U.P. Great Start wins MI award

From the Michigan Great Start/Early Childhood Investment Corporation:

The Upper Peninsula Great Start to Quality Resource Center has been named this year’s top “Fierce Heart” organization for young children in Michigan by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation.

The Fierce Heart award recognizes an organization that has shown an unwavering dedication to the Great Start vision and is taking relentless action at the national, state and/or local levels to bring that vision to reality.

The Upper Peninsula Great Start to Quality Resource Center was honored for its outstanding commitment and dedication in implementing Great Start to Quality, Michigan’s new program helps early childhood providers—those working in licensed child care and preschool programs—improve the quality of their programs while helping families find the best early learning settings for their children. The Resource Centers support programs with quality improvement efforts and resources.

The quality improvement rating system is tied to Michigan’s quality standards for early learning programs, awarding quality stars from one to five, with five being the highest. The system gives parents throughout Michigan an independent objective and consistent assessment of program quality—consumer information they previously lacked.

Director Deb Dupras accepted the award at the Great Start Conference at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center at Michigan State University on May 31.

“The Upper Peninsula has managed the transitions and participation in Great Start to Quality so well,” said Sheri Butters, Great Start to Quality director. “Deb Dupras leads an amazing team that supports programs with resources and consultation, and works hard to help those participating improve their quality levels.”