Dear Early Childhood Advocate:

Thanks to your hard work through the Great Start initiative, Michigan is a better place for children zero to 5. Much has changed since 2005 when this all started. Michigan now has a strong, thriving network of 55 Great Start Collaboratives and Parent Coaltions across the state involving 17,000 parents, educators, businesspersons, clergy, criminal justice system officials and others.

Together, we have created a system of programs and supports for young children and their families that is steadily widening the circle of children who arrive at the kindergarten door ready, willing and able to learn.

It wouldn't be possible, of course, without you and your efforts, including your ongoing willingness to "spread the word" about how early childhood efforts - from local "system building" to quality child care to prekindergarten and more - are not only vital to children and their parents, but to Michigan's economic short-term and long-term economic success. (For more on how Michigan's pre-K investments save the state a billion dollars a year, click here to read the Wilder Research report.) 

We hope that you'll continue to share the story of your local efforts and successes by engaging with local lawmakers and media. Educating busy decision-makers and opinion leaders about the impact that local efforts have on local families is critical to ensuring they, too, come to recognize the importance of getting children off to the best possible start in life.  

Below you'll find tools to help you in your efforts. Thank you for all that you do.