Local Partners
Great Start Collaboratives and Parent Coalitions
Parents, educators, caregivers, and early childhood stakeholders come together in their local Great Start Collaboratives and Parent Coalitions to solve problems, bring new resources to families raising young children, and raise awareness about the importance of early childhood to adult health and accomplishments. Parent Coalitions create opportunities for anyone parenting a young child to get involved in making their community a great place to raise a family.
Great Start Collaborative – Charlevoix, Emmet and Northern Antrim Counties
Great Start Collaborative – Traverse Bay
Great Start Collaborative – Wexford, Missaukee and Manistee Counties
Intermediate School Districts
Contact your Intermediate School District (ISD) if you have concerns about your child’s development, would like to know more about what services are available through the ISD, and to apply for free preschool.
Charlevoix, Emmet & Northern Antrim counties
Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska & Leelanau counties
Northwest MI Community Action Agency
Contact NMCAA for information about Early Head Start and Head Start programs in your county, and to enroll in free preschool. NMCAA also provides a variety of services that help families with budgets and tax preparation, find housing and make home improvements, and connect to food resources. Visit NMCAA.
Community Resources
Family Resource Guides
Family resource guides have been prepared by Great Start Collaboratives and their partners. Check out these guides for everything families need to know about activities, programs, and services available in their communities.
Charlevoix/Emmet/N. Antrim counties
Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties
Wexford/Missaukee/Manistee counties
NMCAA/Head Start & Early Head Start
Health Departments
Local health departments provide health services for all county residents. Contact your local health department for information on immunizations, lead testing, dental health, WIC, and Maternal & Child Health Program services.
Northwest MI Health Department (Charlevoix, Emmet, Antrim counties)
Benzie/Leelanau District Health Department (Benzie and Leelanau counties)
Grand Traverse County Health Department (Grand Traverse County)
District 10 Health Department (Manistee, Missaukee, Wexford counties)
Not sure where to turn for help?
Call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 or visit United Way 211
Effective February 25, 2024, Michigan has removed the requirement to work with the Office of Child Support to receive help paying for child care. Check to see if you are now eligible!