About the Michigan Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC)

The Michigan Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC) was established in February, 2005. The ECIC is a public, non-profit corporation serving as the focal point in the state government for developing Michigan's Great Start system. The goals of the ECIC include:

+ Advancing public education and public will in

regard to the importance of early childhood
issues.

+ Increasing investment in early childhood

programming and resources, as well as, working
with communities to align and improve services
statewide.

+ Providing information to educate and advocate

for policy changes that assure the most efficient
and effective use of financial resources for
children, families, and communities.

+ Supporting the building of local early childhood

systems through the formation of Great Start
Collaboratives.

What is Great Start?

In January, 2006, the Jackson County Intermediate School District was awarded a Great Start Collaborative planning grant by the ECIC. Since that time, the 26 member Executive Committee has been working on:

+ Completing a data assessment and gathering information from the

community about gaps and needs for services in early childhood.

+ Coordinating existing early childhood programs and groups.

+ Engaging stakeholders in the planning, implementation, and

coordination of services for families.

+ Promoting community awareness and support campaigns for early

childhood issues.

+ Advocating for early childhood programs, policies, and services.

+ Engaging parent involvement though the Parent Coalition, which

provides parents a chance to have a voice in a truly "grassroots" effort to advocate for the children of Jackson County.

By Working Together We Can Ensure a Great
Start for Every Child in Jackson County

Great Start Jackson is a county-wide collaborative effort that involves several community partners and, of course, the parents. Click here to learn how you or your organization can get involved today.