Great Start Collaborative: What Makes Your Family Strong

What makes your family

Strong?

Meet the protective factors!

PUBLICATION BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE GREAT START COLLABORATIVE OF CHARLEVOIX, EMMET, NORTHERN ANTRIM COUNTIES

www.WhatMakesYourFamilyStrong.org

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Great Start Director’s Note: Maureen Hollocker is the director of the Great Start Collaborative of Charlevoix, Emmet, and Northern Antrim Counties in Michigan and a Strengthening Families Trainer for the National Alliance of Children’s Trust and Prevention Funds.

Contact: maureen@greatstartforkids.com or call 231.582.8070.

Maureen Hollocker

Great Start Collaborative… Who we are…

What we do… Where we are… & Why it matters!

WHO WE ARE: The Great Start Collaborative of Charlevoix, Emmet, and Northern Antrim counties are made up of community leaders and organizations from each county that have a vested interest in Early Childhood Investment.

We are representatives from business, health, education, human services, higher education, non-profit, court systems, philanthropy, and parents who are implementing a plan to address the needs of young children within our Northern Michigan Communities.

WHAT WE DO: The mission of our collaborative is to identify local needs, and implement research based strategies to assure a coordinated system of community resources and support for young children and their families. Since 2012, one of our major priorities has been the implementation of the Strengthening Families Framework that promotes 5 Protective Factors to make families strong.

Every event, project, or training addresses and builds these 5 Protective Factors in families: Parental Resilience; Social Connections; Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development; Concrete Support in Times of Need; and Social and Emotional Competence of Children. A few of our successes include: a fund development committee that (through grants and individuals) provided over 100 preschool scholarships to eligible children ages

3 – 5; a FreeCycle Book Project that has distributed over 20,000 gently used books to local children; popular free events for parents such as a Halloween Costume Exchange, Early Childhood Networking Nights, Parenting Awareness Month Conference; and a nationally recognized campaign to strengthen families entitled “What Makes Your Family Strong?” www. whatmakesfamiliesstrong.org WHERE WE ARE: Charlevoix, Emmet & Northern Antrim Counties. The Great Start Collaborative holds meetings bi-monthly on the third Tuesday in Boyne City from 9-11AM. If you are interested in attending, you can call us at 231.582.8070 or e-mail: greatstartforkids@gmail.com. Our Great Start Parent Coalition is led by a Parent Leadership Council that hosts free events, facilitates our FreeCycle Book Project, and assures that the parent voice is heard in our community. Check out the Parent Coalition facebook page for details: www. facebook.com/greatstart.

WHY IT MATTERS: Whether you are a parent, caregiver, educator, business owner, community planner, or simply a tax paying citizen, investing in early childhood affects you now and has a huge impact on the future of your community. It is a simple equation for a long term workforce and economic solution; early childhood investment equals a stronger, better educated workforce, and a socially and economically vibrant community. The State of Michigan has outlined four outcomes by which public investment in Early Childhood will be assessed: children born healthy; children healthy, thriving and developmentally on track from birth to third grade; children developmentally ready to succeed in school at the time of school entry; and children prepared to succeed in fourth grade and beyond by reading proficiently by the end of third grade. Join forces with the Great Start Collaborative of Charlevoix, Emmet, and Northern Antrim Counties, to change the lives of our children and families, and build a bright economic future for Northern Michigan.

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Hard Times, Adversity, Misfortune, Hard Knocks, Bad Breaks, Difficulties, Tough Luck…

Whatever you call it – your family is sure to face it at one time or another.

The risks that you and your children face DO NOT define your family – Protective factors DO! Research shows that when these 5 Protective Factors are well established, family strength & optimal child development emerge.

