Kalamazoo County Ready 4s

Save the Date!

KC Ready 4s’ Dining for Impact is coming Monday, September 21, 2026, at Brick & Brine in Kalamazoo.

An evening of great food, good company, and meaningful impact — all in support of high-quality pre-K education for 3 & 4-year-olds in Kalamazoo County.

Details coming soon!

As we move into the 4th of July weekend, KC Ready 4s wishes our families, providers, partners, and community a safe and happy holiday!

This weekend is also a great opportunity to create small learning moments with children. Whether you’re watching a parade, seeing fireworks, making a craft, or talking about the colors red, white, and blue, children are learning through play.

Celebrating, learning, and growing together.

Today we celebrate Sheri Welsh for her years of service, leadership, and dedication to KC Ready 4s.

As Sheri completes her term on the KC Ready 4s Board of Directors, we are deeply grateful for the heart, wisdom, and commitment she has shared with our organization. Sheri has been a true champion for early childhood education and a strong believer in our mission to help children, families, and providers thrive.

Her support, guidance, and passion have helped move KC Ready 4s forward, and her impact will continue to be felt in the work ahead. Thank you, Sheri, for your service and dedication. 💙

(Pic L-R) Sheri Welsh with KC Ready 4s Executive Director Sherria VanSparrentak
Welsh & Associates

We are so excited to welcome our summer intern, Renzo Palomino Caceres! 🎉

Renzo joins us from K College- an international student from Peru. As the child of teachers and a passionate advocate for equitable access to education, he is a perfect fit for the KC Ready 4s family.

We cannot wait to see the fresh ideas, passion, and innovative strategies he brings to our team this summer.

KC Ready 4s office will be closed on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.

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