Great Start to Quality Resource Centers are regional hubs supporting families in finding childcare and helping early childhood educators improve their programs.
Beginning October 1, the centers will coordinate with the state’s ten economic development “prosperity regions,” making it easier for partners to coordinate services and support community needs.
Grand Rapids-based Vibrant Futures is the regional partner for west and part of mid-Michigan.
CEO Chana Edmond-Verley explains how the new structure helps businesses and programs focused on early childhood.
“We'll be weaving this tighter network to help them bring up the quality where they feel like they need to bring that up based on the goals that they have, so that we have stronger education and curriculum impacts, but we will also be strengthening those business models as well.”
The new system streamlines resources like business development and coaching for daycare or education programs.
“When we start to think about how to actually build out more childcare and to get more facilities, and to get really interesting partnerships, these small businesses will be aligned to how the resources flow in Michigan.”
Integrating the GSQ centers with economic development regions is expected to leverage investments and increase efficiency.
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