Muskegon's ParentVille

An information hub, designed by the Great Start Collaborative aGreat Start Collaborative Muskegon County nd developed under a grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Education to help Muskegon County Families give their children a GREAT START. 

Questions? Contact:
Allison Keessen, Coordinator, Great Start Collaborative
231-767-7285 or Email Allison Keessen

Liz Londo, Parent Liaison, Great Start Parent Coalition
231-299-0182 or Email Liz Londo

text THRIVE to 274448 

Receive Tips and Resources by Text 

Because kids don't come with instructions!  Receive tips, activities, and local resources right to your cell phone. Messages are targeted to your child’s age.  Text THRIVE to 274448 or sign up here: https://bbtxt.org/3tr5E0X

 

ASQ Ages & Stages Questionnaires LogoIs Your Child On Track for His or Her Age? - Take the ASQ to find Out!     Help Me Grow Michigan

Take this questionnaire for free as often as you like to see how your child is developing.  You will get a full report emailed to you and you will get tips on how to help your child grow.  If you need help with the questionnaire, text or call 231-299-0182.  If you have concerns about your child's development, don't worry but don't wait!  Call Early On at 231-767-7247.

Bright By Text

Play & Learn Groups 

Find Play and Learn Groups for children 0-5 years old with a caregiver.  These groups, supported by the Great Start use an evidence-based curriculum to provide developmentally appropriate activities that will help get your child ready for Kindergarten and a lifetime of learning! They are also great places to meet other parents and strengthen your family with strong social connections. Also, visit readearly.org to learn about other community partnerships you can access to support your child's development! 

diverse group of children from toddlers- kindergarten age painting at child sized tables.   Child and teacher retelling a story on an easel with velcro story pieces. Two babies playing with shaker eggs on a colorful mat at a Great Start Play and Learn Group.

Birth to 5 Development

  • Did you know 90%  of your child's brain will be fully formed by the time he or she turns five years old?
  • Learn more about each stage of your child's growth. 
  • Find support and fun opportunities for you and your child! 
  • And when being a parent seems hard, remember: You have what it takes to help your child grow!  All it takes is H.E.A.R.T.   
  • Nurture your child's growth by attending a local Play and Learn Group or Storytime.  

Kindergarten Readiness

Boy and girl with backpacks holding hands and walking down the sidewalk to school

Parent Connection

WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER! Connect to other parents and support by reaching out to any or all of these key contacts: 

Great Start Parent Coalition
Email Liz Londo, text or call 231-299-0182

Muskegon Parent's Initiative 
Email Leigh Moerdyke, call 616-446-6100

Fathers Matter Coalition, Dads on Deck and Project Fatherhood
Email Norman Young, text or call 616-304-8360

Fathers Matter (Class & Support Group)
Email Timmy Smith or call 231-215-4622 or 231-260-0179

MILakeshore Kids.com
(Calendar, email, and links to family-friendly events and activities) Email Kristy Wyngaarden

Mom Mentoring Program of Public Health Muskegon County
For pregnant women. One-on-one support with another mom, and more!  
Call 231-724-4415

MYAlliance System of Care
Email Kevin Schmidt, text or call 231-638-9720

One Love Two Homes 
(for co-parenting support and education) Email for One Love Two Homes information

United Parents (for single parents) 
Email Stephanie Harmon or call 231-726-4161

Read more about the Parent Coalition,  Dads, and Co-Parenting Tips   

Strong Families Seek Help When Needed!

Service Directory for Families with Young Children. Great Start of Muskegon County logo and phot of and adult doing crafts with young children.

Access an updated, printable, ADA compliant version of this directory, containing local resources for: 

  • Parenting Support & Education

  • Social & Emotional Health

  • Childcare & Early Education

  • Active Play

  • Family Support

Request printed copies of this directory or report any needed updates to akeessen@muskegonisd.org.  

Family Literacy & Early Childhood Events