Across the state of Michigan, the Early Childhood Investment Corporation and the Great Start Collaboratives have convened a network of Great Start Parent Coalitions (GSPC). Serving as advocates, cheerleaders, thought-leaders, teachers, students, coaches and team-members, these parents have formed strong coalitions to lend voice and hand to the belief that every child from birth to age four needs and deserves a Great Start in life.

Interested in learning more, and joining your local Great Start Parent Coalition? Click HERE to review the contact list and connect with the Great Start Collaborative & Parent Coalition nearest you.

GREAT START PARENT COALITIONS: 

Are key advocates on the issues of early childhood in their community, their state--even nationally.  For example, some advocate for sustainable, permanent funding to support the promotion of social and emotional health in all young children. Others identify and recognize "family-friendly" workplaces in the Great Start Collaborative area. They may educate others in their community about the importance of brain development, the need to act early when developmental issues arise, and the need for a coordinated network system of early childhood services and supports.

Develop and execute a cohesive annual work plan to keep the needs of Michigan's youngest citizens where they should stay: front and center!

Are parent-driven, composed of parent volunteers, and have a flexible approach to building a diverse membership.  The parent members create the vision, plan of work and agendas for GSPC activities and meetings.  A key element of support for the Great Start Collaboratives, they help advance  local activities and initiatives by lending support and expertise. Each local GSPC is composed of parent volunteers---members are not paid to participate. The membership and leadership of the local GSPCs  strive to represent the wide diversity of the parents of young children in their community-- including but not limited to cultural, socio-economic, geographic, and gender.

Are members of the Early Childhood Investment Corporation learning community. Each Parent Coalition has a Parent Liaison/Coordinator, who is a member of the Early Childhood Investment Corporation learning community for Parent Liaisons. The Early Childhood Investment Corporation Parent Liaison learning community members share their successes, challenges and lessons learned with each other at technical assistance meetings scheduled throughout the year.  A learning community is composed of peers, and seeks to honor the individual unique gifts/talents/culture of each community, while recognizing that there are similarities that make learning together helpful to the success of all.

Are supported by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation. Support may come in the form of staffing to assist in executing the parent coalitions' mission, removing barriers to participation, hospitality for meetings, childcare for sponsored meetings and events and/or professional development and training.