There are over 12,200 children under the age of 5 living in Saginaw County. Brain research has shown us that by age 4, 85% of a child's brain is formed.  Those first few years of life are pivotal in shaping a child's future!

The Saginaw Great Start Collaborative is a partnership of parents, community agencies, business leaders, educators, health care providers, faith and philanthropic leaders - all working together and committed to establishing and maintaining a comprehensive early childhood system that addresses all factors that have an impact on a child's readiness for school and life. Our countywide accomplishments include parent involvement in improving the local resources, parenting classes, training opportunities.  Our local collaborative is part of a larger state-wide Great Start system . The Great Start system is funded by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation, a public corporation formed in 2005.

All children deserve a healthy foundation in life! To learn more or get involved, please contact Julie Kozan at 989-399-7452 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Star Power! - We have 300 supporters of early childhood funding registered in Saginaw County.

The 2012 Great Start Services Tour and Luncheon May 14 at St. John Lutheran Church, 915 Federal in Saginaw, was part of the celebration. Thank you to the parent and advocate speakers, all the families and children from Kinder Kare who joined us and to staff and volunteers who helped decorate the room and make it all happen. We had a Star Power balloon launch and powerful messages about getting children ready for school and life! Our audience included school and community leaders, legislators and Great Start board members.