95.3 / 88.5 FM Grand Rapids and 95.3 FM Muskegon
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
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: Creating Access and Support Around High-Quality Child Care in Michigan

High-quality licensed programs help children learn, grow, and creates a strong foundation for children to be successful in school, work, and life while supporting parent participation in the workforce. Children learn so much in their 

first five years, especially when they have a safe place to learn, explore their world, and build relationships. Families have many questions about finding the right program – what will fit with their schedule, budget and transportation needs? Should they choose a home-based or center-based program? What should they know about quality programs when making a decision? Additionally, early education and care providers face challenges – how do they connect with peers and where can they find professional development opportunities? Where can they access support 

with staffing, managing their business or improving their program? And finally, what happens in communities when there are not enough programs and/or spots to meet the needs of families? Terese Smith, Director, Great Start to Quality at Kent ISD, Joanne Sweedyk with 5 Star rated child care program Joanne’s Tot Stop, and Nicole Pratt, Executive Director of Operations & Development with Milestones Child Development Center are here to discuss. For more information, visit: https://www.greatstarttoquality.org/kent-resource-center , http://www.milestonescdc.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/joanne.sweedyk .

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.
Related Content