🌱 Growing Happy, Healthy Kids – April 2025 Newsletter Highlights
👋 Welcome!
Spring is in full bloom — and so is our April newsletter! This month, Great Start Livingston is focused on creating Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) for our community’s littlest learners. Read on for highlights, free events, and parenting resources that support happy, healthy development for children ages 0–8 in Livingston County.
View our newsletter online here: https://conta.cc/3EdZ5ci
🌟 April Theme: The Power of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)
At this month’s Great Start Family Coalition Meeting, families explored the HOPE Framework (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) — a powerful way to build resilience and strengthen relationships through:
- Safe, stable relationships with caring adults
- Supportive environments for growth
- Opportunities for emotional development
- Everyday learning and play
🧠 We also learned how different thinking styles (Type 1 vs. Type 2) impact parenting choices and how to intentionally create more positive moments each day.
👏 Special thanks to Jennifer Lange, LMSW, Mental Health and Disabilities Coordinator for Head Start/GSRP, for partnering with us in this event.
- Sign up for Reminders: https://www.remind.com/join/gslfc
- Share this registration here: https://bit.ly/April25FC
📖 Explore Our Spring StoryWalks®
Looking for a free, fun way to enjoy the outdoors and build early literacy skills? Our StoryWalks® feature beautiful books in outdoor settings across the county, including:
- Howell: How Do You Wokka-Wokka?
- Fowlerville: And Here’s to You!
- Hamburg: Noah and His Red Cat
- Brighton: I Am A Bird and Hello, My Name Is Ruby
📍 See full list of StoryWalk locations →
💬 Community Spotlight: Kasey Hilton, Disability Advocate
This month we’re highlighting Kasey Hilton from The Arc of Livingston County. As a passionate disability advocate and parent, Kasey helps families navigate IEPs, housing, Medicaid, and more. She also runs inclusive programs like Sibshops and sensory-friendly events.
📚 Visit arclivingston.org for her disability-inclusive book list and resources.
🦁 Literacy with Lisa: Ready to ROAR!
Lisa Pecorilli-Eoll, Early Literacy Coach, reminds us how to make reading fun and meaningful — even with our youngest learners. Check out the Ready to Read, Write, ROAR! Preschool series on the Michigan Learning Channel for engaging videos and tips like:
- Using your child’s name to support early reading
- Building vocabulary through singing and talking
🎉 Family Fun Day Recap
On March 15, over 570 attendees joined us for an incredible Family Fun Day! Thank you to every family, volunteer, and partner who made it a success.
Your input helps us secure funding to keep offering FREE family events all year long!
☕ Support from Biggby Coffee
Thanks to everyone who came out to our April 11 fundraiser at Biggby Coffee in Howell. Your support helps us provide dinner and childcare for future events — making them accessible to all families.
📞 Help Me Grow Livingston
Need support with parenting, child development, or early intervention? Help Me Grow Livingston connects you to local services and screenings.
📲 Call or text a Care Coordinator at 844-464-0005
🌐 Visit the new Help Me Grow website
📅 More April Highlights
Don’t miss these free MSU Extension classes, parenting workshops, and child development resources.
➡️ Explore April offerings from MSU Extension →
🙌 Join the Family Coalition!
The Great Start Family Coalition is made up of parents, caregivers, and professionals working together to make Livingston County the best place to raise young children. We offer:
- Monthly meetings with food and childcare
- Opportunities to make your voice heard
- Connection with others raising children ages 0–8