Parental Resilience

Exercise Flexibility & Develop your inner strength Social Connections

Make a friend

Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development ,

Learn to be your child s expert

Concrete Support in Times of Need

Ask for help

Social & Emotional Competence of Children

Give your child words to express how they feel

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Strengthening Families and the Five Protective Factors

T

he Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework is a national and international initiative that strives to build and strengthen five specific characteristics (called Protective Factors) that creates strong parents, reduces child abuse and neglect and promotes optimal development of children. The framework was developed by the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP), with funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

Protective Factors are attributes in individuals and families that, when present, alleviate or eliminate risk in families and increase their health and well-being. Protective Factors aid parents in finding community resources, positive support, and coping strategies.

Often government, agencies and communities identify and categorize families in terms of their risk factors. Research shows that risk factors do not dictate positive or negative outcomes – Protective Factors do! For example, a child of a family experiencing divorce may be at risk for depression. However, with Protective Factors in place (such as social and emotional support from a nurturing family member) will negate the risk of depression for that child.

The Great Start Collaborative of Charlevoix, Emmet, and Northern Antrim counties is moving toward a new normal where families are no longer divided by their risk factors, but brought together to build protective factors. We are fostering parent education and events that allow families to focus on their strengths and not deficits. Our local collaborative has embraced this framework because it is inclusive of ALL families who strive for optimal outcomes for children.

For more information on the Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework, please visit: www.strengtheningfamilies.net For more information on Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework training opportunities: www.ctfalliance.org For more information on local Strengthening Families efforts, please visit: www.whatmakesyourfamilystrong.org

Another example to consider is the stresses that occur from job loss or foreclosure. This stress can be combated by Protective Factors of seeking help from community resources and making social connections that build a positive network of support.

Your protective factors act as you shield to counteract your risk factors. They are built through daily interaction with the people and systems that families encounter. They are not complicated or theoretical.

They are distinctive traits of healthy family life – many of which you are already living.

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Parental Resilience

Flexibility & Inner Strength = Resilience

Resilience

makes your family

STRONG

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Parental Resilience: Your life is not defined by your experiences, but how you respond and grow. Resilient parents keep a positive attitude, solve problems creatively and take life in stride.

How to build flexibility and inner strength : se lf S ur ro un d yo ur at th le w it h pe op el m ak e yo u fe co nfide n t.

Share your feelings with someone you trust.

Make a “date” with yourself!

P la n ah e ad a n d ad ap t t o ch a nge .

Identify yourself as a survivor.

Be healthy and get regular exercise.

Be Resilient!

What do you do to take care of yourself?

“I attended the Strong Families workshop and have been working on it! Whether it’s time spent with friends, joining a recreational activity for yourself, or doing something that is relaxing for you, it’s important. I have tried to organize kid-free get-togethers with friends. I am playing on a women’s volleyball team. Whenever possible on the weekends, I take my dog for a walk through a nature preserve‚ “some quiet time and space for me.”

-Sara, Petoskey “Right now I’m working out at a gym and being careful what I eat. But sometimes just being able to take a half hour to read or enjoy a cup of hot tea gives me what I need to recharge and take time for me.”

-Karen, Charlevoix

How do you stay strong and flexible for you and your family?

“My job enables me to be flexible for my family. I work in a supportive environment, and it’s nice to be able to meet my family’s needs. I also have the support of my mother, who helps with the kids when I have a conflict. It’s also important to stay organized and write things down!”

-Nicole, Petoskey “Remembering to take care of me first. If I’m not well and happy‚ “how can I expect others to be?”

-Jennifer, Petoskey

How do you bounce back when something knocks you down?

“Try to stay positive with my attitude and perspective and seek professional help if needed. Have faith.”

-Lisa, Boyne City “I try to find one thing that I can take from the experience to grow on and look for other opportunities or different ways to meet the goal, task, etc.” -Mary, Levering

Say one nice thing about yourself: “I am non-judgmental.”

