The Bay Arenac Great Start has updated the website and is now easier to navigate for information that you may need. Find local resources, parent classes, tips, and so much more. | |
THEIR MOST IMPORTANT
TEACHER IS YOU!
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Little moments make a difference.
Anytime. Anywhere.
You don’t have to be a pro to help your child build big skills. There are plenty of activities you and your child can do together during your day. Naming fruits with your baby, singing with your child on the drive home or talking to them about their favorite stories? Learning moments! Take a look at the practices and resources below to help your child learn new skills. Anytime. Anywhere.
Learn more by visiting the MiLEAP website.
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Vendor Registration: FAMILY WINTER FUN FEST 2026 at the Bay City Town Center, on Saturday, February 21 from 11 AM - 2 PM.
Please submit the vendor application by Friday, January 30, 2026.
REGISTER YOUR ORGANIZATION
| | HINTS, TIPS, & AT HOME ACTIVITIES | |
TALKING IS TEACHING:
Let's talk about LETTERS! When children know the letters of the alphabet, it will help them learn how to read and prepare them for kindergarten! There are many fun ways to talk, read, and sing about letters with your little one. Try a Letters Scavenger Hunt! Write a letter on a piece of paper, and with your child, look for that letter throughout your home! “Here is the letter ‘S’! Where can we find the letter ‘S’ in the kitchen?”
For more ideas on how to talk, read, and sing together visit: TALKING IS TEACHING
| | KINDERGARTEN READINESS GOALS: | |
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- Stand on one foot for at least 8 seconds
- Initiates the sharing of materials in the classroom and outdoors
- Identifies story-related problems, events, and resolutions during conversations with an adult
- Identifies 2 and 3 dimensional shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle) and describes them (round, has four sides, has 3 corners, etc.)
- Explores the visual arts
- Toilet Trained
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HELP ME GROW
Did you know that sensory play helps 3- to 5-year-olds strengthen their fine motor skills and cognitive development? Try fun winter activities like playing with snow, ice painting, or sensory bins! If you have concerns about your child's development, call Help Me Grow.
For more information visit helpmegrow-mi.org/counties or call 844-464-0005.
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EARLY ON
At birth, a baby's brain is about 25% of its adult size. By the time they’re 2 years old, it grows to 80%! Early intervention helps nurture this rapid development by creating new neural connections.
If you have concerns or questions about your child's development please contact Amy Vallad, BAISD Early On Coordinator at vallada@baisd.net or (989) 262-4182
Learn more about EARLY ON.
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COOKING AT HOME - MINI PIZZAS
Cooking Matters
25 Minutes 6 Servings
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Ingredients
1 medium red or green bell pepper
8 ounces button mushrooms
1 large tomato
1 (4-ounce) chunk part-skim mozzarella cheese
6 whole grain English muffins
1 Tablespoon canola oil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce, no salt added
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Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Rinse bell pepper, mushrooms, and tomato.
- Remove core and cut pepper into thin slices. Slice mushrooms ¼-inch thick. Remove core and dice tomato into ¼-inch pieces.
- In a small bowl, grate cheese.
- Split English muffins in half. Place them on a baking sheet. Bake until edges are lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Prepare sauce while muffins cook.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add peppers and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes. If needed, use a colander to drain vegetables.
- Transfer veggies to a medium bowl. Add tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Stir spices into tomato sauce. Do this directly in the can.
- When muffins are lightly browned, spoon 1 Tablespoon sauce over each muffin half. Coat evenly.
- Layer veggies evenly over sauce. If using pepperoni, place one slice on each muffin half. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake muffins until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 6–8 minutes.
- Let pizzas cool for 2 minutes before serving.
View full recipe: MINI PIZZAS
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WHEN IS SICK "TOO SICK" FOR SCHOOL AND SOCIAL GATHERINGS?
Maggie Dwan
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Illness or appointments
Kids get sick. Scheduling is hard. Many absences can be reduced with plans.
Try this: same-day nurse call, telehealth note, ask for late arrival, bundle appointments after school, request work packets.
Ask school about: make-up work policy, short-term health plan, attendance “forgiveness” for verified care.
If urgent: call your child’s doctor or 911 for emergencies.
FewerThan5.com has quick, reliable guidance for parents, community partners, and educators to help you keep your child and their peers healthy this holiday season.
Visit FEWER THAN 5 to learn more!
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IMAGINATION LIBRARY NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Myth: Many people believe that Dolly Parton fully funds Imagination Library. However, local chapters of Imagination Library rely on fundraising and outside support to purchase books and postage for our community!
