The Shelley Irwin Show

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: Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage Update

WGVU News | By Shelley Irwin

Published November 5, 2019 at 8:45 AM EST

The purpose of the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage is to provide dedicated and sustainable funding for programs that improve the health, school readiness, and well-being of children under age five; therefore allowing more children and families from across the community to participate in programs that are proven to increase their likelihood of success in school and beyond.

One year ago, Kent County voters made this funding possible. What has happened during that time? Anne Marie Valdez, President and CEO of First Steps Kent and Maureen Kirkwood, Executive Director for Health Net of West Michigan are here to give us an update. For more information, visit: www.firststepskent.org, and www.healthnetwm.org.