great start of montcalm
Parent Liaison Blog
Resources for Parents following Traumatic Events

Here at the Department of Education, as elsewhere throughout America, our hearts ache for the Newtown, Conn., community. In a letter today to school districts around the country, Secretary Arne Duncan noted that, “Whenever a school experiences violence and the lives of children and adults are lost, we struggle to find words to express our emotions and explain how this could have happened.”

Many parents and family friends are having a difficult time expressing their own feelings of anxiety, worry or sadness, and often we do not know how to talk with children about such a senseless and horrific tragedy.

Below is a list of resources specifically designed for parents and guardians to provide guidance on talking to children following a traumatic event.

For a complete list of resources visit ED’s Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center, and read Secretary Duncan’s “Resources for Schools to Prepare for and Recover from Crisis.”

Tips for Adults on How to Talk with Children About Connecticut School Shooting [PDF]

Helping Young Children and Families Cope with Trauma (SAMHSA National Child Traumatic Stress Network)  [PDF]

Spanish - Ayudando a Niños(as) y Familias a Enfrentarse con el Trauma [PDF]

Childhood Traumatic Grief Educational Materials for Parents (SAMHSA National Child Traumatic Stress Network)  [PDF]

Tips for talking to children and youth after traumatic events: A guide for parents and educators (SAMHSA)  [PDF]

Parent Tips for Helping Infants and Toddlers after Disasters (SAMHSA) [PDF]

Parent Tips for Helping Preschool-Age Children after Disasters (SAMHSA) [PDF]

Parent Tips for Helping School-Age Children after Disasters (SAMHSA) [PDF]

Parent Tips for Helping Adolescents after Disasters (SAMHSA) [PDF]

Click here for more information and to see documents in additional languages.

Cameron Brenchley is director of digital strategy at the U.S. Department of Education.

How to Help Children Cope with a Crisis

Save the Children Opens Safe Space for Newtown Children, Offers 10 Tips to Help All Children Cope

Save the Children has opened a Child Friendly Space in a Newtown, Conn. middle school to give local children a safe place to play and express themselves while their parents seek counseling and support in connection to the horrific tragedy in their community.

Save the Children is extremely saddened by the events in Newtown, only 20 miles from its Westport, Conn. headquarters, and is ready to help local authorities and partners as needed. For now, the international humanitarian and development organization is running a Child Friendly Space in Newtown’s Reed Intermediate School, which takes graduates of the Sandy Hook Elementary School where the tragedy occurred.

Save the Children designed Child Friendly Spaces based on decades of experience protecting children during times of crisis and helping them recover from disaster, crisis and emergencies all over the world. The agency has also developed guidance to help children who may be exposed to indirect effects of a crisis.

Right now, parents, teachers, grandparents and other caregivers are very concerned about how dramatic images of and discussion about the tragic events can affect the emotional well-being of their children and are looking for advice. Save the Children offers the following 10 tips for adults to support children through any disaster, emergency or crisis.

Save the Children recommends parents, teachers, grandparents and caregivers:

1. Limit television time. While it can be important for adults to stay informed about the situation, television images and reports may be confusing and frightening for children. Watching too many television reports can overwhelm children and even adults. So, limit the number of television reports about the situation you and your children watch.

2. Listen to your children carefully. Try to find out what your child knows and understands about the situation before responding to their questions. Children can experience stress when they do not understand dangerous experiences. Find out what your child knows about the crisis. Then, talk to your child to help him or her understand the situation and ease their concerns.

3. Give children reassurance. Tell children that adults are doing everything they can to protect and help children who have been affected by the tragedy. Also, let them know that if an emergency happens, your main concern would be their safety. Make sure they know they are being protected.

4. Be alert for significant changes in behavior. Caregivers should be alert to any significant changes in children’s sleeping patterns, eating habits, and concentration levels. Also watch for wide emotional swings or frequent physical complaints. If any of these actions do happen, they will likely lessen within a short time. If they continue, however, you should seek professional help and counseling for the child.

5. Understand children’s unique needs. Not every child will experience a disaster in the same way. As children develop, their intellectual, physical and emotional abilities change. Younger children will depend largely on their parents to interpret events; older children and adolescents will get information from various sources, such as friends and the media. Remember that children of any age can be affected by a disaster. Provide them all with love, understanding and support. 

