BOOK DRIVE!

Help Support Literacy in our County!  We Value Our Children!

Donate your new or gently used books from March 1, 2010 through April 30, 2010.  Please donate age appropriate reading materials for ages 0 to 12.

Drop boxes are located at these Chemical Bank Branches:  Stanton, Edmore, Sheridan, Crystal, Carson City, Greenville, Lakeview and Belding.

This book drive is supported by the Montcalm Area Reading Council, Great Start Collaborative of Montcalm County, Rotary International and Chemical Bank.

Star Power 2010!

Star Power is a day for Michigan's early childhood community - parents, doctors, childcare providers, educators, business leaders - and many of our youngest learners  to gather to celebrate the importance of early childhood investment.  We will commemorate Star Power by recognizing champions who are making a difference in our work, enjoy outdoor family activities and most importantly, meet with state legislators to talk about the significance of building an early childhood system for all Michigan's children.

Mark your calendars for May 19, 2010.  For more information, please download the complete Star Power toolkit. (Please note:  this is a very large file.  Please be patient. The toolkit contains a large amount of information and opportunities.)  Don't miss this important event!

We Care for Kids Council - Systematic Training for Parenting

Facilitated by Terry King:  Executive Director for We Care For Kids Council

The Systematic Training for Effective Parenting Workshop (STEP) will meet for a six week Winter session.  There is no cost involved but we do require a commitment by the participants.  Our Monday evening classes will begin on Feb. 22^nd and run through March 29^th.  Classes will be held at the Stanton Elementary School from 5:00pm-7:00pm.  The STEP Workshop offers all parents a realistic and down-to-earth approach toward meeting the challenges of raising children today.  This 6 session Workshop will have a discussion group format providing an opportunity for parent interaction.

STEP Workshop Schedule and Topics

1. Feb 22:  Understanding children's behavior and misbehavior
2. March 1:  Understanding how children use emotion to involve parents
3. March 8:  Encouragement
4. March 15:  Communication and listening
5. March 22:  Exploring alternatives and expressing ideas and feelings to children
6. March 29:  Developing responsibility

You can reserve your spot TODAY for the STEP Parenting Workshop by calling:  Terry King at: 616-902-3734 or register via email crookedlakeking@gmail.com

Check out upcoming calendar of events for more information.

 

 

 

Governor's Proposed Budget

I'm just off the phone with Matt Gillard, our Legislative contact with ECIC. He gave us the highlights of the Governors proposed budget. I am attaching documents which nicely outline how these funding proposals would impact Early Childhood Programming, including Great Start Readiness Program, Great Start Collaboratives, and Great Parents, Great Start..

Basically, the Governor is proposing some controversial changes in tax structure. She would like to implement the "Physicians Tax" which would impact Medicaid reimbursement rates, further cutting the reimbursement rate by 11%. This would mean physicians would continue or increase the rate at which they refuse these families. This would greatly impact the children and families we serve. ECIC is watching this situation carefully.

The second controversial revenue increasing idea is to decrease the sales tax from 6% to 5.5% but to include the taxing of services. This would generate $550 million.

The third proposal is to phase out the Michigan Business Tax surcharge.

There are also incentives being proposed to entice teachers with over 30 years of service to take retirement. Benefits to these teachers would be cut however.

GSRP would maintain funding at the current rate. She did include language that would protect it from discretionary cuts by districts. Some changes were made in risk factor eligibility, as well as tuition rates.  GPGS was continuted at 5mill. GSC's are continuing at 6mill.

Overall, the Governors proposal maintains funding to Early Childhood at the current rate at which it is now. Matt was encouraged that further cuts were not introduced by the Governors plan, but states that "...legislators are already having a  very negative reaction to the plan...".  

• Fiscal Year 2011 Recommended Budget
• Fiscal Year 2010 Executive Budget Recommendation
• Great Start Readiness Program Budget Plan

Thank you,  Susan Sunden, M.Ed.,CTRS, Director, Great Start Montcalm

New Leadership at Great Start!

Hello Parent Coalition!

I wanted to introduce myself as your new Parent Liaison.  My name is Mishawn Zudweg and my family and I reside in Howard City, Michigan.  Susan Sunden has moved into the Director position for Great Start Montcalm and I have been given the opportunity to serve you as your Parent Liaison.  I am a mother of three children ages 12, 10 & 6 and a home business owner.  I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in business management and have had the joy of working from home for the last 10 years.  I have been an active participant in our coalition from the start and look forward to working with all of you as your new Parent Liaison.

Mishawn Zudweg, BBA, Great Start Montcalm Parent Liason 

Aspergers/Autism Associates Winter Classlist

The winter classlist is now available.  Social skill groups will continue to be offered, as well as new workshops.  Chase the winter blues away with fun activities for the whole family.  Visit www.autism-asperger-associates.com for complete information.

Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health

The Infant Mental Health Statewide Forum Planning Committee is pleased to announce the following series of meetings for 2010.

1. Relationship Development in Pregnancy and Early Postpartum:  An Infant Mental Health Perspective (April 1, 2010)
2. Domestic Violence:  Supporting Pregnant Mothers, Infants and Toddlers Living in Abusive Environments (July 29, 2010)
3. Substance Use and Abuse in Pregnancy and Early Parenting:  Why Doesn't She Just Quit?  (October 25, 2010)

For complete event details and registration, please download a copy of the information by clicking here.

Play, Learn, Read!

Check out the complete schedule for book readings and play groups at your local library!  This is an excellent opportunity to meet and play with other parents and children from birth to 5 years old!

Explain the flu to me better!

This interesting flier explains the difference between H1N1 and seasonal flu and ways to stay healthy:  http://www.cdc.gov/flu/freeresources/2009-10/pdf/pan_flu_flier.pdf

Budget Impasse

Budget Impasse Results in Immediate Cut-off in Federal Funds to Michigan School Districts - read the complete news release here!

Community Impact Center

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little about what we are doing at the Community Impact Center.
Right at this time we are handing out food to 155 to 167 families a week when we do not run out of food.  The last few months we have been closing the pantry up early on Thursday afternoon and closed all day Friday, we are praying for more donations of food, and it is coming in slowly.
We have a small rummage shop in the back of the building on the south side.  We have clothes, household items, old computers, we get bikes every now and again. Freezer, dishwasher, vacuums, blankets.  Bookcases, books, desks.  A little bit of everything.  This is for the community, and we asked a small donation for each item other than cloths. We ask $2.00 donation for a bag full. As much as you can get in the bag.   We are not asking  for a lot, just enough to keep the utilities on. This is for all of Greenville and surrounding areas.
Thanks again,
Pastor Karen