Early Childhood Resources

Early Childhood & Literacy Events

  • 3 Jun
    • Muskegon Public Learn, Play & Grow @ Bunker Elementary
      Date: Jun 3
      Time: 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
      Location: 2312 Denmark St. Muskegon 49441
      Cost: FREE
      Calendar: Read early. Read often Community Events

      Please join our Play and Learn Group again at Bunker Elementary, 2312 Denmark St., Muskegon!

      Wednesdays 12:30 - 2:00 pm & Thursdays 10 - 11:30 am

      Please email mdoyle@mpsk12.net with questions!

      Walk ins welcome!

       

      Image File Click Here for More Information
  • 4 Jun
    • Muskegon Public Learn, Play & Grow @ Bunker Elementary
      Date: Jun 4
      Time: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
      Location: 2312 Denmark St. Muskegon 49441
      Cost: FREE
      Calendar: Read early. Read often Community Events

      Please join our Play and Learn Group again at Bunker Elementary, 2312 Denmark St., Muskegon!

      Wednesdays 12:30 - 2:00 pm & Thursdays 10 - 11:30 am

      Please email mdoyle@mpsk12.net with questions!

      Walk ins welcome!

       

      Image File Click Here for More Information
  • 11 Jun
    • Little Learners Play & Learn at Lakeshore museum
      Date: Jun 11
      Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
      Location: 430 W Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440
      Cost: FREE
      Calendar: Read early. Read often Community Events

      You are invited to join a special Play and Learn program at the Muskegon Museum of History and Science on the second and fourth Thursday of each month.

      “Little Learners” is a free literacy-based program for
      Muskegon County infants and toddlers ages 0-4. During this program participants will be invited to join us for a 15-20 minute organized story time followed by free play. Registration via Ticket Tailor is required but there is no charge for this program. All attendees must register including caregivers & siblings.

      This program will run for 50-60 minutes. During this program adults and children will have fun learning through songs, stories, sensory stations, motor skills stations, art and more!

      Our themes for this session will be:

      Sept/Oct: Opposites

      Nov: Mini & Little Read of the Lakeshore

      Dec: Winter

      Jan/Feb: Space

      March/April: Migrations

      May/June: Shapes

      July/August: Water

      We will have a free book for families to take home as well as special crafts and activities to do.

  • 13 Jun
    • Reading is Fun Literacy Carnival
      Date: Jun 13
      Time: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
      Location: Joe Clifford Park, 2140 Valley, 49441
      Cost: FREE
      Calendar: Read early. Read often Community Events

       

      Join us for the 5th Annual Reading is Fun Event!

      A free, family-friendly literacy celebration for children from birth through 5th grade and their families. This year we will celebrate Birth to 5th Grade Literacy with activities and resources for all ages birth to 11. Our goal is to connect families with Muskegon County resources that support literacy, health, kindergarten readiness, and reading success.

      When: Saturday, June 13, 2026 • 12–2 PM
      Where: Holy Trinity Church of God in Christ, 2140 Valley, 49441

      Event Highlights:

      Free books, food, and haircuts

      Bounce houses, games, face painting, balloon animals

      Storytime and literacy activities

      30+ community resource tables

      500–1,000 expected guests

      Hosted by: MADL, COGIC Community Center, Kingdom Embassy Church, Faith Partners Early Literacy Champions, MAISD Literacy & PBL Teams
      Sponsored by: Community Foundation for Muskegon County

      Interested in being a vendor? sign-up here! 

       

More Events

MAISD Programs

Help Me Grow
Help Me Grow Curious about your child's development or looking for resources? Contact a Help Me Grow Care Coordinator today! Is my child growing on track?
Enter to Win
1 Enter to Win & Get Connected! Enter to Win a $25 Meijer gift card and a bundle of books! Winners are drawn monthly. This entry form also connects you to other valuable resources for families with young children. Simply, fill out the form and click submit. Enter to Win & Get Connected!
Because kids don't come with instructions...
2 Lantern formerly Bright By Text High-quality, up-to-date information about child development and local family events and services texted right to your phone. Lantern (Bright By Text)
Play & Learn
Play & Learn Free books and fun to help children grow and learn. For children birth-5. Play & Learn
FREE Preschool
FREE Preschool More than 20 locations in Muskegon and Oceana County! For eligible 3 and 4-year-olds. Full and half-day options. FREE Preschool
Early Head Start of Muskegon/Oceana
Early Head Start Free home-based program for pregnant moms and children ages 0-3 that promotes health, enhances development and encourages healthy family functioning. Support for prenatal - 3
Support for developmental delays
Early On Don't worry. Don't wait. If you think your child may be delayed Early On can assess and help your baby and toddler grow and learn. Support for developmental delays
Countdown to Kindergarten
Countdown to Kindergarten Spring is the best time to enroll if your child will be 5 in September! Find enrollment links and more here. Kindergarten Enrollment
Read early. Read often.
Read early. Read often. 90% of a child's brain develops before they turn 5. Talk, read, and sing every day and everywhere to build your child's brain. Find free books, local events, and tips! Read early. Read often.
Great Start Parent Coalition
Parent Coalition Parent fellowship, outreach projects, enrichment topics, and family fun. Find Your Parent Power!

Community Connections

Great Start Collaborative
Great Start Collaborative Join a diverse group of early childhood stakeholders to improve outcomes for children prenatal to 8 in Muskegon County. Improve Early Childhood Outcomes
Family Service Directory Click here to access a full list of healthcare, social services, education, and basic needs support for parents of young children. Contact us directly for copies of the brochure version pictured here. Family Service Directory
Call 211
Call 211 Call for Help
The Library
Local Libraries Muskegon County has 16 Libraries. Enjoy free books, music, technology, programs and family fun at a location near you. Local Libraries
Read Muskegon
Read Muskegon Breaking the generational cycle of illiteracy. Help with Reading for ALL ages! Read Muskegon
Resources for Families with New Babies Updated info about breastfeeding support, nutrition, prenatal education, Community Doulas, new parent groups, home nurse programs, teen & homeless parent support and more! Resources for Families with New Babies
WIC Public Health Muskegon County
WIC-Food, Nutrition & Breastfeeding Support Breastfeeding support regardless of income. Moderate to low-income families with children prenatal to age five qualify for food, nutrition, breastfeeding supplies, and formula assistance. 231-724-1391 WIC-Food, Nutrition & Breastfeeding Support
Community Doulas
Community Doulas How YOU Birth Doulas? Doulas provide support before, during, and after childbirth! Community Doulas
Great Start to Quality
Great Start to Quality High quality, low cost/free childcare resources for families and providers. Childcare Resources
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Care more. Be more. Dream more. Learn more.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library FREE carefully selected book mailed to your child 0-5 years old each month. Made possible by United Way of the Lakeshore. FREE Books in the Mail

All It Takes Is H.E.A.R.T.

Questions?  Please contact:


Elizabeth Londo
Administrative Assistant