-Laura, Harbor Springs “I am smart.” -Lisa, Ellsworth “I am resourceful.” -Heather, Charlevoix “I am a hard worker.” -Dan, Alanson

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Social Connections

Connecting with friends builds a support system and makes your family

STRONG

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Social Connections: aving a social network of emotionally supportive friends and family H make it easier to care for your children and yourself.

How to build social connections: Join a group that with people n have commo . interests

Participate in community events.

Attend local learning opportunities

Stay in touch with family & friends.

H os t a ge t- to ge th er a n d h ave gues ts br ing a fr ie n d.

Start to build your Social Network!

The last time you made a new friend, how did you connect?

“Sometimes I think it is so hard to make new friends as you get older, but last year I made a great friend at an unexpected place‚ “I attended one of the luncheon lectures at the college and the person I sat next to starting talking to me. We have been great friends ever since!”

-Melissa, Petoskey “Most of my friends have children the same age as mine because I met them at playgroups and other children’s activities in the area.” -Brenda, Petoskey

How do you build a network of support that you can depend on?

Be a volunteer

“I am active in church. I also depend on my extended family.” -Tami, Petoskey “Being involved in the community.”

-Heather, Charlevoix

What kinds of relationships make you feel stronger?

“Relationships that are based on mutual respect and trust. Relationships that are fun and allow me to play.”

-Holly, Charlevoix “Honest and loyal friendships with people who have the same morals, ethics and work ethics that I do as a mother and a professional.”

-Meg, Petoskey

What do you want to teach your children about friendship?

“Friendship is important and it involves a balance of give and take.”

-Ron, Harbor Springs “Be kind to everyone and cherish the few closest to you.”

-April, Petoskey “We talk about kindness frequently, and my husband and I model how to communicate effectively. I want them to respect others and treat them fairly.”

-Nicole, Petoskey

n and Hertel, Marla Watso April Raycraft, Amy ildren during ch ir the th ki pose wi Meagan Krzywosins playdate. a mommy/daughter www.whatmakesyourfamilystrong.org |

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FREE Books Pick up a FREE gently used children’s book at one of the following locations listed below.

Books range from infant board books to chapter books!

FreeCycle Book Bin Locations:

Updated: 9.29.2014

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Donate Books Donate gently used children’s books ranging from infant board books to chapter books!

Books will then be distributed to children at community locations throughout Charlevoix, Emmet, & Northern Antrim Counties.

Book Donation Locations:

Updated: 9.29.2014 www.whatmakesyourfamilystrong.org |

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Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development

Being a great parent is part natural & part learned. Parent education makes your family

STRONG

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Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development: Children go through many stages of development. Informed parents are more likely to have realistic expectations, provide appropriate guidance, and build a positive relationship with their child.

ow to increase your knowledge of H child development & parenting:

Ta lk t o yo u r ch ild’s do c t o r.

Visit your local health department.

Discuss your child’s development with their teacher.

Attend parent education events

Complete an Ages & Stages questionnaire

Search online for answers to your concerns.

BE RESILIENT! Become YOUR What do you do to take child’s expert! care of yourself?

How do you know what

“I attended the Strong Families workshop yourbeen childworking needson asit!she/ and have Whether it’s time joining a he spent growswith andfriends, develops? recreational activity for yourself, or doing something that is relaxing for you, “Have conversations with them, keepit’s important.

I have triedwith to organize kid-free open communication their teachers get-togethers with friends.

I am and other caregivers.

Keep up to playing date on on a development.” women’s volleyball team. Whenever child dog possible on the weekends, -Mandy,I take East my Jordan for a walk through a nature preserve‚ “Watch their cues, to other “some for quiet time andtalk space for me.” parents.”

-Sue, Harbor Springs -Sara, Petoskey “Right now I’m working out at a gym and being What careful comes what I eat.

But sometimes naturally just being a half hour to read to able youtoastake a parent? or enjoy a cup of hot tea gives me what I need to-Lisa, recharge and take time for me.”

“Hugs!”

Ellsworth

-Karen, Charlevoix

“Play!” -Sue, Harbor Springs

“Patience sense of humor.”

