Let me introduce you to Bright Beginnings if you haven't heard of it already.

Bright Beginnings is a FREE service for families in Kent County that have children birth to 5 years old.

You do need to register for their services, but most things (except special events) are free. Follow this link for a list of exact topics offered and registration instructions. (You will only have to register once for your whole family and then you will be good to go.)

You can expect a Parent Educator to have set up stations that you will visit with your child(ren) and they are based on a theme.

Some playgroups and special events require pre-registration.

Themes in the month of June include:
Monkey Business
Our Friend the Earth
Kaleidescope of Colors
Fun on the Farm
Baby Steps
Oodles of Bubbles
Day at the Beach
Five Green & Speckled Frogs
Strawberry Picking  (June 16 at Krupp Farms, $5/person includes 1 qt U-pick strawberries, petting farm, hayride, and ice cream...call Wendy to pre-register @ 889-3687)
Camp Out
...Just to Name a Few!

To Contact the Bright Beginnings office, Call 616-365-2277
 
 
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Hi Moms & Dads, Grandmas & Grandpas!

Did you know that there is an organization in town called Bright Beginnings?  They provide themed playgroup opportunities all across Kent Intermediate School District (KISD).  Parent Educators have different activities that you and your child can take part in. Kids 0-5 and their caregivers can attend any Bright Beginnings Play Group for free!
According to the Bright Beginnings website,

The Bright Beginnings program includes the following services;
(To learn more about these services, click on the links below.)   Bright Beginnings is available to ALL families in Kent County with children birth to Kindergarten entry.
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When we went to Bright Beginnings, the theme was Gingerbread and Gumdrops.  There were felt gingerbread men to play with, homemade white "snow" playdough that smelled like almonds and had glitter sparkles inside, kids rubbed cinnamon sticks on sandpaper gingerbread men, and dug for treasure in dry mashed potato mix.  We also had time in the all-purpose room where kids could run and kick balls, ride small toys, etc.

The session wrapped up when Kathy, our parent educator, read a few stories and shared a snack with the kids.

So how does this work?

Bright Beginnings needs you to sign up to be part of their program even though it is a free service.  This is because they are funded through grants... head count matters to their sponsors.  There are a few different ways that you can sign up for the program.  You can call the Bright Beginnings Program at 616-365-2277 or visit their website.  You may also sign up by dropping in at one of the playgroups on the calendar, although advance other methods of registration are appreciated.

You will find a calendar of playgroups on their website.  Bright Beginnings playgroups are also listed on the grkids.com event calendar.