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About Us
Kids need your help.
Even today, with the resources available from
both government and private organizations, some
children arrive in kindergarten with barriers to
learning. Sometimes it is the lack of health
care; sometimes it is an undiagnosed physical or
cognitive or emotional disability.
The Great Start
Collaborative aims to address those issues. We
want to make sure that every child in Baraga,
Houghton and Keweenaw Counties - and their
parents - have access to the services they need
to address health, social, emotional,
developmental and learning needs.
While many programs
exist, access and quality can vary. Some needs
are not being addressed and some children and
families are not being served. The collaborative
will compile an inventory of all such programs
and look at ways to fill the gaps. By addressing
concerns during the first five years of life, we
can ensure that children are as ready for school
- and for life - as they can be.
The collaborative
includes parents, community leaders, business
owners, charitable and faith-based
organizations, health and human service
agencies, and educators.
Core Collaborative Responsibilities
-
Engage community
partners in identifying existing services,
and planning and coordination of services.
-
Address the
factors that influence a child's readiness
for school and life.
-
Promote
community awareness of early childhood
issues.
-
Advocate for
quality early childhood programs and
services.
We specifically need
the help and support - and the volunteer time -
of parents, educators, community leaders,
business leaders and others with an interest in
the health and well-being of children. For more
information, contact Emilie Krznarich at
482-4250 ext. 260 or use our contact form to
send her a message.
Members provide
overall direction in the governance and
operations of the Collaborative, appoint
committees to undertake specific functions and
assure accountability for commitments made
within the Collaborative and community. The
group meets a minimum of six times per year.
The CCGSC undertakes
specific tasks and accomplishes them via use of
committees and workgroups. There are currently
three standing committees.
The Executive
Committee is responsible for administrative
oversight. It consists of the officers of the
Collaborative, which are democratically elected
by the members. This Committee is representative
of each of the five service areas of the Great
Start System. Like the full Collaborative
membership, the Executive Committee meets a
minimum of six times per year.
The Strategic
Planning Committee
is responsible for oversight of the early
childhood system assessment, including a data
review, strategic plan and action agenda.
The Communications
Committee is responsible for website
development, the communications plan and the
early childhood community report card. |
