NMCAA Launches Infant Toddler Classroom at Traverse City High School in Collaboration with Generations Ahead

Collaboration with Traverse City High School

Early Head Start Program Designed to Support Young Families and Promote High School Completion for Teen Parents

Traverse City, MI, 3/7/2024 – Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) is proud to announce the opening of its newest initiative, a tuition-free Infant Toddler Classroom under the Early Head Start program, in partnership with Generations Ahead. This collaborative effort aims to provide comprehensive support to young families in our community while promoting high school completion for teen parents.

Quality Childcare

The Infant Toddler Classroom, operated by NMCAA, is dedicated to offering quality early childhood education and support services tailored to the unique needs of infants and toddlers. Aligned with the Early Head Start program, this initiative emphasizes a 360 degree approach to child development, encompassing early education, health, nutrition, and family engagement and supports.

In collaboration with Generations Ahead, NMCAA’s Infant Toddler Classroom is strategically aligned with the local school calendar to provide seamless support for teen parents aiming to complete their high school education. By offering wraparound services, the program empowers teen parents to pursue their educational goals while ensuring their children receive high-quality care and education.

Comprehensive Program

“At NMCAA, we recognize the importance of supporting young families and providing pathways to success for teen parents,” said Kim Hagan, Site Coordinator at NMCAA. “Through our partnership with Generations Ahead, we are excited to offer a comprehensive program that not only nurtures the development of infants and toddlers but also supports teen parents in achieving their educational aspirations.“

Generations Ahead brings invaluable expertise in adolescent and family services, making them an ideal partner for this initiative. By combining resources and knowledge, NMCAA and Generations Ahead are dedicated to creating a supportive environment where young families can thrive and teen parents can access the tools and support they need to succeed.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Generations Ahead on this important initiative, which underscores our shared commitment to empowering young families and promoting educational attainment,” said Katherine Kwiatkowski, Early Head Start Center-based Manager at NMCAA. “Together, we aim to break down barriers and create opportunities for teen parents to pursue their education while ensuring their children receive the best possible start in life.“

“Generations Ahead is thrilled to have childcare onsite at Traverse City High School. Since March of 2020, when the childcare center closed due to COVID, we have witnessed the impact on our young parents attending school. Many of our parents either dropped out of school or chose the virtual route. Our Executive Director, Marjie Rich, was a critical voice in the early stages during meetings with childcare providers, raising awareness and concerns about the dire needs of our parents.” Lauren Brandstatter, Office and Communications Manager at Generations Ahead stated. “Generations Ahead’s primary objective is to support teen parents and since they did not have a voice during that time, we felt that it was our responsibility to bring these critical issues to the table. This is a huge win for our community, and we truly believe this is significant enough to save lives by allowing access to education for our teen parents. We are grateful and excited to see the amazing impact it will have on young families in our community.“

The launch of the Infant Toddler Classroom represents a significant step forward in NMCAA’s mission to support the well-being of families in our community. By providing comprehensive early childhood education and family support services, NMCAA and Generations Ahead are laying the foundation for a brighter future for both children and parents alike.

About NMCAA’s Mission

NMCAA’s mission is to foster positive change by providing opportunities that promote self-sufficiency, improving the quality of life and building stronger, more connected communities. For more information about NMCAA and its programs, please visit the website.

About Generations Ahead

Generations Ahead is a non-profit that supports pregnant teens and young parents throughout the Grand Traverse Region. Generations Ahead uses a human centered approach to their services by walking alongside their families as champions and helping build their resilience offering a multitude of services ranging from case management, mentorships, internship opportunities, a baby pantry, an inclusive community of other young families, and so much more. Generations Ahead focuses on empowering young families to create a stable and healthy future for generations to come. For inquiries about Generations Ahead and its initiatives, please visit our website. 

Contact Us

Kim Hagan, EHS Center-based Site Coordinator | Email| Call

Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency | 3963 3 Mile Rd, Traverse City, MI, 49686 

Lauren Brandstatter, Office and Communications Manager | Email | Call | Generations Ahead | 3962 3 Mile Rd N. Traverse City, MI 49686