Howand doayou stay strong -Ron, Harbor Springs

and flexible for you and your family?

“Loving my kids and allowing them to think for enables themselves from “My job me and to belearn flexible for my their own mistakes.”

-Valerie, Petoskey family.

I work in a supportive environment, and it’s nice to be able to meet my family’s I also have the support of my Ifneeds. someone mentioned yourI mother, who helps with the that kids when child was not developmentally have a conflict. It’s also important to on stay organized andwould write things down!” track how you respond?

-Nicole, Petoskey

“I“Remembering would considertowhat take they care said. of meI first. If would them and “how myselfcan that all I’m notremind well and happy‚ I expect children others todevelop be?” at different rates. If it was something to be concerned about, I -Jennifer, Petoskey would do whatever was needed to help my child.”

-Tami, Petoskey

How do you bounce back when

“Educate myself on the issue, get involved something knocks you down? , and make it my first priority.”

-Lisa, Boyne City “Try to stay positive with my attitude and perspective and seek professional help if needed.

How doHave you faith.” distinguish between

Boyne City good and bad parenting-Lisa, advice?

“I try to find one thing that I can take from the experience to grow and look for “Sifting through facts andon opinions.” or different to other opportunities -Laura, Harbor ways Springs meet the goal, task, etc.”

“I take time to consider the advice and -Mary, Levering determine if it makes sense, if it is respectful to the child as a human being and it is appropriate the age and Sayifone nice thingfor about yourself: development for the child.”

“I am non-judgmental.” -Patty, -Laura, Goodhart Harbor Springs

“I ask people I trust.”

“I am smart.” -Lisa, Ellsworth -Leanne, Charlevoix

rse City Rest’s Trave skey. e in P h it w nselor t in Peto censed cou rking nigh li o , w te et et n t ey n B Rene a pare nts during Clinic, prese

“I am resourceful.” -Heather, Charlevoix “I am a hard worker.” -Dan, Alanson

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Concrete Support in Times of Need

Meeting your needs through community support & resources makes your family

STRONG

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Concrete Support in Times of Need: All families, at some point‚ need help. Whether the challenge is joyous like the birth of a child, transitional like a job loss, or tragic like a serious illness‚ families need extra support. Families that know where to meet their needs and ask for help can handle life’s challenges and be successful.

Let US Help!

What kinds of help do you ask for?

“My family really went through a hard time a few years back when my husband was laid off from work. We had to ask for kinds of help I didn’t even know were available, like help paying our utility bills and getting food on our table.”

-Kristen, Boyne Falls “Help from family to take care of the household chores, help from my mother with faith, help with stress and anxiety from professional health care providers, help facing life challenges from my husband.”

-Lisa, Boyne City “Help with child care and picking my kids up from school and their activities.”

-Jennifer, Petoskey

How do you find out where to get help when you need it?

“Internet research.” -Amy, Harbor Springs “Talk with other adults that are involved, phone book, online research, talk with my parents and ask what they did.”

-Mandy, East Jordan

ostume Halloween C al u n an an ts s. oalition hos area familie art Parent C event for all ee fr a The Great St is is h October. T Ex-change in

How to meet your families needs...

Identify needs vs. wants.

Seek help in providing meals for your family 16

Ask about housing and utility assistance

Explore availa ble resources an d select the b est solution.

Dial 2-1-1 to Visit resale find resources shops in your in your area. community.

How do you stretch a dollar to make it last?

“I get creative. Since having children and struggling with a challenging economy, I have had to be more creative with how I spend my money. I look for deals/ discounts, shop consignment, buy last seasons items ahead for the next year. Give outgrown items to others in exchange for other items.”

-Heather, Petoskey “Lots of home cooking as opposed to going out.”

-Lisa, Harbor Springs

What are the good things that come out of crisis?

“Knowledge and experience.”

