Many communities are pursing early childhood strategies but the Holland/Zeeland Ready for School is different. We have assembled a volunteer army to pursue the goal of making sure every child in the area enters kindergarten equipped with skills to succeed in school and in life.

Our volunteers are comprised of highly accomplished professional from all sectors who are committed to the success of the Ready for School initiative. They are respected leaders and trusted advocates for the community sectors they represent and are ethnically representative of the community. 

Second, we have worked closely with our local school districts and Hope College's Carl Frost Center for Social Science Research to ensure that we are able to measure our progress.

Many partners make big things happen!

Ready for School is committed to eliminating obstacles that may keep a child from learning.  Making sure that children 0-5 have access to a medical home is critical to having a “Healthy Beginning”.  In collaboration with Holland Community Health Center and InterCare 700 diapers were purchased to assist families where basic needs are an obstacle.  The diapers and educational materials were made possible through a grant from Herman Miller.  Holland Public Schools provided storage space and local volunteers manage the distribution of the diapers and keep the diaper closet stocked. As a result of these partners coming together we are making an impact, immunization rates and  well child visits are on the increase and there are fewer no shows for appointments.  Pictured are volunteers Jean Van Daalen and Carol Rickey.