6. Give your children extra time and attention. Children need close, personal attention to know they are safe. Talk, play and, most importantly, listen to them. Find time to engage in special activities with children of all ages.

7. Be a model for your children. Your children will learn how to deal with these events by seeing how you respond. The amount you tell children about how you’re feeling should depend on the age and maturity of the child. You may be able to disclose more to older or more mature children but remember to do so calmly.

8. Watch your own behavior. Make a point of being sensitive to those impacted by the crisis. This is an opportunity to teach your children that we all need to help each other.

9. Help your children return to a normal routine. Children usually benefit from routine activities such as set eating times, bed time, and playing with others. Parents should make sure their children's school is also returning to normal patterns and not spending a lot of time discussing the disaster.

10. Encourage your children to do volunteer work. Helping others can give children a sense of control and security and promote helping behavior. During a disaster, children and adolescents can bring about positive change by supporting those in need.

These tips are also available online at www.savethechildren.org/cope or for download in Spanish at www.savethechildren.org/ayuda.

Bullying Prevention Workshops

Students, Staff and Parents

  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

802-362-5448

www.StandUpToBullying.net

 

 

 
Great Start Montcalm Parent Coalition Bi-Weekly Newsletter 10-29-2012
The Parent Coalition is a group ofparents, grandparents, caregivers and professionals who advocate for youngchildren in Montcalm County. We meet monthly learn about early childhood developmentand share/plan activities in the community! For this information and more about the Parent Coalition visit our Calendar, BLOG, or our facebook page! Here is a brief look at what ishappening in Montcalm County.

 What is Happening:

October 30th, November 6thand 13th, 1:30-2:30pm Milk & Cookies Breastfeeding SupportMeeting Take time to meet other breastfeeding mothers and receive helpfrom Certified Lactation Counselors. Surrounding yourself with others who shareyour same situation can be very supporting and helpful. This is a free meetingheld every Tuesday from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Spectrum Health United Lifestyles inGreenville 616.754.6185.

October30th, November 6th and 13th, 10:00-11:00am FallStory Hour - Stanton at White Pine Library, 106 East WalnutStreet, Stanton, MI 48888. Fall Story Hour Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m.September 18 – November 20, for children 3, 4 and 5-years-old. To register forthis free program please visit or call the library, 989-831-4327

October30th, November 6th and 13th, 10:00-11:00am FallStory Hour - Greenville at Flat River Community Library,Greenville, MI. Listen to a story or two and then create a different craft eachweek!

October30th, November 6th and 13th, 11:00am-Noon Weekly Preschool Library Group - Howard City at Timothy C.Hauenstein Reynolds Township Library; Howard City Contact Cheryl Smith,Children's Librarian 231-937-5575.

November 2nd and 9th, 10:00am Wigglesand Giggles It's an introduction to all those songs and gamesthat we all learned back in the "olden days". Sorry...some of you are not from the oldendays but if you know a child ages 0-4 or even a 5 year old not going toKindergarten and they need to meet other children and have some fun please letthem know that this class is Friday's at CM Elementary (Sheridan Elem)10:00-10:30am. Not only will we besinging the old favorites but lots of new fun songs too. You can buy a punch card and you may comewhen you can. We will meet in the musicroom, an adult is expected to stay and play with us. Call Grandma Suzie at 989-261-3163 if youhave questions or want to sign up email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

November 3rd, 9:00-Noon, at the Seiter Center,Greenville Autism: Understanding the difference, makes the difference Description of class: A journey through the Autism Spectrum. This workshop is designed to helpparents, caregivers and interested characteristics of 1) qualitativeimpairments in the communication, 2) repetitive, restricted, and stereotypicalsocial interactions. In addition, wewill take a brief look at the atypical responses to sensory stimuli. Registerfor class: www.greatstartconnect.org

November 3rd, 9:30, 11:00 and 12:30at Flat RiverCommunity Library – Greenville Free Parent/ChildPlaygroup for children ages birth-5 years. This Months' feature story Clap YourHands by Lorinda Bryan Cauley.

November 5th, 11:00am Weekly Toddler Library Group - Howard City at Timothy C. Hauenstein Reynolds TownshipLibrary; Howard City. Contact Cheryl Smith, Children's Librarian231-937-5575

November 10th, 5:30pm -7:00pm Harvest Party withthe Parent Coalition! Pot Luck dinner,holiday treats and crafts for the children.