-Jen, Central Lake “Strength. You never know what you are capable of until you have to pull yourself out of a crisis.”

-Karen, Charlevoix

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Join Join parents, grandparents andand caregivers who believe that every parents, grandparents caregivers who believe that... child should get all he or she needs for a successful start in life!

Every child should get all he or she needs for a successful start in life!

Join and… 

help build public support and goodwill for early childhood



host educational and fun family events



Join and… gain leadership through professional development opportunities •h elp build public support and goodwill for early childhood



lend your voice• host educational and fun family events



•g ain for leadership through professional development make a difference families and children in our opportunities community.

• lend your voice •m ake a difference for families and children in our community

Open to ALL parents, grandparents, or caregivers with children to ALL parents, grandparents, or caregivers infant to 12 yearsOpen of age. with children infant to 12 years of age.

For more information visit: www.greatstartforkids.com

For more information visit: 16 | www.whatmakesyourfamilystrong.org www.greatstartforkids.com

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In recognition of March as Parenting Awareness Month, the Child Abuse Council sponsors a drawing contest for area second grade students and an essay contest for area third grade students. All entrants receive an award certificate and ten drawings are chosen for display in the Petoskey Public Library and Charlevoix Public Library. Twelve of the essays are published in the Petoskey News Review.

The contest theme is

“WHAT MAKES YOUR FAMILY STRONG?” For more information visit: www.upnorthchildabusecouncil.com

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Social & Emotional Competence of Children

Teaching your child to effectively communicate & interact builds positive relationships and makes your family

STRONG

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Social & Emotional Competence of Children: A child’s ability to interact appropriately with others and express their feelings is essential to emotional intelligence. A parent who helps their child communicate and interact, builds an emotionally strong child capable of establishing positive relationships.

How to develop social and

emotional skills in children: Prov ide oppo rt un it ie s fo r yo ur ch ild to so ci al ize

Read a book about emotions.

Identify and discuss feelings.

Help your child proble m solve.

Em p at h ize w it h yo u r ch ild .

Alow your child to express all emotions.

BE Fostering RESILIENT! emotional What do you do to take care of yourself? intelligence “I attended the Strong Families workshop

and have beentalking, working on it! Whether Apart from how do you it’s time spent with friends, joining a know whatactivity your for child is feeling? recreational yourself, or doing

something that is relaxing for you, it’s “Laughing, interested in activities important.smiling, I have tried to organize kid-free or me. In termswith of health, get-togethers friends.sleeping I am playing well, well.volleyball Sometimes if they are on aeating women’s team.

Whenever uncooperative whiny it isI related possible on theorweekends, take mytodog being hungry or sleepy, so I try to keep for a walk through a nature preserve‚ these mind “somethings quiet in time andbefore space getting for me.”too frustrated.”

-Sara, Petoskey -Sara, Petoskey “Usually I canI’m tellworking in her temperament, “Right now out at a gym ifand she is sad or hurt tends act out.” being careful whatshe I eat.

Butto sometimes just being able to -Amy, Springs take a Harbor half hour to read or enjoy a cup of hot tea gives me what I need to recharge and take time for me.”

How do you express yourCharlevoix -Karen, own sadness and anger around your children?

How do you stay strong and flexible you and your family?

“Own it. I tryfor to show my children

everyone is sad or angry sometimes, but “My job to beitflexible for my how youenables handle itme makes a valuable family. for I work a supportive environment, lesson yourinchildren, or if handled and it’sanice to be able to meet my family’s poorly lesson in what not to do.” of myCity needs. I also have the support -Lynn, Boyne mother, who helps with the kids when I “Ihave talk about my frustrations.

I try toto stay a conflict.

It’s also important use examples my own lifedown!” to share organized andofwrite things with them when they are feeling sadPetoskey or -Nicole, angry.”

