Great Start Shiawassee

08/28/2026

Not all screen time is created equal. Just like food, some digital content is nourishing, some is okay as a treat, and some is basically empty calories.

Kids need daily servings of:

Free play (unstructured, imaginative)
Reading & creative time
Chores & responsibility
Family meals & connection
Sleep & rest

Children with more balanced screen use show healthier language, sleep, and behavior outcomes.

08/27/2026

It may look like play to them, but it looks like learning to us! Our preschool teachers know how to make learning fun and engaging so little ones look forward to it. That’s why preschool matters.

Enrollment is now open for the 2026-27 school year. Shiawassee County families with children who will be 4 years old by Dec. 1, 2026 can explore local PreK for All programs and begin the enrollment process at https://shiawasseepreschool.org/

08/27/2026

There’s so much going on right now, so don’t worry if you missed preschool sign ups--we saved a spot for you. Visit https://shiawasseepreschool.org to get started.

08/26/2026

We appreciate FOX66 & NBC25 News' interest in the Great Start Shiawassee Family Coalition's Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program. Courtney and Erica did a great job introducing Kyle to the program and the impact Dolly's work has had on Shiawassee County. We look forward to watching the news tonight.

08/26/2026

"The seeds of dreams are often found in books, and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world". - Dolly Parton

Our community signed on to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 2023 to give our children the best start in life. Inspired by Dolly Parton’s own dad, who couldn’t read or write.

While our hearts are incredibly sad today, we’re more inspired than ever to continue this important mission. Together, we are building a brighter future for our children and have mailed out more than 60,000 books to Shiawassee County children.

Thank you for supporting our work and Dolly’s legacy. Her family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com/

08/21/2026

Great Start Shiawassee is excited to continue our partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Shiawassee County children, under 5 years old, are eligible to enroll in the program. Each month, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails a high-quality, age-appropriate book to all registered children, addressed to them, at no cost to the child’s family. Children enrolled by August 31st will receive their first book by November, so sign up TODAY! Here is the link https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/affiliate/MISHIAWASSEE/

Please allow 6-8 weeks for the first book to arrive. Siblings may not receive their books on the same day.

Since Dolly Parton's Imagination Library came to Shiawassee County in the fall of 2023, over 60,000 books have been delivered to the mailboxes of children (ages 0-5) throughout the county.

Questions about Shiawassee County DPIL? Contact Erica at [email protected].

08/19/2026

"Children who start ahead stay ahead," said Synthia Britton, interim deputy director of MiLEAP’s Office of Early Education. "High-quality PreK helps children develop the foundational skills they need to succeed in school, from early reading and language development to math, science, and social-emotional skills. These early experiences help put children on a path toward lifelong success.”

Enrollment is now open for the 2026-27 school year. Families with children who will be 4 years old by Dec. 1, 2026 can explore available programs and begin the enrollment process at https://shiawasseepreschool.org/

08/14/2026

We join teachers at Bertha Neal Elementary in Durand, Michigan for a quick look at what makes a high quality learning environment. All of our GSRP partners offer high quality preschool.



Most PreK for All classrooms follow the Connect4Learning curriculum and all teaching teams have been formally trained in using the curriculum. Connect4Learning® is a research-based, classroom tested interdisciplinary prekindergarten curriculum. It integrates research-validated teaching methodologies from early childhood experts in mathematics, science, literacy, and social-emotional learning.

Now accepting preschool interest forms for the 2026-2027 school year at www.ShiawasseePreschool.org.

https://youtu.be/-CO5jSl79LE?si=ybTG5pO3IVf5e75A

We join teachers at Bertha Neal Elementary in Durand, Michigan for ...

08/13/2026

Join us today at the Shiawassee County Fair from 1-4 pm across from the First Aid, Police, and Fire station. The Great Start Shiawassee Family Coalition has books to give away and activities for kids.

08/11/2026

Digital Diet Summer Tip: Screen-free moments help children get ready for school.

Children learn a lot through simple, everyday moments. Waiting in line, getting dressed, playing outside, helping at home, and reading together all help children practice skills they will use in kindergarten.

Screen-free moments give children more chances to practice:

Waiting
Taking turns
Listening
Following directions
Calming their body
Trying again
Solving problems

Try one simple idea today:

“First shoes, then outside.”
“Can you bring me your shoes and coat?”
“Let’s take five deep breaths together.”
“What can we do while we wait?”
“What else could we try?”

Kindergarten readiness can grow through play, routines, and time together.