November 12th, 5:30pm -7:30pm Montly Parent CoalitionMeeting at Lakeview Community Church. At each Parent Coalition meeting we havedinner, visit with other parents, discuss topics that are important to us andplan activities in the community. We schedule special speakers based on whatyou want to learn about and we always provide childcare! This months' topic CarSeat Safety.

Parent Tip: Developing Good Readers

To read this full article visitPBS Parents at: http://www.pbs.org/launchingreaders/parenttips_1.html

"Learning can happen even as you're driving in the car, takingthe bus, or going for a walk. Parents of preschoolers can point out words inthe world around them – the word stop on a stop sign, for example, andthe word McDonald's on a child's favorite fast-food place. Readingspecialists call this print awareness." "Read early and read often. The earlyyears are critical to developing a lifelong love of reading. You can't startreading to a child too soon!"

Read together every day. Give everything a name. Say how much you enjoy reading together. Read with fun in your voice. Know when to stop. Be interactive. Read it again and again and again. Talk about writing, too. Point out print everywhere. Get your child evaluated if you suspect a problem.

Where we need help:

If you can help out with any of theseevents please contact Brandy Minikey at:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or(616)225-6146.

· ParentCoalition: Bring a friend! We areincreasing our attendance and we still want to get the word out to morefamilies about what we are doing for families in Montcalm County!

· Facebook: We need more followers on facebook!!!!!!!!!!!Please go to our page and be sure to like our page, then share it with ALL ofyour friends! When we reach 200 People that like our page we will be giving outsome prizes! www.facebook.com/greatstartmontcalmcounty

· WinterWear Drive: We are starting our annual winter wear drive for children inMontcalm County this month. If you arewilling to host a box for donations, or pick up donations please let me know!

HaveMaterial to Add?

Do you have information to share aboutan event or resource in Montcalm County? Send it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Contact Great Start Montcalm County:

621 New Street, PO BOX 367

Stanton, MI 48888

Phone: (616) 225-6146

Brandy Minikey

Parent Liaison

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mindy Train

Parent Liaison

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Cari O'Connor, Director

(616) 522-1412

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website: www.greatstartmontcalm.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/greatstartmontcalmcounty

BLOG: www.greatstartmontcalm.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=16&Itemid=165

 
Great Start Montcalm Parent Coalition Bi-Weekly Newsletter 9-3-2012

The Parent Coalition is a group of parents, grandparents, caregivers and professionals who advocate for young children in Montcalm County. We meet monthly learn about early childhood development and share/plan activities in the community! For this information and more about the Parent Coalition visit our Calendar, BLOG, or our facebook page! Here is a brief look at what is happening in Montcalm County.

What is Happening:

September 10th 5:30-7:30pm Montcalm County Great Start Parent Coalition's monthly meeting includes information on advocating for children and preparing them for success in school and life. This month’s special speaker topic is Couponing with Julianne Brokaw. Everyone is welcome! Meeting at Lakeview Community Church, 8980 Howard City Edmore Road, Lakeview, MI. Childcare and food will be provided. RSVP to Brandy Minikey This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (616)225-6146.

September 22nd, 8:30-4:00pm Planting the Seeds For the Future Conference at Montcalm Community College in Sidney. This conference is designed for Parents and Childcare Providers. There will be a wide range of developmental and fun informational topics, key note speaker, vendors, breakfast and lunch. $10 registration fee. Contact Mindy Train for more information and the registration form! This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (616) 225-6146.

September 25 Community Garden Enhancement Project, 1:00-6:00pmAs a positive way to forever remember and pay tribute to the victims of September 11, honor those that rose in service in response to the attacks, and to remind people of the importance of working more closely together to improve our world, volunteers will be observing September 11, 2012 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Join the Community Food Network, Mid-Michigan District Health Department, and Habitat for Humanity in building a shed and cleaning up the Greenville Trailside Community Garden. For more information please contact us at 1-800-417-2622.

September 29 & 30 and October 6 & 7Fun Day on the Farm Anderson and Girls Orchard, Stanton, MI Fun Farm Activities***Camel Rides***Pony Rides***Pig Races

Where we need help:

If you can help out with any of these events please contact Brandy Minikey at:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (616)225-6146.