-Julie, Charlevoix “Remembering to take care of me first. If I’m not well and happy‚ “how can I expect others toHow be?” do you foster

friendships for your-Jennifer, child?Petoskey

“I allow have friends to Howmydochild youtobounce backover when our house. This gives me an opportunity something knocks you down? to get to know the other child and introduce myself to their family.”

“Try to stay positive with my attitude and

-Shelia, Charlevoix perspective and seek professional help if “Ineeded. encourage my children to join in Have faith.”

-Lisa, Boyne City activities at school and the community to make newone friends.”

Boyne “I try to find thing -Lynn, that I can takeCity from the experience to grow on and look for other opportunities or different ways to How do you get your child meet the goal, task, etc.”

to like him or herself?

-Mary, Levering

“Love unconditionally, hug them, positive Say one nice thing reinforcement.”

-Ron,about Harboryourself: Springs “Positive affirmation, no put-downs, and “I am non-judgmental.” -Laura, Harbor talk about differences and how they Springs make us unique.” -Mandy, East Jordan “I am smart.” -Lisa, Ellsworth

y to ns intentl oster liste y. lo K ll e ch it Cit teacher, M Center in Boyne Assistant our -F e B e th t student a

a

“I am resourceful.” -Heather, Charlevoix “I am a hard worker.” -Dan, Alanson

www.whatmakesyourfamilystrong.org |

19

Strengthening Families Award AsPam part Gibson, of our Strengthening Families the St. Great Start Collaborative is recognizing parents, community “When our Great Start Collaborative member Jill Chief Financial Officer,Initiative, and Joanie members, and professionals their dedication building factorsthis thatstory makewith families Haan shared our strong.

Strengthening Families John, Guidance Counselor, for received the awardtofor going protective the extra mile for a family in their community to enable

Committee, we knew it was the perfect story to launch

Although Hayden qualified for one of the 15 state-

Maureen Hollocker, Great Start Collaborative Director.

our Strengthening Families Community four-year-old Hayden Ohlemacher attend preschool.

Please check the appropriate box totoindicate which protective factor this nomination refers to: Awards,” said

“Providing concrete support in times of need is one Great Start Readiness Program slots at theDeveloping Inner Exercising Flexibility and Strength □funded Parental Resilience of five protective factors identified in the Strengthenprogram at Blackbird School, the Making aElementary Friend □preschool Social Connections ing Families Initiative, a research-based strategy being had no means in to Times transport the school for Help □family Concrete Support of him NeedtoAsking adopted across the nation to increase family stability, for the half day afternoon session. Claire Swadling and □ Social & Emotional Competence of Children Giving Your Child Words to Express How They Feel enhance child development, and reduce child abuse and Chris Ohlemacher, Hayden’s parents, reached out to to be Your Child'sexplained.

Expert □theKnowledge of Parenting & ChildSchool Development neglect,” Hollocker Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate District toLearning

In addition to acknowledging the Harbor Springs team effort, Hayden’s parents are being commended for strengthening their family by asking for help and meetto school in the afternoon, Jill Haan, Early Education ing their family’s needs through community support Coordinator for the ISD, contacted Gibson and St. John, Nominee _________________________________________________________________________ and resources. who madeName it possible for Hayden to attend preschool.

“We want families to understand that ‘asking for help’ Hayden was(if awarded a scholarship to attend Blackapplicable) _________________________________________________________________ Title/Position demonstrates strength - not weakness, and that all bird Childcare Center in the morning, which in turn, has families need support at one time or another,” added allowedofHayden to travel and from school via school (ifto applicable) __________________________________________________________ Name Organization Hollocker. bus with his older sister. see if transportation to the afternoon session could be

arranged. Although there is no transportation available Nominee

City _________________Phone ____________________Email___________________________________ LEFT: The Great Start Collaborative recently honored Harbor Springs Name _________________________________________________________________________________ school staff with a Title/Position (if applicable) _________________________________________________________________ Strengthening Families Award.

