🌼 Great Start Livingston Weekly Communications – Week of April 14, 2025
📝 Thank You for Completing the Annual Parent & Family Survey
A big thank you to everyone who participated in the 2025 Parent & Family Survey! Winners from the prize drawing are being contacted, and results will be shared soon. Stay tuned for insights that help shape local early childhood programs.
🗓️ This Week’s Highlights
🧠 Great Start Steering Committee
📅 Tuesday, April 15
The Steering Committee meets this week to continue building connections and shaping early childhood strategies.
💛 Great Start Family Coalition Meeting: Growing Happy, Healthy Kids
📍 Livingston ESA, 1425 W. Grand River Ave, Howell
📅 Thursday, April 17 | 5:45–7:45 p.m.
🍽️ Free Dinner | 🧸 Free Childcare
Join us to explore how simple, everyday positive experiences can shape your child’s lifelong well-being. This interactive session dives into Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) and the HOPE Framework.
🧑🤝🧑 Open to all Livingston County parents/caregivers of children ages 0–8.
🔗 Register by April 15
🖥️ Online Parenting Workshops
🧮 Mathematics for Infants and Toddlers
📅 Tuesday, April 15 | 8–9:30 p.m.
Explore how to naturally introduce early math concepts through play and daily routines.
🔗 MSU Extension Parenting Education
🎥 Upcoming: April 22 – Screen Time for Young Children
🌱 Featured Resource: The Magic of Less
In a world full of noise and toys, sometimes less is more. Educator Deb Curtis shows how simplicity and open-ended materials nurture focus and creativity—especially for neurodivergent children.
🔗 See “The Magic of Less” (or link to local reflection if reposted)
🎒 Kindergarten Readiness
Help your little one prepare for school with local resources and transition tips.
🔗 Kindergarten Readiness Guide
💡 Upcoming Events
💙 Spreading HOPE Training
📍 Livingston ESA
📅 April 22 | 9–10:30 a.m. & 1:30–3:00 p.m.
Learn how Positive Childhood Experiences can be integrated into your work with families.
🔗 Register for HOPE Training
🩺 Children’s Special Health Care Services Info Session
📅 Monday, April 14 | 3:00–4:00 p.m. via Zoom
Learn about eligibility, benefits, and resources available through CSHCS with Nurse Program Coordinator Mattie Bauer.
🔗 Register Here
🎉 Sibshops Spring Party
📍 LESA – STEP Building, 951 S. Latson
📅 Saturday, May 3 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
A fun day for kids (ages 7–13) who have a sibling with a disability. Includes games, food, and a scavenger hunt.
💲 $5 per child (scholarships available)
✉️ Email kasey@arclivingston.org for scholarships
🔗 Register Here
💳 Support for Families
- Summer EBT Benefits – Summer grocery benefits return to help families keep children fed when school is out.
- Love INC – Offers clothing, baby gear, care repair, and more.
- Fish & Loaves – Free community dinners every Sunday evening.
- Parent Coaching – Free weekly support for families with children 0–8.
🔗 Register for a Parent Coach
🧑🌾 Job & Volunteer Opportunities
- Community Collaborative Planner – CMH
🔗 Apply Here - Gleaners Garden Coordinator – Apply by May 1
✉️ Email: kchoate@gcfb.org - Development Associate – Arc Livingston
🔗 Job Posting
📅 Apply by April 23 to laura@arclivingston.org
📰 Stay Connected
📩 April Newsletter – Read Now
🖍️ Latest Blogs – Visit GSL Blog
- Finding the Right Fit for Childcare & Preschool
- Free Books and Reading Resources
- Upcoming First Aid & CPR Classes in Pinckney: May 3 & June 21
For more parenting tools, local resources, and updates:
🌐 Great Start Livingston Website
📘 Follow on Facebook
📸 Follow on Instagram
👶 MI Kids Matter
💬 Questions or Ideas?
Reach out to:
Robin Schutz, Coordinator
📧 RobinSchutz@LivingstonESA.org | ☎️ 517-540-6829 | 📱 810-588-2218
Read Robin’s email update here: https://conta.cc/3G9VfBK