  • · Spread the Word: Preschools are currently enrolling! While none of us want to wish away summer we do need to take care of one important piece of business, prepare our children for a GREAT future! The county wide multi-agency preschool application is attached to this newsletter. Children ages 3-5 are eligible to apply for preschool. Some programs are already filling up so don’t wait send in your application today! Please share with any friends or family members that may also need this application!
  • · September 22nd, 8:30-4:00pm Planting the Seeds For the Future Conference at Montcalm Community College in Sidney. We need room monitors and people to help with registration and other tasks that day. As a room monitor you would still be able to enjoy the conference!

Parent Tip:

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. (Article From: National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month © 2012 ) In the past four decades, obesity rates in the United States have soared among all age groups. This rise in obesity rates has affected our youth in alarming fashion. Childhood obesity has increased more than fourfold among those ages 6 to 11. More than 23 million children and teenagers in the United States ages 2 to 19 are obese or overweight, a statistic that health and medical experts consider an epidemic. And this epidemic puts nearly one third of America’s children at early risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and even stroke –conditions usually associated with adulthood. Even greater disparities exist among young Hispanics and children of color.

But there are opportunities every day to change these trends. And this September, there is an extraordinary opportunity to build awareness and take action – nationally, as well as in your state, city, workplace and home. For more information visit: www.coam-month.org

Ways to Get Active(from: www.letsmove.gov):

  • · Give children toys that encourage physical activity like balls, kites, and jump ropes.
  • · Encourage children to join a sports team or try a new physical activity.
  • · Limit TV time and keep the TV out of a child’s bedroom.
  • · Facilitate a safe walk to and from school a few times a week.
  • · Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
  • · Walk around the block after a meal.
  • · Make a new house rule: no sitting still during television commercials.
  • · Find time to spend together doing a fun activity: family park day, swim day or bike day.
  • · Issue a family challenge to see who can be the first to achieve a Presidential Active Lifestyle Award by committing to physical activity five days a week, for six weeks. Adults and children can both receive the award!
  • · Talk to your children’s principal or write a letter to your district superintendent to incorporate more physical education in schools.
  • · Encourage schools to hold recess prior to lunch to increase physical activity before mealtime.
  • · Volunteer to help with afterschool physical activity programs or sports teams.
  • · Be sure that children get the sleep they need. Most children under age five need to sleep for 11 hours or more per day, children age five to 10 need 10 hours of sleep or more per day, and children over age 10 need at least nine hours per day.
  • · Learn how engaging in outside activities can be fun and affordable for families through Let’s Move Outside, which promotes a range of healthy outdoor activities for children and families across the country.

Local Resource Highlight:

Take a hike on the Kenneth J. Lehman Nature Trails to experience nature’s beauty. At Montcalm Community College.

Features include:

  • · More than 3 miles of maintained hiking and cross-country skiing trails, which span more 100 acres on the college’s Sidney campus and the Stanton State Game Area.
  • A variety of hikes, which take 20 to 45 minutes to complete.
  • Self-guided tour maps at trail entrances, which include descriptions of trees, flowers, wildlife and other vegetation found along the trails.
  • More than 70 numbered markers to guide visitors.
  • Wetlands and two freshwater lakes – North Twin Lake and South Twin Lake – which offer habitat for a variety of animals.
  • A dock on South Twin Lake offers visitors a place to enjoy the scenery.
  • A vernal pond along the White Tail Trail offers breeding habitats for many invertebrates and several vertebrates in the spring, including spring peepers, wood frogs and blue spotted salamanders.
  • White-tail deer, birds and other wildlife.
  • An outdoor classroom.
  • Bluebird, duck and bat houses.
  • A prairie restoration project.

Print maps out at: www.montcalm.edu

For more information: Call 989-328-1252 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Have Material to Add?

Do you have information to share about an event or resource in Montcalm County? Send it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Contact Great Start Montcalm County:
621 New Street, PO BOX 367
Stanton, MI 48888
Phone: (616) 225-6146

Brandy Minikey

Parent Liaison

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mindy Train

Parent Liaison

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Cari O’Connor, Director
(616) 522-1412

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website: www.greatstartmontcalm.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/greatstartmontcalmcounty

BLOG: www.greatstartmontcalm.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=16&Itemid=165

 
Great Start of Montcalm County and Head Start 0-5 hosted the Third Annual Early Childhood Celebration

at Anderson and Girls Orchard in Stanton on August 9th.  Despite the rain we had 16 vendors, agencies and legislators to provide information and giveaways to our families.  Over 75 people attended for ice cream, petting zoo, wagon rides and more.  We had Judy Emmons, Rick Outman, Mike Huckleberry and a representative from Dave Camps office attend to talk with families about what is important to them. Everyone had a great time and look forward to next year’s Early Childhood Celebration!

