Parent Café Sign-Ups The Café is designed to be a space for parents and caregivers to discuss the challenges and victories of raising children. The meetings will take place on Zoom and last one hour. All participants will have a chance to win a $50 gift card! We strive to create a safe and supportive space, so schedule some time for yourself to relax and connect with other parents and caregivers in our community! Thursday, September 24th, 1:30 pm Parent Café Tuesday, September 29th, 7:30pm Parent Café Thursday, October 22nd, 1:30 pm Parent Café Tuesday, October 27th, 7:30pm Parent Café Thursday, November 19th, 1:30 Parent Café Tuesday, December 1st, 7:30 Parent Café | Parent Coalition Sign-Ups Parent Coalition Meetings are opportunities for parents and caregivers to take action on ways we can help support families in our community. Coalition meetings include opportunities for connecting with other parents & caregivers and action steps for using our influence to help shape early childhood initiatives. The meetings will take place on Zoom and last one hour. All participants will have a chance to win a $50 Gift Card! If you are a parent or caregiver, we would love for you to join us! Your voice matters. Thursday, October 8th, 1:30 pm Parent Coalition Tuesday, October 13th, 7:30pm Parent Coalition Thursday, November 5th, 1:30 Parent Coalition Tuesday, November 10th, 7:30 Parent Coalition Thursday, December 10th, 1:30 Parent Coalition Tuesday, December 15th, 7:30 Parent Coalition | Kalamazoo County Talking is Teaching Community Campaign Talking is Teaching is a campaign working to cause a transformation for our little ones. This transformation is no small thing - it takes all of us understanding the possibility for our littlest children - that if we simply talk, sing and read to them from birth, they will be much more likely to become early readers and later school achievers. | During the last few months, we have worked to establish “foundational partners” to help us carry out our work during this next year. The Kalamazoo Literacy Council (KLC), The Kalamazoo Public Library (KPL), KCReady4s, and KRESA have all helped guide our planning for the next three years, while we work to reach all corners of Kalamazoo County. In the last two months, we have led virtual training for the staff and volunteers of various programs and organizations including GSC’s Trusted Advisors, Kalamazoo Literacy Council, Early On, and Seeds for Success. If you would like specific training on how you, your staff, parents, or volunteers can become “Trusted Messengers” of the Talking is Teaching Campaign, please reach out to Jen Stroven, Campaign Manager. And while our families are more often at home needing ways to engage and learn together, we are here for you with materials, activities, and training to help!<- | Click below for a Diaper Time activity | #DiaperTimeTalkTime | | 2020/2021 Quarterly Meetings Save the Dates The Quarterly Meetings will be held via Zoom. An email will be sent to the address you provide when you RSVP | 43rd Annual Youth Literature Seminar Featuring Award-Winning Authors Candace Fleming, Varian Johnson & Paula Yoo Click here for more information | A Great Start for every child in Kalamazoo County: safe, healthy and successful in school and life. The purpose of the Great Start Collaborative is to ensure a coordinated system of community resources and family supports in Kalamazoo County. | GREAT START COLLABORATIVE STAFF Sarah Drumm, Program Coordinator, 269-250-9635 Deirdre Bartells, Program Assistant, 269-250-9664 Ashley Drenth, Parent Liaison, 269-250-9665 Jen Stroven, Talking is Teaching Campaign Manager, 269.598.0686 | |