This page offers parenting events and information for Wexford and Missaukee Counties.
Use the form below to connect with us for parenting updates and follow our Facebook page for the latest information.
Playgroups
Join us for a time of learning & fun!
Playgroups are an ideal place for children, aged birth through 5, to learn and develop through play. It is also an opportunity for parents and caregivers to build friendships, exchange parenting information, and learn to work together.
What does a playgroup offer?
For the Child:
- Social Skills
- Independence
- Self confidence
- Simple rules and routines
- Local friends
- Exploration
- Creative Play and problem solving
- A chance to play and learn in small groups before entering school.
For the Parent/Caregiver:
- A chance to share experiences and ideas with other parents and caregivers
- Provides a time to talk to other adults
- Creates a support network
- An opportunity to play and learn with your child
- Enables you to become part of your local community
- Information about your child’s development
- Parenting resources and information
- A chance to get out of the house
- It’s fun and FREE
Playgroups are held at different times each month. Check the calendar above for time & location.
Free Books from the
Wexford-Missaukee Imagination Library!
In 1995, Dolly Parton launched an exciting new effort, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, to benefit the children of her home county in East Tennessee, USA. Dolly’s vision was to foster a love of reading among her county’s preschool children and their families by providing them with the gift of a specially selected book each month. By mailing high quality, age-appropriate books directly to their homes, she wanted children to be excited about books and to feel the magic that books can create. Moreover, she could insure that every child would have books, regardless of their family’s income because each child receives the books free of cost to the family.
In 2013, generous community donors allowed the implementation of this program in Wexford and Missaukee counties.
Who can register their child?
Currently funding is limited to children ages 0-5 who live within the Wexford-Missaukee Intermediate School District. However we are working towards getting the same program in Manistee County.
Join the
Great Start Parent Coalition
The Wexford-Missaukee-Manistee Great Start Collaborative wants YOU to join the Early Childhood Parent Coalition and/or Serve as a Parent Representative
- Our purpose is to increase the participation of parents in the planning and decision-making for children in Wexford, Missaukee, Manistee and Northern Osceola counties
- We assist in building public support for early childhood investments
- We include all parents, grandparents, caregivers and professionals who are involved with young children in Wexford, Missaukee, Manistee and Northern Osceola counties
Share the vision to ensure that every child in Wexford, Missaukee, Manistee and Northern Osceola counties will be healthy, happy, and ready to succeed in school and in life!
Explore
Parenting Resources
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2-1-1 – 2-1-1 is the three digit health and human service equivalent of the 911 system. By calling 211 anyone will be able to find and access help 24 hours a day from a trained resource and referral specialist.
Cadillac Library – The library offers great activities for children and families
District Health Department #10 – Serving the counties of Crawford, Kalkaska, Lake, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Newaygo, Oceana and Wexford.
Early On Services – For families with children with developmental delays serving children birth to age three.
Five Cap Community Action Agency – (Mason, Manistee, Lake & Newago Counties)
Great Start To Quality – Your One-Stop-Shop for Early Childhood Resources in NW MI Serving Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford Counties.
Northern Lakes Community Mental Health – Serving Crawford, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Missaukee, Roscommon and Wexford Counties in northwest Michigan
North West Michigan Community Action Agency – Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Missaukee, Roscommon and Wexford Counties
OASIS / Family Resource Center – Servicing Wexford & Missaukee counties to provide for support strengthening families in times of need.
Social Emotional Resources – This link will take you to 3 new resources developed by the state level Great Start team. It includes a two page fact sheet and a booklet for promoting social emotional development from birth to 8 years.
Wexford-Missaukee ISD -Early Childhood education, training, special education resources, staff and more.