Great Start Parents

We are a volunteer network working to ensure that all children enter kindergarten safe, healthy, and eager to succeed in school and life.  We aim to:

  • Provide opportunities for training & activities for parents & caregivers of young children
  • Advocate for better early childhood services & systems
  • Recognize parents as their child’s first & most important teacher
  • Empower parents to be leaders and advocates in their home, workplace, & community
  • Network with other parents
  • Take time to learn about early childhood & parenting
  • Strengthen families

Great Start Parents needs your help on our lead project!

Join our team of parents working to make sure no parent goes unrecognized for their dedicated efforts at home.  Can you help deliver yard signs and Talking is Teaching kits? Complete this form to let us know.

Want to nominate an awesome parent of a child 0-8? Nominate someone here.

Great Start Parents Virtual Meetings

Our next Great Start Parents meeting will be virtual on Thursday, February 25, 2021 from 8:00-9:00PM.  We will discuss the first weeks of our Parent-to-Parent support effort to distribute Talking is Teaching materials across our region.  Would love to have you on board to reach out and lift up other parents at this socially isolating time. Learn about 5toONE Winter Activities an equity challenge for families and how you can participate. More great information to come!

Register for the Great Start Parents Meeting 04.12.21

GSPC 2020-21 Meetings Flyer PDF

Peace Meal Solidarity Passports

Have you attended at least three Peace Meal Solidarity events? You can claim your free copy of Cooking Class Global Feast by clicking here.

 What else is possible?

  • Connect with other parents in your community
  • Take advantage of opportunities to attend parent summits and workshops
  • Learn more about the 5toONE Parent Leadership Cohort
  • Work on parent-led community projects
  • Start something for families or parents in your community
  • Share something you’ve been working on with early childhood leadership.
  • Be part of a leadership team at a 5toONE Neighborhood Center
  • Join the Great Start Collaborative as a parent member

Click here to share how you’d like to be involved!

What is a “Pandemic Pod”?

Are you thinking about starting or joining a pandemic pod to meet your needs for child care and/or early education? If your answer is YES! we have put together some helpful guidance for creating or participating in this type of pod. Read “Pandemic Pod Guidance” to learn more about “podding”.

Pandemic Pods Guidance

If participating in a pandemic pod interests you, use our Family Risk Tool determine your risk profile and risk tolerance, and connect with us on zoom for Q & A sessions and coaching.

Family Risk Tool

Let’s all work together to give our kids a GREAT START!