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WGVU By Leaps & Bounds
00000179-f232-de1b-a9f9-f2fa97a20003Investments in high-quality early childhood care, education, and support programs do more than help children – they also strengthen our workforce and economy. How are communities in West and Southwest Michigan approaching prevention and early intervention in these systems of care? How do the programs benefit children, families, care and education providers, businesses, and taxpayers? Where are the gaps, and how do we fill them? Come along as we take a closer look.

By Leaps & Bounds: More Than Just Fun – The Benefits of PLAY

PLAY Logo

All parents want to give their children a strong start in life, and each stage of a child’s development comes with new opportunities for exploration and learning about the world around them. Movement and play keep children healthy, build their coordination and strength, and help them learn important social-emotional skills such as communication, processing emotions, and flexible thinking. Play also provides opportunities to develop problem solving and coping skills, along with building confidence to try new things and make mistakes.

Great Start Parent Coalition
Great Start Parent Coalition

There are many creative ways to play, and it is beneficial to both parents and children when they spend time engaging in play and exploration together. Maggie Lancaster, CEO of Grand Rapids Children’s Museum; and Tomarra Richardson, Parent Liaison with the Great Start Parent Coalition of Kent County are here to discuss. For more information, visit: www.successstartsearly.org, greatstartkent.org, and www.grcm.org.

Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Grand Rapids Children's Museum

Shelley Irwin is the host and producer for The Shelley Irwin Show, a news magazine talk-show format on the local NPR affiliate Monday through Friday. The show, broadcast at 9 a.m., features a wide variety of local and national news makers, plus special features.
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