Dear Great Start Friends,

As we close out spring and step into June, I find myself feeling deeply grateful for this community and the meaningful work we continue to do together on behalf of young children and families across our region.

At our May 20 Great Start Collaborative meeting, we had the chance to celebrate so much: the relationships we have built, the progress we have made, and the shared commitment that continues to guide our early childhood systems work. It was also our last Great Start Collaborative meeting of 2026, which made the moment feel especially meaningful. While endings naturally bring reflection, they also create space for what comes next.

Right now, we are eagerly awaiting the vote on the upcoming School Aid Budget, which will help lay the foundation for the next iteration of early childhood systems-building work, both here in Northwest Lower Michigan and across the state. Even in times of transition and uncertainty, I am encouraged by the strength, creativity, and care that our partners bring to this work every day.

This spring has also been filled with joyful early literacy events, bringing families together around stories, music, connection, and play. Later this month, we look forward to wrapping up the final events in our Family Concert Series, and we hope many of you will join us. Be sure to read through the events section for a handful of fun, family-friendly opportunities focused on young children and those who care for them.

Thank you for being part of this work and this community. Your presence, partnership, and belief in what is possible for children and families continue to make a difference.

With appreciation,

Robin Hornkohl

Final Stretch: Advocacy for Young Children and Families

As we move into the final stretch before the July 1 deadline for state legislators to vote on the 2026/2027 School Aid Budget, advocacy is more important than ever. This budget will help shape the next chapter of early childhood systems-building work across Michigan, including the future of Great Start Collaboratives and Help Me Grow Collaboratives.

We encourage partners, families, and community members to take a few minutes to review the Help Me Grow talking points and contact your local legislators. Share what the Great Start Collaborative has meant to you, your work, your family, or your community. Your voice matters, and personal stories can help remind decision-makers why this work is essential for young children and families across our region.

Summer is almost here, which means now is a great time to think about preschool for next school year! If your child is almost 3 or 4, free preschool options may be available in Northwest Lower Michigan, including Strong Beginnings programs for 3-year-olds.

Not sure where to start? Help Me Grow Northwest can help answer questions and connect your family to the right program.



Apply HERE or call 231-922-7878 to speak with a care coordinator.

COUNTY-BASED EVENTS

June is full of family-friendly events across our region! From music and storytelling to safety resources, community celebrations, and early childhood activities, there are many opportunities to get outside, connect with neighbors, and enjoy time together.

ANTRIM COUNTY EVENTS

BENZIE COUNTY EVENTS

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY EVENTS

KALKASKA COUNTY EVENTS

Member Spotlight: Erica Smith

This month, we are excited to spotlight Erica Smith, a new parent leader who is bringing her energy, experience, and love for community to the Neighborhood Network of Playgroups.

Erica is a mortgage lender and full-time working mom of three children, ages 7, 5, and 2. She has a strong connection to the Kingsley community and a deep passion for supporting local families. Before returning to her career, Erica operated a licensed in-home childcare program, an experience that strengthened her commitment to early childhood education and family support.

Erica is also an active community advocate and coaches middle and high school sports. With her background in dental and healthcare, and a husband who teaches at the middle school, Erica is deeply invested in the well-being and growth of children across our region.

This summer, Erica is volunteering to host a community playgroup at the Kingsley Splash Pad at Brownson Park. Families are invited to bring bathing suits and towels and join Erica and Ms. Beth from the Kingsley Library each Thursday, starting June 11, for a fun-filled morning of play, connection, and community.

We are grateful for Erica’s leadership and willingness to help create welcoming spaces for families. To stay updated on the Kingsley Splash Pad playgroup, please contact Erica Smith.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Child Abuse Prevention Training Opportunities

The Children’s Advocacy Center is offering several child abuse prevention training opportunities for educators, parents, caregivers, community partners, and anyone who works with or supports children and families. These trainings help adults feel more prepared and confident in talking with children, recognizing concerns, and taking steps to protect young people.

This summer, the Children’s Advocacy Center is expanding access to its Talk Protect Report™ program, also known as TPR, following its formal evaluation in 2024/2025. In June, they will host their first two-day virtual Train-the-Trainer intensive for professionals interested in becoming a TPR Program Facilitator.

TPR is also now available in a new online, self-paced format, allowing participants to complete the child sexual abuse prevention training virtually at any time through asynchronous modules.

In July, the Children’s Advocacy Center will offer another open-invite TPR: Digital Safety Edition. This 90-minute presentation uses the TPR format to explore how adults can talk with youth about digital safety and help protect children from online abuse and exploitation.

Community members are encouraged to review and share the attached flyers with others who may benefit. Custom trainings may also be scheduled for interested groups.

For more information, please contact Jenna Baker, Director of Prevention at the Children’s Advocacy Center.

We are excited to share the summer calendar for the Neighborhood Network of Playgroups! While some playgroups will pause during the summer months, families will also see a few new opportunities added to the mix.

One new highlight is a community playgroup at the Kingsley Splash Pad at Brownson Park, hosted by parent leader Ms. Erica along with Ms. Beth from the Kingsley Branch Library. Families are invited to bring bathing suits and towels and join them at the splash pad each Thursday, starting June 11, for a fun-filled morning of play and connection.

We also want to thank Ms. Hayley with Leap of Faith Gymnastics for hosting a wonderful school year of Family Playgroups. This was a fun opportunity to try something new with the Rapid City community, and it was a joy to see family engagement and attendance grow throughout the year. Hayley will continue to offer drop-in gymnastics programs and monthly opportunities, so be sure to visit the Leap of Faith Gymnastics website for more details.

Running a playgroup and want to see it listed here? Contact Lauren Dake, Family Liaison at Ldake@NorthwestEd.org.

For more information about early care and learning opportunities, family focused events and resources in the Northwest Michigan region, visit HelpMeGrowUpNorth.org or visit us on Facebook.

The mission of The Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition of Traverse Bay is to ensure that every child has a great start in life and equitable opportunity to achieve their highest potential.

This publication is partially funded through a grant provided by the MiFamily Engagement Center - Region 2.