A Great Start for EVERY CHILD
in Montcalm County...

Healthy, Safe and Eager to Learn!

   
great start of montcalm

Health Care Coverage for Kids

Free or low-cost health coverage for children under the age of 19, or pregnant women of any age. Call the MI Child and Healthy Kids hotline at 1.888.988.6300 or apply online at www.michigan.gov/michild .

Free Antibiotics

Leading antibiotics are now FREE at your Meijer Pharmacy - No Strings Attached.  Check out your local Meijer for more information on the program.

WalMart also has a low cost antibiotic program as well. Check out details in store.

Choose My Plate!

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Healthy Kids Dental Is Here!

The program, which is available to Medicaid-eligible children in 65 Michigan counties, has over 340,000 enrollees. Nearly 80% of dentists who treat children participate. Find a dentist and make an appointment today! For more information, please click here!
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Dolly Parton Imagination Library was developed in 1995; by Dolly, so that every preschool child would have their own library books; and encourage a love of reading and learning. This program provides a new book each month from the day the child is born until his/her fourth birthday.

We are currently enrolling children! For more information click here.

Request for Proposals

The Montcalm Area Intermediate School is seeking proposals for Great Start Readiness Program Preschools.

This Request for Proposal represents the requirements for an open and competitive process. Proposals will be accepted by email or paper copy to the MAISD 621 New Street, Stanton MI 48888 PO BOX  or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it until 4:00 pm EST June 30, 2013. Any proposals received after this date and time will be void.  All proposals must be signed by an official agent or representative of the organization submitting the proposal.

 The organization submitting a proposal may not outsource or contract instructional staff from or to another organization to provide GSRP preschool.  Recipients of GSRP funds must employ staff (including lead teacher, associate teacher, aides, program director, etc.) directly.

 All questions regarding this RFP can be directed to Cari O’Connor, Montcalm County Great Start Director at 616-808-6488.

Click here for the Full RFP. 

 

Kindergarten Registration

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Will your child be 5 years old before November 1, 2013?  If so they may be ready for Kindergarten next year!  Kindergarten Registration is begining in March so don't miss out!  Click here for information specific to your district!

 

Preschool Registration

Will your child be eligible for preschool next year (2013-2014)?  If so make sure to fill out the Montcalm County Preschool application!  This application is used by the EightCAP Head Start, Early Head Start and Great Start Readiness Programs (GSRP)!  Most of these programs are no or low cost and are located in many cities in the county.   Get the application here or contact: (616)754-9315 or 1-866-754-9315, ext. 3369 or Michigan Relay Center: 1-800-649-3777 (Voice & TDD).

 

Summer Meal Programs in Montcalm County

Many school districts and organizations have programs to serve meals to school age children in the summer.  Here are some that we know about so far.  If you have information about additional programs please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Montcalm Intermediate School District - The Ionia County and Montcalm Area ISDs announce the sponsorship of a Summer Food Service Program for Children. Meals will be available on the dates listed in the attached announcement.  They will be served at the H.O. Steele building in Fenwick. Click HERE  for the announcement.

Carson City-Crystal Area Schools is a proud participant in the USDA Summer Food Service Program. Nutritious meals will be available FREE OF CHARGE this summer to anyone 18 years of age or younger at the locations and times listed HERE .  (All meals must be eaten on site in the cafeteria or other designated areas).

PBS Parents

 

PBS Parents is a trusted resource filled with information on child development and early learning. It also seves as a parent's window to the world of PBS KIDS, offering access to educational games and activities inspired by PBS KIDS programs. Check out their website today!

 

 
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Calendar of Events

Find out what is happening in Montcalm County for families. Click here for a calendar of events.

Check out Brandy's Blog!

Want to know what is happening with the Parent Coalition? Check out Brandy's Blog for the latest happenings! The Parent Coalition is a group of parents, grandparents, caregivers and professionals who advocate for young children in Montcalm County. We meet monthly to learn about fun kid/parent topics and share/plan activities in the community. Check out our calendar, or our facebook page!
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Information and Resources

Get great parenting, teaching and child care information! Check out our weblinks to information and resources.
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In an effort to raise community awareness about the health status of Montcalm County residents, the Mid-Michigan District Health Department has put together a community health assessment. Click here for details. ( Please be patient - this is a large file.)

Greenville Recreational Activities for Kids!

Parents - Don't forget to check out all of the exciting recreational activities available from the Greenville Recreation Department.  See what is available for your kids here.