What We Do

In partnership with committed leaders from the private and public sector as well as parent representatives from our six-county region, Great Start identifies and responds to early childhood needs by mobilizing resources toward the development of a sustainable, Great Start for all children in our region. Great Start Traverse Bay/Manistee Collaborative’s core functions are to:

• Collect data and review infrastructure
• Convene and coordinate organizations and direct service providers
• Support parent leadership through Great Start Parent Coalition
• Provide early childhood resource information
• Address barriers to and gaps in services and programs
• Support early childhood advocacy at the local and state level
• Develop and leverage funding through a variety of partnerships

How is a “Great Start” for 0-5 children defined?

• Infants, young children and their families are socially and emotionally healthy
• Families support and guide the early learning of their infants and toddlers
• Families have access to high quality early care and education
• Children are ready to succeed in school and in life
• Families of infants and young children are economically stable
• Infants and young children live in safe families

View WHAT IS GREAT START? to learn why Great Start Collaboratives were established

View Michigan’s Great Start System to learn about the collaborative’s comprehensive approach to addressing early childhood in our region