Van Buren County

The Van Buren Great Start Collaborative wants to assure that all families have access to high quality early care and education. It is our goal to give every child the opportunity to succeed in school and life. These are some activites and services you might want to take advantage of.

Great Start Readiness Programs (GSRP's) Formerly called the Michigan School Readiness Program (MSRP)
Michigan School Readiness Programs are no-cost, state-funded preschools that enroll 4 year old children who may be "at risk" of school failure.  Contact your local school district to see if your child qualifies. 

Head Start Program
The Head Start Program is a no-cost federally funded program which provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. For more information or to see if your family qualifies, contact the Tri County Head Start at (800) 792-0366 or visit their website.

Licensed Child Care Directory
The ECIC has launched the Great Start CONNECT to help link parents and those caring for young children with the resources, supports and services needed to give Michigan children a Great Start. 

Kindergarten Readiness
Discover the REAL measures of Kindergarten Readiness in this blog.

Resource for Parents and Providers
The ECIC has partnered with Detroit Public Television and United Way of Southeastern Michigan to develop 42 one minute tips about early childhood development and how caregivers can support development.

Public
Schools
   Private
Schools		   Home
Schooling		   Preschools
       

 

Family Links Program

Receive free parenting education and referral services

  • Early child development
    and parenting information
  • Home visits and playgroups
  • Vision and hearing screens
  • Links and referrals to
    community resources
    and local schools

For more information, call (269) 539-5214

 

 

8 Tips for a Successful
Child Care Search

  1. Contact child care providers by phone for an interview.
  2. Visit several child care programs and ask for a tour.
  3. Look around to make sure space is healthy & safe.
  4. Ask about the qualifications of the staff.
  5. Request a brochure, flyer or handbook about the program.
  6. Ask them to tell you about the activities & lessons they teach.
  7. Ask about meals and snacks.
  8. Take your child to visit the program before enrolling.
Begin with the Great Start CONNECT database of licensed providers.
 

 

 

 
             

 
 
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