With literacy rates lagging across Michigan, Isabella County organizations are working collaboratively to expand access to books, programs, and reading experiences. Their shared goal: help more children build the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
When winter weather threatens Isabella County, Mt. Pleasant Public Schools begins evaluating conditions long before families wake up. From National Weather Service briefings to early-morning road checks, district leaders weigh multiple factors before deciding whether to cancel or delay classes—all with student safety as the top priority.
At Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum, creating meaningful experiences for children and families takes more than what visitors see on the exhibit floor. As human resources director, Amy Weaver works behind the scenes to support staff, coordinate volunteers, and help shape the museum’s direction.
Economic and early childhood experts across the Great Lakes Bay Region agree: investing in child care is smart business. At the recent Early Childhood Business Summit, leaders shared how reliable, affordable care drives workforce stability, improves productivity, and strengthens communities.
Good nutrition lays the foundation for physical growth, brain development, and school readiness.
“Las prestaciones del SNAP no cubren todos los gastos alimentarios de las familias en ningún lugar del estado, y estos cambios están ampliando aún más esa brecha”. Julie Cassidy, MLPP.
If implemented, the many innovative solutions for building the early childhood workforce could have phenomenal results.
The Pulse initiative is transforming early childhood in Michigan by bridging the gap between research and practice.
Whether through children’s tales, Braille features, or QR-linked ASL resources, the StoryWalk initiative opens doors to literacy and provides a creative way for the community to connect with stories outside.
While geography shapes experience, families face similar struggles finding child care.
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