Great Start Collaborative (GSC)

The Great Start Collaborative (GSC) is an  early childhood community group that uses local data from Cheboygan, Otsego and Presque Isle counties to build and expand early childhood opportunities, along with resources for families. Family voice and engagement are a priority of the GSC,  20% of the GSC membership must consist of parents of young children who participate in early childhood programs.  The group is made up of  organizations that serve children and families prenatal to age 8 including: businesses, philanthropy, faith-based community, Health and Human Services, Community Mental health, private healthcare including mental health, juvenile and/family court, elementary education staff, preschool including Head Start  and GSRP, child care providers, elected officials, community specific non-profits, etc.  The Great Start Collaborative is supported by funding from the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Great Start, in collaboration with Cheboygan, Otsego and Presque Isle Educational Service District  and community partners.  ​

Goals & Outcomes

Outcome 1 - Children are born healthy.

Outcome 2 - Children are healthy, thriving, and developmentally on track from birth to third grade.

Outcome 3 - Children are developmentally ready to succeed in school at time of school entry.

Outcome 4 - Children are prepared to succeed in fourth grade and beyond by reading proficiently by the end of third grade.

You Might Recognize Some of Our Work!

We love our community! Below are a  few projects that we have sponsored in our three local communities.  The projects are part of our Strategic Plan, Work Plan and Trusted Advisor Projects which are  funded from the Office of Great Start within Michigan Department of Education.

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We are glad you asked!  COPESD Great Start Collaborative knows the importance  of providing the support families need to help their children become productive members of our community. The Great Start Collaborative is all about kids, our kids!  Nelson Mandela said it best, “Our children are our greatest treasure. They are our future.”  Visit COPESD's Great Start Collaborative website

Parent  representatives bring their knowledge and strengths by providing input during the Great Start Collaborative meetings. Meetings occur 4 times a year and include other families, agencies and organizations that support children 0 to 8 years of age.   If you are interested in becoming a parent representative, fill out our interest survey.

Interest Survey

Talking is Teaching encourages families to make every moment an opportunity for learning. Talk, Read and Sing to your child throughout the day. The possibilities are endless!               


COP ESD's Talking is Teaching website

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Talking is Teaching Team with Trusted Advisors partner  Corwith Station, Vanderbilt, MI

                

 

Michigan’s Children has information about state policy and programming for young children and families, updates on legislation, and advocacy.

Michigan’s Children 

 

Come Join Us!

All meetings take place at:
Cheboygan, Otsego, Presque Isle Educational Service District
6065 Learning Lane
Indian River, MI  49749.

Meeting Dates

Great Start Parent Coalitions (GSPC)

The Great Start Parent Coalitions (GSPC) are the sister body to the local GSC.  The GSPCs are a group of parents and caregivers who volunteer to provide their insight and voice to support the Early Childhood work in their communities. 

For more information:

Melinda Hambleton
Great Start Collaborative Coordinator 

Dawn Fenstermaker
Family Engagement Specialist  

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