It is never too early to prepare for your child's future. Research on brain development has documented that the future
education and well-being of a child is formed very early. 
The majority of the brain is developed during the first three years of life. Research shows that early experiences and
early learning actually changes the physical structure of the brain. Infants and Toddlers are pre-programmed to learn,
but they only learn from the experiences that we provide for them.
As parents and caregivers you have the awesome responsibility and privilege of shaping these early experiences.
Ottawa Area ISD is working to ensure that the resources and tools are available to give every child a healthy ,enriched
start to learning and life.

General Education Programs

Parents As Teachers

Provides family support including: parent education, child development, development screening, playgroups and service coordination to link families to other available services.

Play n Learn Literacy Playgroups

Groups meet monthly in local schools. All families with children birth to five are welcome

Ottawa County Preschool Programs

Information on Head Start, Great Start Readiness and Tuition Programs

Special Education Programs

Early On

Available for families with children birth to three who may have a developmental delay and/or medical condition that could
lead to a delay.

Infant Program

Provides services for children who have been identified through a special education evalution to have a significant developmental delay or physical impairment.

Community Partners

Great Start Collaborative

The Great Start Collaborative-Ottawa is a partnership of local stakeholders and parents who are committed to establishing and maintaining a comprehensive early childhood system that will address all factors that influence a child’s readiness for school and life.

Early Childhood Trainings

Parenting Resources

Great Start Connect Childcare Resources

As part of a new initiative, Great Start CONNECT, ECIC created a new online statewide database of licensed, registered child care and early education programs in Michigan.

Ottawa County Parenting Classes

Born Learning Campiagn

Early Childhood Newsletters

Helpful Websites

Guide to Your Child's Social Emotional Health

Outdoor Discovery Center's Weekly Family Activities

Check out this website once a week for fun family friendly nature ideas!

Hearing/Vision Screening-Spring/Summer 2010