🧠 The Science of Strong Kids – March 2025 Newsletter Highlights
👋 Welcome!
At Great Start Livingston, we believe strong communities start with strong kids. In March, we explored how resilience is built, celebrated early literacy with a big family event, and continued connecting families to free local supports. Read on for highlights and tools to help your family grow!
Read the March Newsletter here: https://conta.cc/3D7E1nu
🧠 March Theme: The Science of Strong Kids
At our March Family Coalition Meeting, families dove into the NEAR Science framework to understand how early experiences shape long-term outcomes. With guest presenter Holly Naylor from LACASA, parents explored:
- 🧬 Neuroscience and brain development
- 🧫 Epigenetics and how trauma can be passed down (and interrupted)
- 🧾 ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and their impact
- 💪 Resilience and how we can break cycles through positive connection
Mark your calendar for Part 2 on April 17, where we’ll explore the HOPE Framework (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences).
🎉 Family Fun Day Recap – March 15
Over 500 people attended our Family Fun Day at 2|42 Community Center! Families enjoyed:
- A live performance by The Music Lady
- Free books and literacy activities
- Crafts, games, and photo ops with favorite book characters
🎁 No registration, no cost — just community fun!
📖 StoryWalk® Adventures
Spring is perfect for a stroll with a story! Our StoryWalks® bring literacy outdoors in these Livingston County locations:
- 🟢 Oceola Township: How Do You Wokka-Wokka?
- 🟢 Fowlerville: And Here’s To You!
- 🟢 Hamburg: Merry Moosey Christmas
- 🟢 Brighton: One Dog Canoe, Hello, My Name Is Ruby
💬 Talking, reading, and playing while walking builds strong literacy foundations for little ones.
👩👧 Coalition Spotlight: Tanya Nicastri
Tanya has been part of Great Start Livingston since her daughter was 6 months old. Her journey includes:
- Connecting through Read, Music, Play at Howell Library
- Attending MSU Extension BEES workshops
- Volunteering as a parent representative for the Collaborative
- Co-leading a Girl Scout troop and serving on the Social and Emotional Well-being committee
Tanya’s story is a reminder: parenting is a journey we don’t have to walk alone.
📚 Literacy With Lisa: Make March Magical
March is Reading Month — and our Early Literacy Coach Lisa Pecorilli-Eoll shares simple ways to make reading joyful, not a chore:
- Snuggle up with picture books before bed
- Read together during meals
- Talk about books over dessert!
💡 Tip: Focus less on quantity and more on connection.
📢 Help Me Grow Livingston Is LIVE!
Need help navigating early childhood services? Help Me Grow Livingston connects families to:
- Developmental screenings
- Local parenting supports
- Personalized guidance from Care Coordinators
📞 Call/text: 844-464-0005
🌐 Visit HelpMeGrow-MI.org
🗳️ 2025 Champion for Children – Nominate Now
Do you know someone who makes a big difference in the life of a child? Nominate a Champion for Children by March 7! This could be a:
- Teacher
- Coach
- Librarian
- Caregiver or neighbor
🏆 Let’s celebrate the heroes in our community.
🏫 Time to Register for Kindergarten
Many Livingston County schools are now enrolling for fall 2025!
- 📅 Registration dates by district
- ❓ FAQs about school readiness
- 🎯 Milestones and activities to prep your child
🌻 Stay tuned for our Summer Activity Calendar!
🎓 MSU Extension: Free Parenting Workshops
MSU Extension continues offering no-cost classes for families, including:
- Building Early Emotional Skills (BEES)
- Parenting Young Children
- Managing Stress for Caregivers
📅 Stay in the Loop
Our Community Calendar is packed with free and low-cost events in Livingston County. See what’s happening: 🎨 Crafts, 🧺 Playdates, 🧠 Workshops, 🏞️ Outdoor activities
📧 Want to suggest an event? Email LaurenWeber@LivingstonESA.org
🙌 Join the Great Start Family Coalition!
We are families, caregivers, and professionals working together to support children from birth through age 8. When you join the Coalition, you:
- Build relationships
- Help shape community services
- Gain access to free dinners, childcare, and events
