WGVU By Leaps & Bounds

Child care is essential to the economy, allowing parents to enter the workforce and providers to support both their businesses and families. COVID-19 has had a profound impact on child care, and underscored the importance for a greater investment in issues of access and affordability as part of state recovery efforts.

Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative (ELNC) provides high-quality early care and education programs in vulnerable neighborhoods of Grand Rapids, and is a model of a continuum of early childhood education services both in Kent County and the State of Michigan. From programs that support early learners to programming that supports families and advocacy work, ELNC partners within the communities they serve to ensure children are ready for kindergarten.

In addition to its impact on the many facets of everyday life for families, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the security of basic needs for families, including housing and food. Currently, Rental Payment Assistance and Emergency Food Assistance are two of the most frequent requests of callers to 2-1-1, the United Way Assistance line. In support of community efforts to achieve equitable outcomes for children, The Kent County Essential Needs Task Force works with partners such as the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness to address residents’ basic needs and to ensure equitable access to resources within the community.

With the successful launch of the Kent County Success Basics initiative in 2018, the Nurturing Parent Power Workgroup of the Great Start Collaborative of Kent County is excited to take this work a step further by launching Ready 4K and Success Basics Text in Kent County. Ready 4K and Basics Text are evidence-based family engagement curriculum delivered by text messages. Each week, caregivers receive age-based fun facts, easy tips, resources, and engaging activity ideas that promote moments of

Parent groups are a great way to connect with other parents. Not only are they a place to learn from other parents, but also learn about resources or opportunities in the community. Parent groups can also be a safe space to share their experiences and grow their parenting practices. Often parents feel less alone when facing challenges because of the relationships they develop with other parents and the support they find within the group.

Not just about fun and games, play is an important teaching tool! Through playgroups, young children learn social-emotional and communication skills; build their physical, cognitive, and creative skills; boost their confidence; and enhance their connections with caregivers. For caregivers, play groups provide a connection with their child, other parents, and professionals. Play and Learn groups also provide caregivers with the strategies, tools, information and resources to help prepare for

When parents develop a secure attachment relationship with their child, it strengthens children’s self-esteem, concept and worth. Arbor Circle’s Early Childhood services team partners with parents to build their skills, help them bond with their children, and create a sense of security in their family. When a child faces mental health or other challenges, it can impact many parts of their life— from school performance to behavior at home and in the community. Arbor Circle works alongside families as they face these challenges, working to help both the child and family develop the resiliency to recover from the impact of adverse circumstances that can interfere with the ability to thrive.

The social, academic and behavioral skills that children develop in their early years creates a foundation for their future. Parent Educators partner with parents in understanding their child's development and how they learn best. Parent Educators offer support, parenting tips and strategies on topics most important to parents, personalized with information focused on each family's needs, concerns, and goals.

The first few years of life – between birth and kindergarten – are when a child’s brain will grow the fastest. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, parents are home with their children now more than ever. Parents, it’s important to know that you were made to be your child’s first and most important teacher. Don’t let that scare you, your child was born ready and excited to learn. They just need your love and guidance to get a great start.

Child care is one of the key essential services needed to get and keep our economy rolling. Families and employers alike are counting on the availability of child care slots to get everyone back to work. However, child care businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, albeit historical sector declines. Camp Fire West Michigan 4C is on-the-ground every day as a long-time “institution of trust” providing “hand to heart business support” to child care providers, helping them save their small business and focus on recovery, sustainability, and expansion.