The Collaborative

5 county region mapThe mission of Great Start is to ensure that every child in Michigan has a great start in life and equitable opportunity to achieve their highest potential. Research supports what many have believed all along—that the first five years of life are a critical period in a child’s development.

The evidence is compelling: The goal of educating our young people to become productive, engaged and happy adult members of society is best met by ensuring they get a great start in life.

The Collaborative’s commitment to early childhood is part of a larger view of community and prosperity. We believe that creating and strengthening a family-friendly infrastructure that values early childhood will pay dividends in the years ahead for our children, and the children who come after them.