Great Start Collaborative

The Great Start Collaborative is grant funded through the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential.

MissionGreat Start Collaborative Logo

 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

Parent Cafe Details

Talking Is TeachingLet's Talk About Our Community

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

External LinkTalking is Teaching


Elizabeth Dennis
Family Liaison
Tricia Smith-Bennett
Great Start Collaborative Coordinator