"If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in."
Rachel Carson

Across the state of Michigan, a network of Great Start Parent Coalitions (GSPC) is growing. Each GSPC is a volunteer group of parents who work together to lend voice and hand to the belief that every child from birth to age five needs and deserves a Great Start in life.  These parents have formed strong coalitions to improve local services for young children.  A Parent Liaison, who is funded by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC), leads each GSPC.

GSPCs work with the Great Start Collaboratives (GSC).  The GSCs serve as the local infrastructure for the Great Start System.  These local groups of caring parents, educators, business and community leaders, clergy, law enforcement, philanthropic organizations, local public agencies and others are the “knowledge leaders” and “change agents” for young children and their families.   GSPCs work to include all of the different types and kinds of families and children in their area.  The GSCs rely on the GSPCs bring to their attention key early childhood needs, from a parent’s viewpoint.

Great Start Parent Coalitions do many things. They:

1. Build Support for Early Childhood Investment.  For example, GSPCs may educate others in their community about the importance of brain development in the toddler years and the need to act early when developmental issues arise.  GSPCs have the need for an easy-to-use network of early childhood services with local officials and child service providers.  And, GSCPs have brought their concerns directly to local and state legislators who have the power to impact early childhood funding.
   
    
2. Provide a “customer perspective” to their local Great Start Collaborative.  The GSC has many organizational members who provide services to families with young children, as well as 20% parent membership.  The GSPC offers these GSC parent members the necessary information to provide their viewpoint to these community leaders and legislators.
   
    
3. Serve as a sounding board for Great Start Collaborative parent members.  GSPC members may also be members of the larger GSC.  GSPC members work with parent members of the GSC to make sure the voices of all parents are heard in the community.

Parent Coalitions are supported by the local Great Start Collaborative with funding provided by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation. With funding, the GSPCs are able to help parent members with transportation to meetings and events, provide childcare during meetings and fund events, which parents plan.

Join your local Great Start Parent Coalition by clicking here to connect with the GSPC nearest you.  YOUR VOICE IS NEEDED!