ECIC co-lead in Michigan's Strengthening Families initiative

In October, ECIC staff traveled to Chicago to attend the Center for the Study of Social Policy's 2014 Strengthening Families Leadership Summit. The Strengthening Families™ initiative in Michigan has been co-led by the Children's Trust Fund (CTF) and the Early Childhood Investment Corporation. The framework is a research-based, cost-effective strategy to in­crease family strengths, enhance child development, and reduce child abuse and neglect. It focuses on building five Protective Factors that also promote healthy outcomes: Parental Resilience, Social Connections, Concrete Support in Times of Need, Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development, and Social and Emotional Competence of Children.  

 

At the conference, ECIC staff member Bryn Fortune presented on how Michigan is using Strengthening Families to ensure a high level of family engagement in the Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge grant.  Co-presenters who shared information about their state and the national context included Sharon Budka of the New Jersey Department of Children and Family Services; Terry Tolan of the Governor's Office of Early Childhood, Kentucky; and Anna Lovejoy from the Center for the Study of Social Policy.

  

There are six certified Strengthening Families™ Trainers on our staff that are available to help bring the approach to programs and stakeholders across the state.  You can read about the knowledge and experience of each of them here:

 

Michele Chenier

Marissa Zamudio

Holly Wingard

Jordan Blough-Orr

Bryn Fortune

Kelly Kreider

 

If you would like to learn more about how ECIC can bring Strengthening Families™ training to your program or community, contact Holly Wingard.

  
Explore career opportunities at the Early Childhood Investment Corporation!

Join a team of dedicated, knowledgeable, and diverse professionals all working toward the common goal of serving and advancing the interests of young children in Michigan.  We offer an energized, professional environment that supports individual growth, competitive wages, and a comprehensive benefits package.

 

The following positions are currently open:

 

Validator, Great Start to Quality (2) positions

This position will validate program Self-Assessment Surveys with child care and preschool programs statewide to ensure fidelity to the Great Start to Quality Program

 

Data Systems Manager, Great Start to Quality

This position will implement data governance and management practices to ensure the quality of data and the integrity of Michigan's Quality Rating Improvement System

 

Special Projects Manager

This position will support the Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge Grant project team members and is responsible for the implementation of quality improvement grants and participation incentives processes, contributing to the development and monitoring of contracts, and processing of invoices and statement of expenses from vendors and contractors

  

Please click below to learn more and to apply.