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This October Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is celebrating Head Start Awareness Month, recognizing the vital role that both Early Head Start and Preschool Head Start programs play in the development of young children and families. These programs work together to provide critical resources and comprehensive support for children from birth through age 5 and pregnant individuals, ensuring they receive the education, health, and family services needed for a strong start in life.

Early Head Start serves pregnant individuals and children from birth through age 3 in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola Counties, focusing on nurturing infant and toddler development during these critical early years. The program helps parents build strong bonds with their children, supports health and wellness, and offers resources to create a foundation for lifelong learning.

“Early Head Start supports families during some of the most important developmental years of a child’s life,” said Amyee Carson, Early Head Start & WIC Director at Mid Michigan CAA. “We partner with parents to support pregnancies and provide the guidance and resources needed to help infants and toddlers grow, learn, and build strong relationships. It’s truly about giving families the tools to support their child’s healthy development right from the start.”

Preschool serves children from ages 3 through 5 in Clare and Gladwin Counties, providing high-quality early education that promotes school readiness through play, hands-on learning, and the development of essential social, emotional, and cognitive skills.

“Our Preschool program is all about creating a strong foundation for children as they prepare for school,” said Stephanie VanderElzen, Head Start Director at Mid Michigan CAA. “We focus on nurturing each child’s curiosity, creativity, and social skills through engaging, play-based learning. Head Start is more than just education—it’s about empowering children and their families to thrive.”

To learn more or apply for Early Head Start, visit www.mmcaa.org/earlyheadstart or call or text 1-877-386-4406.

To learn more or apply for Preschool, visit www.mmcaa.org/preschoolheadstart or call 989-386-8075.
 
Mid Michigan CAA is dedicated to providing comprehensive early childhood education and family services through programs like Head Start. We are committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive environment and reach their fullest potential.
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Mid Michigan Community Action Agency guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

​Head Start Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate the numerous benefits of Head Start. Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) operates a Head Start program which includes Preschool for children from 3 through 5, Early Head Start for those who are pregnant and children from birth through 3, as well as Policy Council for parents of currently enrolled children giving voice to policy and supporting program operations.  

Preschool gives children a head start by supporting healthy physical, academic, and social-emotional development. Mid Michigan CAA’s Preschool program provides structured play time, activities, and learning opportunities for children from 3 through 5 and support for their families in Clare and Gladwin Counties.

“Children enrolled in a high-quality Preschool program transition to kindergarten ready and eager to learn. Our Preschool services include basic need support, education, and community resources to support children and families. The health and well-being of our children, families and staff is always our highest priority,” said Stephanie VanderElzen, Head Start Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

Early Head Start supports family-child relationships that encourage healthy growth and development for early learning and success ​. Mid Michigan CAA’s Early Head Start program provides supportive services for those who are pregnant and children from birth through 3 in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola Counties.

“Early Head Start services include basic needs support, early education, infant/toddler development, family support, and community resources. We are committed to our families. Now more than ever we can provide a warm blanket of support for our families and young children,” said Sue Harvey, Early Head Start and WIC Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

Policy Council gives parents of enrolled children the opportunity to work with program staff to communicate ideas and contribute to program decisions to ensure children receive the best education and experience possible.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Preschool Head Start is enrolling 3 and 4-year-olds in Clare and Gladwin Counties now. To complete an application, call 989-386-8075 or visit www.claregladwinpreschool.org.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Early Head Start is enrolling now for those who are pregnant or have a child from birth through 3 in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola Counties. To complete an interest form, call or text us at 1-877-386-4406 or visit www.mmcaa.org/ehs.

Parents of enrolled children interested in joining Policy Council should contact Vicki Bohr at 989-426-2801 or [email protected].

Learn more about all Mid Michigan CAA’s early childhood programs at www.mmcaa.org/ecs. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn at @midmichigancommunityaction for news and updates.
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Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is now enrolling for Early Head Start (EHS). EHS provides supportive services for those who are pregnant and children from birth through 3 in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola Counties.

EHS gives children and families the best start by supporting family-child relationships that encourage healthy growth and development for early learning and success. Services include weekly visits as well as playgroups and parent meetings. Families will receive supplies to support young learners and provide family fun. Families will also have access to activities including story time, recipes, crafts, and much more.

“Early Head Start provides families services including basic need support, early education and infant/toddler development, family support, and community resources. The health and well-being of the children, families and staff is always our highest priority. Now more than ever we can provide a warm blanket of support for our children and families,” said Sue Harvey, Early Head Start and WIC Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

To complete an interest form for Early Head Start, call or text 1-877-386-4406 or visit www.mmcaa.org/ehs.

Learn more about all Mid Michigan CAA’s early childhood programs at www.mmcaa.org/ecs. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn at @midmichigancommunityaction for news and updates.
Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

Head Start Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate the numerous benefits of Head Start. Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) operates a Head Start program which includes Preschool for children from 3 through 5, Early Head Start for those who are pregnant and children from birth through 3, as well as Policy Council for parents of currently enrolled children to work with staff on program decisions.

