There are over 12,200 children under the age of 5 living in Saginaw County. Brain research has shown us that by age 4, 85% of a child's brain is formed.  Those first few years of life are pivotal in shaping a child's future!

The Saginaw Great Start Collaborative is a partnership of parents, community agencies, business leaders, educators, health care providers, faith and philanthropic leaders - all working together and committed to establishing and maintaining a comprehensive early childhood system that addresses all factors that have an impact on a child's readiness for school and life. Our countywide accomplishments include parent involvement in improving the local resources, parenting classes, training opportunities.  Our local collaborative is part of a larger state-wide Great Start system . The Great Start system is funded by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation, a public corporation formed in 2005.

All children deserve a healthy foundation in life! To learn more or get involved, please contact Julie Kozan at 989-399-7452 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

By Brenda Brissette-Mata

Dalia Smith of Saginaw remembers when her son was a baby, inconsolable and constantly crying. Like many young parents, she just didn’t know how to cope. Some days she was so overwhelmed she didn’t feel like she could get out of bed.Through family centered treatment in Saginaw County, Smith learned coping skills...read more