Kalamazoo County Ready 4s

Art helps children build more than creativity. Kalamazoo Institute of Arts offers FREE Thursdays to visit the galleries from 11am-8pm.

When children look at artwork, they practice observation, storytelling, emotions, colors, shapes, and problem-solving.

Ask your child
🎨 What do you notice first? second?
🖼️ How does that art make you feel?
🔵 Can you find circles, lines, or patterns?
💭 What story do you think is happening here?

You do not need to know anything about art to help your child learn - Art is for Everyone. Just look, wonder, and talk together. And don't worry the KIA welcomes chats and children!

The library is one of the best summer learning spots in town — and it is more than books.
Children practice listening, asking questions, choosing stories, making predictions, and using their imagination.

Ask your child:
📚 What do you think this book will be about?
🦕 What happened first, next, and last?
✨ Which character would you want to meet?
🎨 Can you draw your favorite part?

Reading together builds vocabulary, connection, and a love of learning.
Join the KPL Summer Reading Challenge
Kalamazoo Public Library

🎨 Summer - Learning Through Play!

Looking for a fun, FREE family adventure this weekend?

JumpstART Weekend is Downtown Kalamazoo's official kickoff to summer, bringing together art, music, parades, creativity, movement, and community fun for all ages.

Every experience is an opportunity for children to build curiosity, creativity, vocabulary, and confidence.

Ask your child:
🎨 What colors do you see?
🎨 What made you curious?
🎨 What was your favorite discovery? Why?
🎨 What made you smile? Why?

Big learning happens when children explore, create, and wonder.

Learn more at: jumpstartkzoo.com

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Kalamazoo

Happy National Rocky Road Day! 🍦
And here's the sweet truth: as summer rolls in and school winds down, learning doesn't stop — it just moves with you.

Every cone is a chance to stretch new describing words, talk about cold and warm, count the sprinkles, share a bite.

Tiny moments, big learning.
What's the best word your kiddos use to describe this sweet treat!

Happy National Snail Day! 🐌
Silly holiday, real lesson — snails know what little kids already know: the magic is in slowing down.
While we rush, children stop to watch the ant, play in the puddle or study the bug on the sidewalk. That's not wasting time — that's LEARNING through observation, play, and wonder!
This weekend, take a page from the snail. Head outside, move slow, and let the children lead.
Ask: What do you see? How does it feel? What do you think it's doing?

Wishing our community a meaningful and peaceful Memorial Day.

KC Ready 4s is seeking a passionate and experienced Teacher Mentor to support educators across our partner Pre-K programs throughout Kalamazoo County.

This role focuses on coaching, consultation, and professional development to help strengthen high-quality early learning experiences for children and families.

We’re looking for someone who believes in empowering teachers, supporting classrooms, and helping young learners thrive.

If this sounds like you or someone you know - interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected] by June 5, 2026

Please include “Teacher Mentor Application” in the subject line.
📅 Position anticipated to begin in August 2026.

See the full job description and link to apply at https://kcready4s.org/about/

Every day, teachers show up with patience, compassion, and a deep commitment to the children in their care.

It’s in the small moments—
the encouragement, the reassurance, the time taken to truly see each child.

Those moments add up to something powerful.
🌟 They build confidence
🌟 They spark curiosity
🌟 They shape futures

Today, we celebrate the heart behind the work and don't forget to tell a teacher you appreciate them!

💛 Thank you for all that you do