Preschool gives children a head start by supporting healthy physical, academic, and social-emotional development so they transition to kindergarten ready and eager to learn. Mid Michigan CAA’s Preschool program provides structured play time, activities, and learning opportunities for children from 3 through 5 and support for their families in Clare and Gladwin Counties.

“We continue to provide Preschool services including basic need support, education, and community resources to support our children and families through the unprecedented challenges of this pandemic. Staff receive emergency preparedness and infectious disease management training to ensure the safety of the children as well as themselves. The health and well-being of the children, families and staff is always our highest priority,” said Caron Stanton, Head Start Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

Early Head Start gives children and families the best start by supporting healthy development and building school readiness for early learning and future success​. Mid Michigan CAA’s Early Head Start program provides supportive services for those who are pregnant and children from birth through 3 in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola Counties.

“During this pandemic we have continued to provide Early Head Start services including basic needs support, early education and infant/toddler development, family support, and community resources. We are committed to our families. Now more than ever we can provide a warm blanket of support for our new families and young children,” said Sue Harvey, Early Head Start and WIC Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

Policy Council gives parents of enrolled children the opportunity to work with program staff to communicate ideas and contribute to program decisions to ensure children receive the best education and experience possible.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Preschool Head Start is enrolling 3 and 4-year-olds in Clare and Gladwin Counties now. To complete an application, call 989-386-8075 or visit www.claregladwinpreschool.org.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Early Head Start is enrolling now for those who are pregnant or have a child from birth through 3 in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola Counties. To complete an interest form, call or text us at 1-877-386-4406 or visit www.mmcaa.org/ehs.

Parents of enrolled children interested in joining Policy Council should contact Vicki Bohr at 989-426-2801 or [email protected].

Learn more about all Mid Michigan CAA’s early childhood programs. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn at for news and updates.

Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is now enrolling for the Early Head Start (EHS) program. EHS provides supportive services for those who are pregnant and children from birth through 3 in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola Counties.

EHS gives children and families the best start by supporting healthy development and building school readiness for early learning and future success​. Services are currently provided in a safe, virtual environment. Virtual services include weekly Zoom meetings in place of in-person visits and virtual playgroups and parent meetings. Technology is provided as needed. Families will receive supply totes via contactless drop-offs, filled with items to support young learners and provide family fun. Families will also have access to video activities including story time, recipes, crafts, and much more.

“During this pandemic we have continued to provide Early Head Start services including families basic need support, early education and infant/toddler development, family support, and community resources. The health and well-being of the children, families and staff is always our highest priority, and during this pandemic we are committed to our families. Now more than ever we can provide a warm blanket of support for our new families and young children,” said Sue Harvey, Early Childhood Director at Mid Michigan CAA.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Early Head Start is enrolling now for those who are pregnant or have a child from birth through 3. Contact us at 1-877-386-4406 or complete an interest form online.

Learn more about all Mid Michigan CAA’s early childhood programs. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn for news and updates.

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) has received $386,675 through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for our Early Childhood Services. These funds will support Head Start services for children from 3 through 5 in Clare and Gladwin Counties and Early Head Start services for those who are pregnant and children from birth through 3 in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, and Osceola Counties.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Head Start and Early Head start programs plan to use the CARES Act funding to provide critical support to enrolled children and families. “During this pandemic we have continued to provide services including basic need support, education, and community resources to support health and mental health well-being. Staff receive emergency preparedness and infectious disease management training to ensure the safety of the children as well as themselves.  The health and well-being of the children, families and staff is our highest priority,” said Sue Harvey, Early Childhood Director at Mid Michigan CAA. The program continues to add virtual learning opportunities to engage with children and families.

Nationally, $750 million has been designated for Head Start and Early Head Start programs to support preventative, preparedness, and response activities related to the coronavirus through the CARES Act. "This $750 million for Head Start will help ensure that children and families who rely on the program continue receiving services like meals, health screenings, and pre-K education where possible,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. “As we move toward safely reopening, it only grows more important that we support vulnerable families and children whose lives have been disrupted by the virus and its economic effects."

"We know that investing in programs that use a whole family approach to learning and development can be pivotal to the success of children and families," said Lynn Johnson, assistant secretary for the Administration for Children and Families. "During this pandemic, it is important to support programs that enrich and enlighten children, families, and communities as they work towards their goals and make concentrated efforts to improve their future post the pandemic."

Mid Michigan CAA’s Head Start is currently recruiting 3 and 4-year-olds for fall enrollment. Contact us at 989-386-8075 to complete an application or apply online.

Mid Michigan CAA’s Early Head Start is enrolling now for those who are pregnant or have a child from birth through 3. Contact us at 1-877-386-4406 to complete an interest form or complete the form online.

Find additional information about Head Start programming specific to this public health crisis on the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center website.

Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.