The Parent Coalition (PC) meets one evening a month from 5:30-7:30pm at the Huron Intermediate School District building in Bad Axe. The PC offers free dinner and child care during it's meeting.  During the meetings parents discuss issues and concerns they have with the services provided to young children and families in the area. 
 
What makes us unique is that we put our words into actions and we create changes for our families and for the other families in Huron County. For example we have created a newsletter that reaches over 1700 individuals and families and we have given our input on a new brochure and referral form for the home-based parenting education programs. We participate in the local Great Start Collaborative meetings as well as advocating locally and state-wide for continued early childhood support.

The Huron County Early Childhood Newsletter 
This newsletter was created so more parents in the county will know about the programs, services, and activities available to them and their families. Click below for electronic copies. For copies of the 2009 editions please call Katie, Parent Liaison at 989-269-3493.

To download a pdf version of each newsletter click on the links below:
Summer 2011
Spring 2011
Winter 2011
Fall 2010
Late Summer 2010
Early Summer 2010
Spring 2010
Winter 2010

Parenting Education Brochure and Referral Form
Parents wanted a simpler way to sign up for a parenting education programs. The agency leaders came together and agreed that one brochure and one referral form would work; this is now being used all over the county.
Huron County Parenting Education Brochure
Huron County Parenting Education Referral Form


Involvement in Decision Making
Parents felt that they were often left out of important meetings and were not asked for their input on major decisions that affect area families. Now with their involvement on the Parent Coalition they are invited to be a part of the Great Start Collaborative. The GSC is a group of human services professionals, agency leaders, school personnel, health officials, clergy members, and business leaders who meet on a regular basis to assess the status of children in the county. Parents are a vital and respected part of this group and are able to offer real life feedback and suggestions. 


Advocacy
Parents have had opportunities to travel throughout Michigan to attend leadership conferences and classes.  Parents have meet with local and state legislators to learn more about how things work and to offer their feedback on what they feel is important.  Below is a video that was taken at the Star Power rally this year.  It features one of the Parent Coalition members reciting a poem that she wrote to inspire parents to get involved.