All of our agencies strive to provide a great start for every child! For more information go to our websites at www.GreatStartMontcalm.org or www.eightcap.org.

 

Vendors included:

EightCAP Bus

Montcalm Emergency Response & Rescue Service

EightCAP Weatherization

Montcalm Resource Recovery (recycling)

Community Hope

We Care For Kids

Henry Law PC

Mid-Michigan District Health Department

Dr Ellsworth DDS

United Way

Head Start

Alpha Family Center

Threshhold Academy

MSU Extension

Michigan State Police

 

 
Great Start Montcalm Parent Coalition Bi-Weekly Newsletter 8-20-2012
The Parent Coalition is a group of parents, grandparents, caregivers and professionals who advocate for young children in Montcalm County. We meet monthly learn about early childhood development and share/plan activities in the community!  For this information and more about the Parent Coalition visit our Calendar,  BLOG, or our facebook page! Here is a brief look at what is happening in Montcalm County.
What is Happening:
August 24-26th Edmore Potato Festival. Flea Market, farmers market, carnival, parade, community yard sales, EXOP, museum tours, rodeo, car and bike show, music and ice cream social! For more information visit www.edmorechamber.com
September 10th 5:30-7:30pm Montcalm County Great Start Parent Coalition's monthly meeting includes information on advocating for children and preparing them for success in school and life. This month’s special speaker topic is to be determined. Everyone is welcome! Meeting at Lakeview Community Church, 8980 Howard City Edmore Road, Lakeview, MI.  Childcare and food will be provided. RSVP to Brandy Minikey This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (616)225-6146.
September 22nd, 8:30-4:00pm Planting the Seeds For the Future Conference at Montcalm Community College in Sidney. This conference is designed for Parents and Childcare Providers.  There will be a wide range of developmental and fun informational topics, key note speaker, vendors, breakfast and lunch.  $10 registration fee.  Contact Mindy Train for more information and the registration form!   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (616) 225-6146.
Where we need help:
If you can help out with any of these events please contact Brandy Minikey at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (616)225-6146.
·         Spread the Word:  Preschools are currently enrolling! While none of us want to wish away summer we do need to take care of one important piece of business, prepare our children for a GREAT future!  The county wide multi-agency preschool application is attached to this newsletter.  Children ages 3-5 are eligible to apply for preschool.  Some programs are already filling up so don’t wait send in your application today! Please share with any friends or family members that may also need this application!
Parent Tip:
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). The goal of NIAM is to increase awareness about immunizations across the lifespan, from infants to the elderly. August is an ideal time to make sure everyone is up-to-date on vaccines before heading back to school and to plan ahead to receive flu vaccine. World Breastfeeding Week falls during NIAM, from August 1-7. Breastfeeding is "baby's first immunization"- mothers pass some immunity to their babies through breast milk.   For the rest of this article and more information about NIAM visit the American Academy of Pediatrics at: www.aap.org
Resource Highlight:
Permanent, 24 Hour Recycling Sites Now Open, Tuesday, July 31, 2012 from:  www.montcalm.org
The new county recycle drop off permanent site program will begin August 1, 2012. Residents will now be able to drop off recyclables at their convenience with new 24 hours access. Each recycle site will have four low profile containers for recycle drop off. Recyclables do not need to be sorted and all acceptable paper, plastic, glass and metal go into the same container. For the current recycling guide, please visit www.montcalm.org
The permanent sites are located at:
Carson City - 818 N. Williams Street next to the DPW building
Crystal - 206 S. Main Street, Crystal Township Building
Edmore - SW corner of the old Hitachi area, Quicksilver Lane off of Neff Road
Howard City - 730 W. Shaw Street, Leppinks parking lot
Lakeview - SW corner of the Village parking lot, intersection of Second and Main Streets
Montcalm Township - 1998 S. Greenville Road, Montcalm Township complex
Stanton - SW corner of City parking lot, at the corner of Walnut and Camburn Streets
Have Material to Add?
Do you have information to share about an event or resource in Montcalm County?  Send it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Contact Great Start Montcalm County:
621 New Street, PO BOX 367
Stanton, MI 48888
Phone: (616) 225-6146
Brandy Minikey
Parent Liaison
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Mindy Train
Parent Liaison
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Cari O’Connor, Director
(616) 522-1412
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.greatstartmontcalm.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/greatstartmontcalmcounty
BLOG: www.greatstartmontcalm.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=16&Itemid=165
The Parent Coalition is a group of parents, grandparents, caregivers and professionals who advocate for young children in Montcalm County. We meet monthly learn about early childhood development and share/plan activities in the community!  For this information and more about the Parent Coalition visit our Calendar,  BLOG, or our facebook page! Here is a brief look at what is happening in Montcalm County.

