Early Childhood Resources

Early Childhood & Literacy Events

  • 29 Jul
    • Backyard Safari @Montague Branch
      Date: Jul 29
      Time: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
      Location: 8778 Ferry St # 2, Montague, MI 49437
      Cost: FREE
      Calendar: Read early. Read often Community Events

      Join the Outdoor Discovery Center as we explore our wild backyards with the help of live Michigan animals.

    • Backyard Safari @Holton Branch
      Date: Jul 29
      Time: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
      Location: 8776 Holton-Duck Lake Rd, Holton, MI 49425
      Cost: FREE
      Calendar: Read early. Read often Community Events

      Join the Outdoor Discovery Center as we explore our wild backyards with the help of live Michigan animals.

    • Backyard Safari @Dalton Branch
      Date: Jul 29
      Time: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
      Location: 3175 5th St, Twin Lake, MI 49457
      Cost: FREE
      Calendar: Read early. Read often Community Events

      Join the Outdoor Discovery Center as we explore our wild backyards with the help of live Michigan animals.

    • Story Time at the Lighthouse
      Date: Jul 29
      Time: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
      Location: 1431 Beach St, Muskegon, MI 49441
      Cost: FREE
      Calendar: Read early. Read often Community Events

      Join Hackley staff for a special Story Time at the Muskegon South Pierhead Light on Mondays (weather permitting)!  Together we’ll read stories, lead songs and games appropriate for children.  Sit-upons will be provided (you may bring folding chairs if you’d like). Muskegon South Pierhead Light will offer FREE climbing tours to child participants with the purchase of a paid Adult admission ($5).

      Make this a weekly family outing throughout the summer! We look forward to seeing you!

More Events

MAISD Programs

Enter to Win
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!
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
Play & Learn
Play & Learn Free books and fun to help children grow and learn. For children birth-5. Play & Learn
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!
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
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
Because kids don't come with instructions...
Bright By Text High-quality, up-to-date information about child development and local family events and services texted right to your phone. Bright By Text

Community Partners

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
Call 211
Call 211 Call for Help
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
Help Me Grow
Help Me Grow Take the Ages and Stages Questionnaire to find out if your child is growing on track. Once complete, Help Me Grow MI will connect you to tips and resources to support your child's growth. Is my child growing on track?
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:


Heather Nummerdor
Administrative Assistant
(231) 767-8300
(231) 773-1482