To support the continuation of this program...consider making a donation today! Many community chapters across the State are pausing this program until more consistent funding can be secured! Help make sure this doesn't happen to Bay and Arenac County!
DONATE TODAY!
| | MSU EXTENSION - FREE ONLINE PARENTING CLASSES |
Extension Extras Parenting Hour
Tuesdays at 7:30 - 9:30 PM
January 6 - RELAX- Alternatives to Anger for Parents and Caregivers
January 13 - How Soon is Too Soon? Teaching your Children Money Habits
January 20 - Positive Discipline
January 27 - Together We Can: Co-Parenting
Online Parent Talk System Webinar Series
Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11 at 1:30 AM -1 PM
Online Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting Webinar Series
Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29, February 5 at 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Online Extension Extras for Professionals Third Thursdays: Setting the Stage: Promoting Social-Emotional Health in Young Children
January 15 at 7:00 - 8:30PM
Online Extension Extras for Professionals Fourth Fridays: Learning to Talk: The Development of Speech-Language Skills in Children
January 23 at 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Building Strong Adolescents Webinar Series January-February
Mondays, January 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23 at 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Learn More & Register: MSU EXTENSION PARENT CLASSES
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January 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 at 9 AM - 12 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at the Southside Library, Bay City
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January 2, 16, & 30 at 11 AM: TODDLER TIME! at Pinconing Branch Library, Pinconning
| | January 2 at 2 - 2:30 PM: CLAY CREATIONS at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City | | January 2 & 23 at 3 - 4 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at the Westwood Village, Bay City | January 2 & 23 at 1:45 - 2:45 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at the Country Meadows Apartments, Bay City | |
January 3 at 2:30 PM: PARACHUTE PARTY at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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January 5, 12, & 26 at 10 AM: FAMILY STORYTIME (ages 0-6) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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January 5, 12, & 26 at 10:30 AM: BABY STORYTIME (ages 0-2) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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January 6, 13, 20, & 27 at 10 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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January 6, 13, 20, & 27 at 11 AM: BABY STORYTIME (ages 0-2) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
| | January 6 & 27 at 1 - 2 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at St. Paul Lutheran School, Bay City | | January 6 & 27 at 2:30 - 3:30 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Bangor North Preschool, Bay City | January 6 & 27 at 3:45 - 4:30 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Forest Early Childhood Center, Bay City | January 7 & 28 at 9 - 9:45 AM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Little Explorers Learning Center, Bay City | January 7 & 28 at 10 - 10:45 AM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Bay County Child & Senior Citizen Center, Bay City | |
January 7, 14, 21, & 28 at 10:15 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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January 7, 14, 21, & 28 at 10:30 AM: FAMILY STORYTIME (ages 0-6) at Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
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January 7, 14, 21, & 28 at 10:30 AM: TODDLER STORYTIME (ages 18 Months - 3 Years) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
| January 7 & 28 at 11:15 AM - 12 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Webster Childcare Center, Bay City |
January 7, 14, 21, & 28 at 11:30 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
| January 7 & 28 at 1:30 - 2:45 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Auburn Area Catholic School, Auburn | January 7 & 28 at 3:15 - 4:15 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Bangor Township Hall, Bay City |
January 7 at 5:30 PM: BABY BOOK CLUB (ages 0-3) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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January 7, 14, 21, & 28 at 6:30 - 7 PM: FAMILY STORYTIME (ages 0-6) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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January 8, 15, 22, & 29 at 10 AM - 12 PM: GREAT LAKES BAY MOM CAFE & PLAYGROUP at Bay City Town Center, Bay City.
