Morley
Thursday, 11/13 - The Corner Cup, Remus
December 2025
Tuesday, 12/9 - The Bridge Coffee Shop, Reed City
Wednesday, 12/10 - Country Chicks Kitchen & Bakery, Morley
Thursday, 12/13 - The Corner Cup, Remus
January 2026
Thursday, 1/8 - The Corner Cup, Remus
Tuesday, 1/13 - The Bridge Coffee Shop, Reed City
Wednesday, 1/14 - Country Chicks Kitchen & Bakery, Morley
February 2026
Tuesday, 2/10 - The Bridge Coffee Shop, Reed City
Wednesday, 2/11 - Country Chicks Kitchen & Bakery, Morley
Thursday, 2/12 - The Corner Cup, Remus
March 2026
Tuesday, 3/10 - The Bridge Coffee Shop, Reed City
Wednesday, 3/11 - Country Chicks Kitchen & Bakery, Morley
Thursday, 3/12 - The Corner Cup, Remus
April 2026
Wednesday, 4/8 - Country Chicks Kitchen & Bakery, Morley
Thursday, 4/9 - The Corner Cup, Remus
Tuesday, 4/14 - The Bridge Coffee Shop, Reed City
May 2026
Tuesday, 5/12 - The Bridge Coffee Shop, Reed City
Wednesday, 5/13 - Country Chicks Kitchen & Bakery, Morley
Thursday, 5/14 - The Corner Cup, Remus
June 2026
Tuesday, 6/9 - The Bridge Coffee Shop, Reed City
Wednesday, 6/10 - Country Chicks Kitchen & Bakery, Morley
Thursday, 6/11 - The Corner Cup, Remus
Talking Is Teaching
Talk, Read, Sing!
When you talk, read, and sing with your children-even before they can use words-you're building their brains and helping to prepare them for success in school and beyond.
Parents can help children develop strong language skills through everyday interactions—simply by talking, reading, singing, and playing together every day!
Check out this tip sheet from Too Small to Fail to learn more about things you can do every day at home and in the community to build your child’s language skills: Tip Sheet