Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)
Eaton Great Start
Great Start Collaboratives and Parent Coalitions support all areas of our State. The Great Start structure was created within the Michigan Department of Education to improve the early childhood system at the local level. All Eaton Great Start work is centered around the early childhood outcomes developed by the State of Michigan:
- 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 are prepared to succeed in fourth grade and beyond by reading proficiently by the end of third grade.
For more information about Eaton Great Start and our programs and to find additional resources for families please visit www.greatstarteaton.com.
How Are You Feeling?
Our partners at Community Mental Health have created this mental health screening tool. Brief screenings are the quickest way to determine if you or someone you care about should connect with a behavioral health professional. This program is completely anonymous and confidential, and immediately following the brief questionnaire you will see your results, recommendations, and key resources.
Participate in this 
brief mental health screening here.
Welcome Baby Bag
What’s in the Bag?
• sleep sack
• children’s books
• diaper & wipe samplers
• bath time items
• health items
• self-care items for mom
• stuff for dad
• resource sheets
• and more!
How do I get one?
Eaton County parents can request a free Welcome Baby Bag by filling out the Welcome Baby Bag form.
For more information, contact eatongreatstart@gmail.com or call 517.541.8989
Eaton County Family Coalition
We work to empower families to support their child’s development and health. Use YOUR unique voice as a caregiver to improve the early childhood experience in Eaton County.
- Meet and build social connections with other families
- Learn about local resources
- Share your experiences to improve the work of our local early childhood system
- Increase your knowledge of child development
- Shape the future of early childhood in Eaton County
For more information, contact Kelly Mackey or visit our Eaton Great Start Family Coalition Facebook page.
Find Information on Childcare
Looking fo
r information about childcare or preschool options near you, visit Great Start to Quality.
Eaton Great Start Family Coalition
The Great Start Family Coalition is a group of parents, caregivers, and others in the parenting role of children from prenatal to 12 years old who live in Eaton County.
The early years of life are the most important for learning and parents are the first teachers of their children. Each parent has skills to learn and teach and needs support from other parents.
We meet regularly, offering parents and caregivers opportunities to:
- Build relationships with others.
- Add to their knowledge of child development and parenting.
- Increase their awareness of community resources and services for families.
- Build resilience.
- Support the social and emotional competence of their children.
- Advocate for a quality early childhood experience for everyone in our community.
Together we strengthen and empower families, resulting in a better future for parents, children and our whole community.
If you would like to learn more about the Family Coalition contact, Kelly Mackey, Family Liaison, email: Kelly Mackey or call 517.541.8989
Check our Family Coalition on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/eatonfamilycoalition
Parents as Teachers
Eaton Great Start offers Parents as Teachers, an evidence-based home visiting model that promotes optimal early development and the learning and health of children, by supporting parents and families. This service is free to any family in Eaton County or the Eaton RESA service area. Families with a child ages prenatal to Kindergarten entry are eligible to participate. The goals of Parents As Teachers include partnering with parents to; Increase parent knowledge of early childhood development, Connect families to local resources and supports, and to Increase children’s school readiness and school success.
Parents that participate in Parents As Teachers report feeling more parental confidence and resilience. To learn more and to enroll contact Nikki Selleck, nselleck@eatonresa.org or call 517.541.8987.
Follow Us on Social Media
These materials were developed under a grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Education.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
WIC is a progra
m that helps families meet their nutrition and health goals. WIC staff work hard to meet you where you are in a safe non-judgmental space. WIC provides healthy food, nutrition counseling with a Registered Dietitian, and referrals to additional community resources. WIC clients can meet with on-staff Registered Dietitians or nurses to answer any nutritional questions you may have about you or your family. WIC also provides special benefits for breastfeeding moms and babies. Breastfeeding moms are eligible for free breast pumps. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are caring for an infant or child under 5 (including dads, grandparents, or foster parents with custody) you may qualify!
Visit www.barryeatonhealth.org/wic or call Barry County: 269.945.9516 or Eaton County: 517.541.2630 to see if you qualify!
Barry-Eaton Baby Cafe
The Barry-Eaton Baby Ca
fe is a free, informal group where caregivers can ask breastfeeding questions, receive professional lactation care and intervention and meet other caregivers.
Events and information are available on the Barry-Eaton Baby Cafe Facebook page.