Economist refutes the skeptics
The economic development benefits of high-quality early childhood programs are similar in magnitude to the benefits of well-designed business tax  incentives, according to the research of Dr. Tim Bartik. Dr. Bartik, senior economist at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research and author of Investing in Kids: Early Childhood Programs and Local Economic Development, has found that for every dollar invested in high-quality early childhood programs, the present value of local per capita earnings increases by $2 to $3. In a presentation to the First Steps Commission last month, Dr. Bartik refuted some of the most common arguments of skeptics who question the value of public investments in quality preschool, child care and home visitation programs that improve parenting skills. Click on the link to read the complete article on Dr. Bartik's research, including how a $1 investment in quality early childhood programs can lead to a $13 return in higher property values and why the most lasting benefits of preschool may never show up in test scores. You also can read a transcript of Dr. Bartik's presentation to the First Steps Commission.
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News & Updates
40% of babies born to unwed mothers
The percent of babies born to unmarried women increased significantly over the last decade. Right Start in Michigan, a Kids Count report released by the  Michigan League for Human Services, found that in 2009, two out of every five births in Michigan were to unwed mothers (40%, up from 34% in 2000).
"Women who are not married at the birth of their child are likely to remain single and their children are much more likely to live in poverty," Jane Zehnder-Merrell of the Michigan League for Human Services said in a news release.
Click on the link to read more about the Right Start in Michigan report.
Grand Rapids Public Schools Party in the Parks  | | Registering a family for preschool |
First Steps and the Great Start Collaborative are pleased to participate in the GRPS Back to School Party in the Parks. They are a great opportunity to help children register for preschool. Please click on the link for a schedule of the remaining parties.
 | | Enjoying the bubbles at the Party in the Parks |
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Message to families concerned about their child's development: Don't worry, but don't wait
We want to share the stories of programs and services that are improving the lives of young children and their families in Kent County. This time we are featuring Early On.
 Most parents can remember back to the time when their baby first sat up, took her first steps, or spoke his first real word. While those are exciting milestones, waiting for them to occur can create anxiety for parents who wonder if their baby's development is on track.
Early On supports families with babies and toddlers - from birth through age 2 - who have developmental delays or a diagnosed disability. It's a statewide program that is run by the Kent Intermediate School District locally. For parents who are concerned about their child's development, the message is clear: "Don't worry. But don't wait."
"Parents typically notice differences or lags at natural times of development," explained Barbara Corbin, coordinator of Kent County Early On. "These things include how a baby moves, interacts, makes sounds and communicates. If parents are worried, they should call us."
Please click on the link to read the complete article about Early On, including why enrollment is at an all-time high.
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