Who We Are
Quality of life is very important to the residents of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau and Manistee Counties. The natural beauty of the area – the trees, lakes, dunes and skies – make the area unique. But it is our children that are the region’s greatest natural resource. There are approximately 11,000 children in the Traverse Bay/Manistee region. Our collective future depends upon how we care for and invest in these children and their families.
The Great Start Traverse Bay/Manistee Collaborative is a decision making body working together to create a comprehensive, coordinated system of resources and supports so young children in our six-county region have a foundation for a great start in school and in life.
Great Start is one of 55 collaboratives around the state established by ECIC, using a research-based system to address barriers to accessibility, funding stream inadequacies and overlaps and gaps in early childhood services and programs.
Michigan’s Great Start System is focused on five distinct, yet interconnected areas:
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- Pediatric & Family Health
- Social & Emotional Health
- Child Care & Early Education
- Parenting Leadership
- Family Support–Basic Needs, Safety, Economic Security
Great Start member organizations and representatives include:
ECIC (Early Childhood Investment Corporation)
Great Start Traverse Bay/Manistee Collaborative
Parents & Caregivers–Great Start Parent Coalition
CONTACT US to learn more or to join the Great Start Traverse Bay/Manistee Collaborative
Learn more about the ECIC Michigan’s Great Start System
View YOUR COUNTY to learn about what is happening in your area
View WHAT WE DO to learn more about Great Start Traverse Bay/Manistee Collaborative’s core activities