Questions: text Amy Trogan 989-992-1803 or trogana@baisd.net
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January 8, 15, 22, & 29 at 10:15 AM: BABY STORYTIME (ages 0-2) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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January 8, 15, 22, & 29 at 10:30 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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January 8, 15, 22, & 29 at 11:15 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
| January 8 & 29 at 12 - 12:45 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Village of Hampton Meadows, Bay City | January 8 & 29 at 1 - 2 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at New Hope Bay Assisted Living, Bay City | January 8 & 29 at 2:15 - 3 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Garfield Manor, Bay City | January 8 & 29 at 4:30 - 5:30 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Riverview Estate, Bay City |
January 8 at 5:30 PM: OLYMPIC PARTY (age 0-12) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
| January 8 & 29 at 5:45 - 6:30 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Huntington Place Apartments, Essexville |
January 8 at 6 PM: BEAN-TASTIC MOSAIC CRAFT (ages 4-12) at Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
| January 8 & 29 at 6:45 - 7:30 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at East Bay Village Apartments, Essexville |
January 9 & 23 at 10 AM: PLAYDATE (ages 0-4) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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January 9 at 10:30 AM & 1 PM: BLUEY BABIES & TODDLERS (ages 0-5) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
| January 9 & 30 at 1:45 - 2:45 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Midland Manor, Bay City | January 9 & 30 at 3:30 - 4:30 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Merritt Township Hall, Munger |
January 10 at 11 AM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) at Pinconing Branch Library, Pinconning
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January 12 at 10:30 AM: OUTDOOR EXPLORERS at Behind the Omer Library, Omer. Questions: text Amy Trogan 989-992-1803 or trogana@baisd.net
| January 13 at 10 - 10:15 AM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Center Plaza Childcare, Essexville |
January 13 at 10 AM - 4 PM: NO SCHOOL DAYS at Bay County Historical Society, Bay City
| January 13 at 11 - 12 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at BAISD Living and Learning, Essexville | January 13 at 1:30 - 2:15 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Bethel Lutheran School, Bay City | January 13 at 2:30 - 3:30 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Center Ridge Arms, Bay City |
January 13 at 3 - 4:30 PM: WINTER OLYMPICS (age 0-12) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
| January 13 at 2:30 - 3:30 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Center Ridge Arms, Bay City | January 14 at 9-10 AM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Head Start, Bay City | January 14 at 10:30 - 11:15 AM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Days of Discovery, Bay City | January 14 at 1 - 2 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Pinconning | January 14 at 3:15 - 4:15 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at behind the Post Office, Linwood | January 15 at 12 - 1 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Kawkawlin Township Hall, Kawkawlin | January 15 at 1:15 - 2:30 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Faith Lutheran School, Bay City |
January 15 & 29 at 3:30 PM: GAMER CLUB JR (grades 1-4) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
| January 15 at 4:30 - 5:30 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Old Orchard Bay, Bay City | January 15 at 5:45 - 6:30 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Golfview Apartments, Essexville |
January 15 at 6-7 PM: WINTER OLYMPICS (age 0-12) at Pinconning Branch Library, Auburn
| January 15 at 6:45 - 7:30 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Tradewinds East Apartments, Essexville |
January 16 at 10:30 AM: A IS FOR ART: PAINT WITH SNOW (ages 2-5) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
| January 16 at 1:45 - 2:45 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Huron Woods, Kawkawlin | January 16 at 3:15 - 4 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Bayfield Assisted Living, Bay City |
January 17 at 11 AM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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January 17 at 2 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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January 19 at 10:30 AM: GREAT START FAMILY COALITION at Sunrise Community Resource Center, Standish. Questions: text Amy Trogan 989-992-1803 or trogana@baisd.net
| January 20 at 10:30 - 11:30 AM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Montessori Children's House, Bay City | January 20 at 1 - 12 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Close to Home Assisted Living, Bay City |
January 20 at 2 - 4 PM: CRAFT BUFFET (ages 0-12) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
| January 20 at 2:15 - 3:15 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at Pine Towers, Bay City | January 20 at 3:30 - 4:30 PM: BOOK MOBILE STOP at West Shore Estates, Bay City |
January 20 at 5:30 - 6:30 PM: CLAY SNOWMAN (ages 2-12) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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January 21 at 9 - 9:45 AM: BOOKMOBILE STOP at Handy Development Center, Bay City
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January 21 at 10 - 10:45 AM: BOOKMOBILE STOP at Sheffield Bay, Bay City
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January 21 at 11 AM - 12 PM: BOOKMOBILE STOP at Rivers Edge Learning Tree, Bay City
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January 21 at 1:30 - 2:30 PM: BOOKMOBILE STOP at Charter Senior Living, Bay City
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January 21 at 3 - 4 PM: BOOKMOBILE STOP at Riverwalk Meadow Apartments, Bay City
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January 21 at 5:30 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
| January 22 at 1 - 2:15 PM: BOOKMOBILE STOP at St. Bartholomew Lutheran School, Kawkawlin | January 22 at 2:45 - 3:45 PM: BOOKMOBILE STOP at Bradley House, Bay City | January 22 at 5:15 - 6:15 PM: BOOKMOBILE STOP at Bangor Downs, Bay City |
January 22 at 5:30 PM: MAD SCIENTISTS: HUMAN REFLEXES (ages 6-12) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
| January 22 at 6:30 - 7:30 PM: BOOKMOBILE STOP at Kawkawlin Post Office, Kawkawlin |
January 24 at 2 - 3 PM: WINTER OLYMPICS (ages 0-12) at Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
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January 26 at 11 AM: BUSY BOOK CAFE (ages 0-3) at Sage Branch Library, Bay City
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January 27 at 4:30 PM: GROUNDHOG PARTY (ages 6-12) at Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
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