What is Happening:

August 24-26th Edmore Potato Festival. Flea Market, farmers market, carnival, parade, community yard sales, EXOP, museum tours, rodeo, car and bike show, music and ice cream social! For more information visit www.edmorechamber.com

September 10th 5:30-7:30pm Montcalm County Great Start Parent Coalition's monthly meeting includes information on advocating for children and preparing them for success in school and life. This month’s special speaker topic is to be determined. Everyone is welcome! Meeting at Lakeview Community Church, 8980 Howard City Edmore Road, Lakeview, MI.  Childcare and food will be provided. RSVP to Brandy Minikey This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (616)225-6146.

September 22nd, 8:30-4:00pm Planting the Seeds For the Future Conference at Montcalm Community College in Sidney. This conference is designed for Parents and Childcare Providers.  There will be a wide range of developmental and fun informational topics, key note speaker, vendors, breakfast and lunch.  $10 registration fee.  Contact Mindy Train for more information and the registration form!   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (616) 225-6146.

Where we need help:
If you can help out with any of these events please contact Brandy Minikey at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (616)225-6146.

·         Spread the Word:  Preschools are currently enrolling! While none of us want to wish away summer we do need to take care of one important piece of business, prepare our children for a GREAT future!  The county wide multi-agency preschool application is attached to this newsletter.  Children ages 3-5 are eligible to apply for preschool.  Some programs are already filling up so don’t wait send in your application today! Please share with any friends or family members that may also need this application!


Parent Tip:

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). The goal of NIAM is to increase awareness about immunizations across the lifespan, from infants to the elderly. August is an ideal time to make sure everyone is up-to-date on vaccines before heading back to school and to plan ahead to receive flu vaccine. World Breastfeeding Week falls during NIAM, from August 1-7. Breastfeeding is "baby's first immunization"- mothers pass some immunity to their babies through breast milk.   For the rest of this article and more information about NIAM visit the American Academy of Pediatrics at: www.aap.org


Resource Highlight:

Permanent, 24 Hour Recycling Sites Now Open, Tuesday, July 31, 2012 from:  www.montcalm.org

The new county recycle drop off permanent site program will begin August 1, 2012. Residents will now be able to drop off recyclables at their convenience with new 24 hours access. Each recycle site will have four low profile containers for recycle drop off. Recyclables do not need to be sorted and all acceptable paper, plastic, glass and metal go into the same container. For the current recycling guide, please visit www.montcalm.org

The permanent sites are located at:

Carson City - 818 N. Williams Street next to the DPW building
Crystal - 206 S. Main Street, Crystal Township Building
Edmore - SW corner of the old Hitachi area, Quicksilver Lane off of Neff Road
Howard City - 730 W. Shaw Street, Leppinks parking lot
Lakeview - SW corner of the Village parking lot, intersection of Second and Main Streets
Montcalm Township - 1998 S. Greenville Road, Montcalm Township complex
Stanton - SW corner of City parking lot, at the corner of Walnut and Camburn Streets


Have Material to Add?

Do you have information to share about an event or resource in Montcalm County?  Send it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it



Contact Great Start Montcalm County:
621 New Street, PO BOX 367
Stanton, MI 48888
Phone: (616) 225-6146


Brandy Minikey
Parent Liaison
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Mindy Train
Parent Liaison
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Cari O’Connor, Director
(616) 522-1412
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  


Website: www.greatstartmontcalm.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/greatstartmontcalmcounty

BLOG: www.greatstartmontcalm.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=16&Itemid=165
 
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