The Early Childhood Support Network (ECSN) is comprised of four regions throughout the state of Michigan; Eastern, Northern, Southeast, and Western. The network regions are designed to provide development of, and facilitate access to, a coordinated, easy-to-navigate early childhood system for providers and families that addresses the needs of the whole child.
The Western ECSN supports services in 19 counties including Mason, Lake, Osceola, Oceana, Newaygo, Mecosta, Muskegon, Montcalm, Ottawa, Kent, Ionia, Allegan, Barry, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Berrien, Cass and St, Joseph, and oversight and technical assistance to three Great Start to Quality Resource Centers- Western Resource Center, Southwest Resource Center and Kent Resource Center.
The ECSN facilitates cross-sector collaboration within the region for maximum utilization of federal, state, and local resources to promote quality childcare provision and equitable access to early childhood support and services. The ECSN provides systems development, professional learning, and technical assistance for the Great Start Network, which includes the Great Start to Quality Resource Centers, Great Start Collaboratives, and Parent Coalitions. The ECSNs are funded by the Michigan Department of Education through federal Child Care Development Funds.
Resource Centers within ECSN Region:
Western ECSN Staff
| Tamela Mannes – Director of Early Childhood Services Organizational Lead Western ECSN, Ottawa Area Intermediate School District tmannes@oaisd.org (616) 738-8940 x 4133 |
| Erika Burkhardt – Asst. Superintendent of Early Childhood Services Organizational Lead Western ECSN, Calhoun Intermediate School District burkhare@calhounisd.org (269) 660-1606 x 6154 |
| Julie Dunks – Director of Compliance and Contracts Western ECSN Ottawa Area Intermediate School District jdunks@oaisd.org (269) 580-0098 |
| Kathy Peppin – Director of Traning and Technical Assistance Western ECSN Ottawa Area Intermediate School District kpeppin@oaisd.org (616) 738-8940 x 4019 |
Contact us!
| Calhoun Intermediate School District: Western Early Childhood Support Network 1711 G Drive North Marshall, MI 49068 burkhare@calhounisd.org 269-660-1606 x 6154 |
| Ottawa Area Intermediate School District: Western Early Childhood Support Network 13565 Port Sheldon St. Holland, MI 49424 tmannes@oaisd.org 616-738-8940 x 4133 |
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!