Grant award supports Great Start Collaborative and Parent Coalition’s array of literacy efforts

Posted on April 13th, 2022

A $22,500 grant received by the Great Start Collaborative of Charlevoix, Emmet and northern Antrim counties will support new and ongoing initiatives that bring literacy into the lives of area families with children. The grant was awarded to the collaborative from the Birth to Five Literac…

Kindergarten round-ups for the Class of 2035!

Posted on March 15th, 2022

The Class of 2035! Kindergarten round-ups, open houses scheduled in local school districts for students enrolling in the 2022-23 school year It’s the time of year when local elementary schools roll out the welcome mat for incoming kindergartners and their families, through open houses…

Frey Foundation grant supports work of the Great Start Collaborative & Parent Coalition

Posted on January 27th, 2022

Ground-level work being done by the Great Start Collaborative & Parent Coalition of Charlevoix, Emmet, and Northern Antrim Counties to reach and support families and young children continues to thrive thanks to funding support from the Frey Foundation. In 2020, the foundation granted Char…

Great Start Collaborative & Parent Coalition announces new director

Posted on January 21st, 2022

A new year has brought a new director to the Great Start Collaborative & Parent Coalition that serves young children and families throughout Charlevoix, Emmet and Northern Antrim counties. Savanah Cool, of Boyne City, has taken on the director position after long-time director Maureen Holl…

‘Talking is Teaching’ continues to grow in local communities

Posted on August 24th, 2021

The Great Start Collaborative & Parent Coalition have had a busy summer 2021, expanding on the Talking is Teaching campaign in area parks and trails, grocery stores and more! On Aug. 13, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the new Talking is Teaching Nature Trail at the McCune Nature Trail in E…

Early On receives funding for supplies to support families

Posted on December 21st, 2020

Char-Em ISD Early On services received $8,000 in GEER (Governor’s Emergency Education Relief) funding to purchase technology, equipment and materials in an effort to support families accessing Early On services remotely. Items purchased included:

iPads with WIFI capability
Tripods and iP

…

Communication Board garners big attention and helps kids have fun!

Posted on December 21st, 2020

A new Core Communication Board has been installed at the playground at East Jordan Elementary School to provide visual support for students who struggle with communication to help them express their interests, needs and wants while on the playground. Rachael Tisron, an assistant i…

Kindergarten Readiness Totes available to all families with children entering kindergarten in fall 2020

Posted on June 10th, 2020

All children throughout Char-Em ISD preparing to start kindergarten in the fall of 2020 are eligible to receive a free Kindergarten Readiness Tote, filled with fun activities to help build excitement for starting their schooling years. The Kindergarten Readiness Totes are a project of the Great…

Talking is Teaching!

Posted on December 9th, 2019

New Great Start Collaborative & Parent Coalition initiative encourages parents to engage children in everyday moments Everyday conversations with young children can have the power to boost their brain and vocabulary development through the simple act of talking. That is the premise behin…

Great Start Collaborative Director Hollocker named Lead Trainer for Children’s Trust Fund Alliance

Posted on November 25th, 2019

Maureen Hollocker, Great Start Collaborative Director for Charlevoix, Emmet and northern Antrim counties, has been appointed to serve as the Lead Trainer for the Children’s Trust Fund Alliance. The alliance is a national organization that ensures all states have a strong and effective child…