Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage

Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage is sponsored by Kent County, Michigan (Administered by First Steps Kent). This millage provides dedicated funding for programs to improve early childhood health, learning, and well-being in Kent County, Michigan. It supports community-based organizations that provide around 30 different early childhood programs.

Millage - First Steps Kent Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage Supported by the Kent County Ready by Five Millage Ready by Five in Kent County The Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage provides dedicated funding for programs to improve early childhood health, learning, and well-being. Every year, more than 10,000 children ages five and younger and their families participate in community-based programs funded by the millage.

Kent County voters overwhelmingly (59% to 41%) renewed the millage for another six years in August 2024, after first approving it in 2018. The millage is funded by a .

25 mill property tax increase that generates about Ready by Five supports community-based organizations that provide around 30 different early childhood programs, including: Developmental screenings to identify potential delays and disabilities Assistance navigating the early childhood system Play and learn groups, which help develop language and learning skills Elimination of hazardous substances, like lead, from homes Intensive therapy for children dealing with behavioral health issues Books for families to support reading at home Ready by Five complements state and federal funding, generating about $8 million a year to expand access to early childhood programming.

Millage-funded Programs and Services For reference, here is the 2026-27 Request for Proposals . View the following reports to learn more about how all millage dollars are being spent, which organizations and programs are being funded, and who they are serving.

Today's Investment 2024 Report First Steps Kent's 2024 Report to Kent County First Steps Kent's 2023 Report to Kent County Societal Benefits of Ready by Five The goals of the Ready by Five Early Childhood millage are to: Support parents so they can ensure their children are healthy, thriving, and ready for kindergarten, Increase access to high-quality early learning experiences that build a strong social, emotional, and intellectual foundation, and Support early identification of delays and disabilities so children get the treatment they need.

Each year, the Early Childhood Millage funds a variety of programs and services. View the programs by category or use the Services Finder to filter through programs 401 Hall St SW, Suite 385