Regional Preschool Partnership

10/07/2026

10/02/2026

09/30/2026

Job opportunity with one of our partnering prek programs in Midland County. Check out the flyer for more information 🚌 ♥

09/28/2026

Last Friday we gathered with our dedicated educators to talk about the ways we experience and notice ⭐JOY⭐ in our classrooms. We reflected on the small ways we notice joy and how we can make room for more joy at work, at home, and in our greater community. We laughed, we danced, we felt joyful! Thank you to Cheryl Priest, EdD (Central Michigan University), Holly Hoffman, PhD (Central Michigan University), and Amy Bond, MS (MiAEYC) for leading us in this learning.

We hope the experience was as restorative for you as it was for us! What type of joy will you make room for today? Happy Monday! 😃

09/20/2026

PROVIDER ALERT: Important GSQ Deadline

Great Start to Quality is undergoing several changes beginning October 1, 2026, including updates to the quality improvement process, observation tools, and regional Resource Centers.

Most importantly, September 30 is the last day for programs to submit an application for Self-Reflection and begin certain validation/observation steps. Beginning October 1, those application functions will temporarily be unavailable while GSQ transitions to its new process. Programs will be able to re-engage beginning in January 2027.

Why this matters: For licensed providers participating in CDC, GSQ quality levels can affect reimbursement rates. Providers who are currently working toward a higher quality level should review their status now, as a delay in advancing could also delay access to a higher CDC reimbursement rate.

GSQ is also transitioning from ERS to CLASS-based observations and changing the organizations operating regional Resource Centers beginning October 1.

➡️ If you are currently working through GSQ, log into MiRegistry and determine whether you need to take action before September 30.

09/16/2026

Have you ever thought about becoming a Child Care Provider or Lead Teacher but weren’t sure where to start? Maybe you have questions about licensing, qualifications, training, or what it takes to get started in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) field. We’re here to help!
Join us for a Q&A session with a Licensing Consultant and a Quality Improvement Specialist (QIS) from Great Start to Quality!
Interested in becoming a Lead Teacher?
Thinking about opening a child care program?
Wondering what training or education you need?
Have questions about licensing requirements?
We’d love to connect with you and help you learn more about the many opportunities available in Early Childhood Education!
Q&A Date: Monday, September 28th, 2026
Time: 6:30pm to 7:30 pm EST
Register with this link: https://bit.ly/4qYusfa or contact [email protected]
Please share this post with someone who might be interested in starting a career in ECE or opening a child care program!

09/15/2026

As GSQ prepares for several improvements, including the shift to Practice-Based Coaching, September 30, 2026, is the last day for programs to submit an application for Self-Reflection or Validation & On-Site Observation.

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Apply and Ready for Validation & Observation buttons will no longer be available in MiRegistry.

Take action before October 1, if you would like a Validation & On-Site Observation.

Programs will learn more about the next steps for quality improvement in the coming months. A process to re-engage programs will begin in January.

09/12/2026

Midland area! Join us for a fun-filled community event inspired by Dolly Parton’s legacy of kindness and giving ❤️

Come learn more about NEMCSA Head Start, connect with local organizations and help fill Dolly’s Little Bus of Big Hearts with essentials for Head Start families!

September 25 & 26, 9 AM–5 PM | Geisler Enterprises, 1406 E. Pine St., Midland

09/09/2026

Michigan ECE professionals are cordially invited to apply for the Jacquelyn H. Miller Endowment Grant, providing up to $2,000 in funding for innovative projects centered on: 🎨 Children & the Arts and 🛝 Play Environments. Membership with Michigan AEYC is a requisite. Applications are now open; please visit https://miaeyc.org/professional-development/grants/jacquelyn-h-miller-endowment/ to learn more.