The Parent Coalition empowers parents and caregivers to speak out and make a difference for the children in Jackson County. Parents and caregivers who are involved in the work of the Great Start Parent Coalition:
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Have access to training in leadership and advocacy
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Provide valuable feedback
Build a supportive network of friends
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Have fun while improving our community!
Interested in learning more? Contact us today!
Parent Liaison: Kelly Sheppard
Phone Number: 517-879-9376
What is the Parent Coalition?
The Great Start Parent Coalition is a grass-roots network of parents who believe the potential of this community lies in the potential of its youngest citizens, and we want the best for both. Therefore, you will typically find us working together to educate ourselves, fellow parents, and other leaders as to the real impact of early childhood experiences not only in the home but on Jackson as a whole.
Because we are everyday busy people just like you, we focus on reaching out in places where we are already connected like school, church, civic groups, work, and playgroups--increasing the priority of early childhood awareness one conversation at a time. We also enjoy working alongside other family-based organizations at local events, conferences, and open-houses, in order to teach and promote early childhood advocacy among Jackson families.
If you have a passion for young children and would like to be a part of something outside of your day-to-day routine, bring your family and join the Great Start Parent Coalition for a meal at one of our monthly gatherings. We meet on the third Monday of each month; dinner begins promptly at 5:30 PM, and free child care is available beginning at 5:50 PM, as we prepare to introduce our monthly featured guest speaker at 6:00 PM. The evening concludes with a drawing at 7:30 PM.
For more details, download our informational brochure on the Parent Coaltion.
New Parent Coalition Member Orientation Information
Great Start System Background
Connecting Points: Learn How You Can Get Involved!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Local Great Start Structure - Organizational Chart
Great Start System Components
Status of Young Children in Jackson County - 2010
Resources
Parenting Awareness Michigan
Find information and links on a wide range of parent resources on topics such as child development, kinship care, drug/alcohol use among children, ADHD resources and much more.
Bridges 4 Kids - Jackson County
Find information and links on a wide range of Jackson-based parent resources, such as Head Start - 12th grade, Early On, READY programs, literacy support, hearing/vision screening, fun things to do with your children and much more.
Love and Logic Institute - Articles for Parents
Find helpful parenting information related to common behavioral questions.
Provider Directories
Great Start Connect
Find licensed childcare (both home and center-based) anywhere in the State of Michigan using Great Start Connect.
Michigan Directory of Service Providers for Infants, Toddlers, and Students with Disabilities
This directory is intended for parents, educators, and other service providers seeking resource information related to the educational needs of children, students, and clients. The directory contains contact information about resources for children ages birth to three with special needs and their families (Michigan's Early On® population) and students ages 3-26 with disabilities.
Advocacy on Behalf of Children
Michigan-Based Advocacy:
National-Based Advocacy:
Contact Your Legislators:
Find Your Representative
Determine who represents you in Michigan's House of Representatives.
Find Your Senator
Determine who represents you in the Michigan Senate.
Find Your Federal Congress Members
Determine who represents you in the federal House and Senate.
