T
he Hillsdale County Great Start Collaborative (HCGSC) is dedicated to ensuring that Hillsdale County children from birth to age eight have “access to a universal, comprehensive, and collaborative system of community-based early childhood programs, services, and supports.” The collaborative brings together family service agencies, parents, and other partners to achieve this goal. A multi-dimensional approach is utilized in the HCGSC’s work. They: • Ask parents what they need and want • Engage community partners in the planning • • • • By Melissa McCance
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Hillsdale County Great Start Collaborative Loves Literacy!
6 MICHIGAN PARENT Winter 2024
and coordination of services Address the factors that influence a child’s success in school and life Promote community awareness of early childhood issues Advocate for quality early childhood programs and services Invite parents into decision-making conversations Collaborate with partner agencies to implement changes that will help families
Director Stefanie Rathburn and Family Liaison Wendy Playford are especially passionate about the readingrelated initiatives and events the HCGSC provides. They want young children in Hillsdale County not only to have their own books but to be exposed to fun activities that will encourage them to be lifelong readers. Although most people acknowledge that reading is a valuable activity, many do not realize the enormous difference early exposure to books and reading can make in the life of a child. Studies have revealed that “the more words that are in a child’s language world, the more words they will learn, and the stronger their language skills are when they reach kindergarten, the more prepared they are to be able to read, and the
