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USEFUL LINKS FOR PARENTS

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PBS Kids for Parents

Shows, coloring pages, printables, crafts, experiments, games, apps, recipes, articles, activities, videos, and more!

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1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Did you know that the most reliable predictor of school success is being read to during early childhood?

This nation-wide program encourages parents to read one book aloud to their children per night. Within three short years, each child will have read 1,000 books, be prepared for kindergarten, and develop a lifelong love of books and reading!

Children can register at their local library and earn small prizes along the way.

Download the app today!

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Bedtime Math

Bedtime is a great time to snuggle up and talk with your little one. It is also a great time to introduce MATH to your little one! The Bedtime Math app for iPhone/iPad or Android, is available in both English and Spanish. A math problem is sent to you each day and you can work together to figure out the answer.

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Math in the Mail

Learn math at home through play to experience future success!

This program focuses on developing math skills in three-year-old children by providing the tools needed for families in home environments.

Enrolled families receive a kit in the mail every 8 weeks/6 times per year. Kids love getting mail!!

The program is FREE to qualifying families who live in Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, or Saginaw Counties. Subscriptions are also available.

How to Enroll

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Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Each month, children in Bay-Arenac will receive a new, carefully selected book for FREE.

Who's Eligible? Children birth though five years old.

All you have to do is read to your children!

Submit Official Registration Form

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Talking is Teaching Campaign

When parents talk, read, and sign to their children, they are building their child's brain and helping to prepare their children for success in school.

This site features fun tips and resources to help parents, family members, and caregivers, talk, read, and sign with their children every day!

Indoor Activities Resources

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211. Get Connected. Get Help.

Help starts here. Every call to a caring expert is confidential.

  • Paying Bills

  • Finding Food

  • Metal Health

  • New to the U.S.

  • Your Local 211

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Great Lakes Bay Parents

Families,

Would you like help locating childcare? Joining a playdate? How about finding something to do this weekend?

Great Lakes Bay Parents is your website for all-things-parenting to do in our region!

Find information on after school programs, sports, story times, support groups, indoor and outdoor places to play, planning birthday parties and baby showers, parent resources, special needs, camps, and seasonal events.

Bay County Events

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Great Start Connect

Great Start to Quality is a rating system that helps families find the best early learning settings for their children and helps educators improve the care they provide to children.

Information for Families

Find Programs

Help Paying for Care

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Early On Michigan

Did you realize significant brain development occurs during a child's first three years of life?

Early On is Michigan's system for helping families of infants and toddlers (birth-3) who may have developmental delays due to certain health conditions.

Family services include social, health, and educational to promote child development.

How Early On Works:

  1. Complete the online referral form.

  2. Early On meets with your child and family.

  3. Early On will learn about your child and establish a plan.

  4. Your service coordinator ensures the right services are delivered.

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Build Up Learning Support for Preschoolers

Do you need help getting additional educational support for your child ages 3-5?Through the Michigan Department of Education, Build Up Supports child find efforts through targeted outreach with a goal to refer all children who may be eligible for special education services or supports.

Check out here what services are available and who is eligible!!

Important Developmental Milestones

Preschooler Milestones

Home Resources