Nominator

Name of Organization (if applicable) __________________________________________________________

City _________________Phone ____________________Email___________________________________ Description of Accomplishment On a separate sheet of paper, please write a paragraph or two about how this person builds the particular protective factor to strengthen a family.

RIGHT:

Please submit allClaire nominations to: Swadling, Joanie St. John,

Maureen Hollocker,Pam Great Start Collaborative Director Gibson, Email: maureen@greatstartforkids.com Hayden Ohlemacher Fax: 231.582.8082 Mail: Char-Em ISD 08568 Mercer Blvd.

Charlevoix, MI 49720

20 20 20 |

www.whatmakesyourfamilystrong.org

Strengthening Families Nomination Form Strengthening Families Award Award Nomination Form As part of our Strengthening Families Initiative, the Great Start Collaborative is recognizing parents, community members, and professionals for their dedication to building protective factors that make families strong.

Please check the appropriate box to indicate which protective factor this nomination refers to: □ Parental Resilience Exercising Flexibility and Developing Inner Strength □ Social Connections Making a Friend □ Concrete Support in Times of Need Asking for Help □ Social & Emotional Competence of Children Giving Your Child Words to Express How They Feel □ Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development Learning to be Your Child's Expert Nominee Nominee Name _________________________________________________________________________ Title/Position (if applicable) _________________________________________________________________ Name of Organization (if applicable) __________________________________________________________ City _________________Phone ____________________Email___________________________________ Nominator Name _________________________________________________________________________________ Title/Position (if applicable) _________________________________________________________________ Name of Organization (if applicable) __________________________________________________________ City _________________Phone ____________________Email___________________________________ Description of Accomplishment On a separate sheet of paper, please write a paragraph or two about how this person builds the particular protective factor to strengthen a family.

Please submit all nominations to: Maureen Hollocker, Great Start Collaborative Director Email: maureen@greatstartforkids.com Fax: 231.582.8082 Mail: Char-Em ISD 08568 Mercer Blvd.

Charlevoix, MI 49720

21 21

www.whatmakesyourfamilystrong.org |

Need Quality Child Care or Preschool Options?

GREAT START TO QUALITY is Michigan’s quality rating and improvement system. For the first time, parents have a reliable and objective star rating system to assess the quality of early learning programs.

This is important because when children receive high-quality early learning they are better prepared for school and life.

Just like you, we want your child to succeed! Let Great Start to Quality help find the best program for you and your child!

Visit our website!

www.greatstarttoquality.org Searching for child care and preschool?

Click here

Great Start to Quality Northwest Resource Center

Michigan’s Destination for Child Care & Preschool Resources If you need additional assistance or do not have access to the internet, please call 1.877.614.7328 22

| www.whatmakesyourfamilystrong.org

www.facebook.com/greatstartfreecycle

Great Start FreeCycle is a forum for parents to support other parents and caregivers by “FreeCycling” their child’s gently used clothing, toys, and sports equipment!

YES! It’s FREE! Powered by the Charlevoix, Emmet, and northern Antrim Great Start Collaborative and Parent Coalition

Strong Families, Thriving Communities, Begin with a GREAT START! www.whatmakesyourfamilystrong.org |

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How to remember the

5 PROTECTIVE FACTORS

because your first commitment must be to yourself in order to be strong for others.

Parental Resilience

Your Ring Finger stands for

because it is the smallest finger and reminds us that we all need help sometimes.

Concrete Support in Times of Need

Your Pinky Finger signifies

that make your family strong.

Use your Thumb to remember

Social & Emotional Competence of Children

Your Index Finger represents

because you are your child’s 1st teacher!

Your Middle Finger can help you remember

because it should never stand alone! We all need a positive social network.

Social Connections

Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development

because a “thumbs up” is one of the first ways we learn to communicate our emotions.

Generated by the Great Start Collaborative of Charlevoix, Emmet, & northern Antrim Counties www.greatstartforkids.com