Child Development

Child Development

Child development is the process children take as they grow from infancy into adulthood. As children grow, they develop the skills and behaviors they need to learn about the world around them. Children show their interest in learning by being curious, persistent, and creative while they play and interact with others. Simply complete one of the quick and easy developmental check-in questionnaires or join a playgroup to connect with other familes. Below are ways to get involved.

Ages and Stages

The Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ3 and the ASQ SE2) are fun to take as well as confidential and secure! Answer the questions about your child and in a day or two, you’ll receive feedback to help celebrate your child’s abilities along with age-appropriate activities and even suggested resources to support your family.

Ages and Stages Questionnaire

Books, Blocks, and Balls/Playgroup

Books, Blocks, and Balls is a type of playgroup that gives children the opportunity to develop social skills and learn through creative play and problem solving. There are several locations throughout the county to chose from. All are welcome, attend one or all! FREE

Books, Blocks, and Balls

Portrait Of Multi-Generation Hispanic Family Relaxing In Garden At Home Together

Parent Support

Parenting is hard. We're here to help.

FAMILIES, YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES!

Parental Resilience: You have faced a lot and you are strong!

Knowledge of parenting and child development: You are the expert on your child!

Social Connections: You are supported!

Concrete Supports in Times of Need: You can ask for help!

Social-Emotional Competence of Children: Your feelings matter and so do you child's!

Parenting Classes

Parenting classes are offered on a rotating basis. Online or In-person. Each session participants will discuss the 7 Skills of Conscious Discipline: Composure, Assertiveness, Encouragement, Choices, Empathy, Positive Intent, Consequences. Courses will equip educators and parents with a foundational understanding of the Conscious Discipline Brain State Model and how to create safe, connected and problem-solving environments. Follow us on Facebook for the current class schedule.

MSU Extension offers many parenting topics. Visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/parenting_education_classes/events

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Family Coalition

Connect with Other Parents to Help Improve Your Children’s Lives

A group of parents, caregivers and others in the parenting role working together to advocate for our children, build leadership skills, increase awareness of community resources and empower young children and families in St. Jospeh County.

WHO we are

The Great Start Family Coalition is part of the Great Start Collaborative. We are a
group of parents, caregivers, and others in the parenting role of children from prenatal
to 12 years old who live in St. Joseph County.

WHY we do what we do

The early years of life are the most important for learning and
parents are the first teachers of their children.
Each parent has skills to learn and teach and needs support from
other parents.
Strengthening and empowering families results in a better future
for parents, children and our whole community.

HOW we do it

Building relationships.
Promoting parent learning and parent leadership.
Keeping our Family Coalition open, self-motivated and diverse.
Opening spaces for children to be listened to and being their
advocates within the early childhood system.
Increasing awareness of community resources and services for
families.

To get connected email Amanda Johnson at AJohnson@sjcisd.org

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