The Status of Children in Muskegon County
Present Status of Muskegon County Efforts on Behalf of Children 0-5 and their Parents
Great Start completed an exhaustive assessment and evaluation data about children from birth to age five to produce Our Earliest Promise , a 2006 report on the status of children in Muskegon County.
While the data analyzed points to some serious challenges in our community, we discovered a deep reserve of assets we can build on to ensure that every child in Muskegon County can be safe, healthy and successful.
- More than 100 agencies, faith-based groups, and child care providers have been identified that are providing service for children 0-5 years and their families in Muskegon County.
- Muskegon County's health delivery system for young children is well developed anchored by two federally qualified health centers ,Hackley Community Care Center and Muskegon Family Care.
- Research indicates that children who attend preschool demonstrate higher levels of success as adult learners, parents, and community members.Muskegon/Oceana Head Start preschool program serves over 900 children .
- The Community Coordinating Council is very active in integrating, supporting, and creating community resources through such programs as family resource centers and other special child/parent resources.
- According to the US Census, more than one out of four Muskegon County children aged birth to five live in poverty, well above the state and national averages.
- Muskegon County has a 8.6% Infant Mortality Rate; 16.9% among African-Americans.
- Muskegon/Oceana Head Start has a waiting list of 300 children.

