RAPID and First Steps Kent partnership

Community served

The independent nonprofit First Steps Kent serves 45,000 children under age 6 in Kent County, Michigan, and is leading a community-wide effort to build a comprehensive early childhood system in the county. First Steps Kent brings together parents, providers, partners, and other stakeholders to research, advocate, and innovate so that every young child in Kent County will enter kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed in school and in life. 

Priorities and goals

• Educate the community on early childhood development and advocate for supportive policies.
• Bring resources to support the early childhood system, including the Ready by Five Millage.
• Research effective national practices and find innovative solutions to address gaps and disparities in Kent County.

Engaging families

In 2022, the RAPID Survey Project began collaborating with First Steps Kent to hear directly from families with young children about their experiences, needed supports, and what’s going well, to make sure families and communities have the policies, programs, and supports in place so that children are healthy, thriving, and developmentally on track when they start kindergarten. First Steps Kent uses these parent voices to inform its annual investments and community partner initiatives, and shares key findings to measure impact and progress.

Data and insights

The high rate of material hardship among Kent County families is an ongoing concern, and the disparities highlight the need for outreach and programs that reach families with the greatest needs. Kent County’s documented needs emphasize the importance of ongoing investment in early childhood programs that support social-emotional health, family well-being, and quality learning opportunities.