Read our February Newsletter here: https://conta.cc/46dIDDN

Building Community Connections That Support Families

At Great Start Livingston, our commitment remains the same: Building community connections that support families of young children.

Why does this matter?

Because in Livingston County:

• There are over 11,600 children ages 0–5
• 23% of households are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)
• Nearly 47% of 3rd graders are not proficient in reading

And we know something powerful:
There are fewer than 2,000 days between birth and kindergarten .

Those days matter.

That’s why we focus on early literacy, developmental screening, family connection, and community collaboration — so every child in Livingston County is safe, healthy, and eager to succeed in school and in life.

Help Me Grow: When You Don’t Know, Help Me Grow

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual. But it does come with support.

Help Me Grow Livingston is your one-door connection to early childhood resources. Through a trained Care Coordinator, families receive personalized, hands-on support — not just a list of phone numbers .

We help with:

• Developmental screenings (ASQ-3 & ASQ:SE-2)
• Preschool and child care connections
• Home visiting programs
• Parenting support
• Basic needs and community resources

Last year across Michigan:

• 45,651 developmental screenings were completed
• 90% of families reported their needs were met

📞 Call or text: 844-464-0005

✨ Complete an ASQ developmental screening and be entered into our monthly children’s book giveaway!

Because early identification leads to better outcomes — and less stress for families later.

FREE Community Playdates Are Back!

Play is powerful.

For children ages 0–5, play builds brain architecture, social skills, language, and confidence — all foundations for school readiness.

Join us for FREE 2026 Playdates:

• February 10 – Legacy Center Fieldhouse (Brighton)
• March 6 – 2|42 Community Center (Brighton)
• April 14 – Hartland Community Education

Each child receives:

• 📚 A free book
• 🍎 A snack (while supplies last)
• 🔬 FREE take-home STEAM kits for the first 50 families with children ages 3–5

While you’re there, connect with Help Me Grow to learn about milestones and available supports.

Pre-register to save time in line!

Community Connect – February 7

Looking for community resources in one place?

Community Connect brings together 50+ exhibitors offering:

• Basic needs resources
• Health screenings
• Haircuts
• Diapers and laundry detergent giveaways
• Lunch

📍 2|42 Community Church, Brighton
🗓 Saturday, February 7 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

We’ll also launch our Annual Parent & Family Survey — your voice helps shape early childhood services in Livingston County.

Parents matter here. Your feedback guides our work.

STEAM Day at Howell Library – February 16

Join us at the Howell Carnegie District Library on Monday, February 16 from 10:15–11:00 a.m.

Drop in to explore hands-on STEAM activities designed for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers.

Science. Technology. Engineering. Art. Math.
And lots of playful learning.

No registration required.

Get Ready for Kindergarten (2026–2027)

Kindergarten registration begins soon across Livingston County districts.

Registering early allows:

• Schools to plan appropriately
• Teachers to connect with families
• Children to begin their transition confidently

If you live in Brighton, Howell, Hartland, Fowlerville, or Pinckney — watch your district’s website for registration details.

Need help preparing?
Help Me Grow can guide you through next steps.

StoryWalk® Adventures Across Livingston County

Looking for something FREE and fun?

Visit one of our StoryWalk® locations:

• Oceola Township (Howell)
• Centennial Park (Fowlerville)
• Lakeland Trailhead (Hamburg)
• Genoa Township (Brighton)
• Brighton Tridge Downtown
• Unadilla Township (Gregory)

StoryWalks combine literacy and movement — talking, reading, singing, and playing outdoors to build early literacy skills.

Because brain architecture is built in the first five years of life .

Save the Date: Family Fun Day – March 14

Celebrate early literacy with:

• Crafts & activities
• Live concert with The Music Lady
• Meet Elephant & Piggie
• Free book giveaway

📍 2|42 Community Center, Brighton
🗓 Saturday, March 14 | 9:30 – 11:45 a.m.

Hosted by the Livingston County Early Literacy Collaborative.

If you’re raising a child ages 0–8 in Livingston County:

You are not alone.
You are supported.
And we are here for you.