Why RENEW the Millage?
Why support millage-funded services for infants & young children?
- Unique to most social services, services are available to ALL parents of young children in the county, regardless of income.
- The biggest growth spurt in brain development is in the first 1,000 days of life - - that’s when the most-used neural pathways are strengthened and those not used are pruned. Early life experiences, both healthy and traumatic, literally determine the physical architecture of a child’s brain - - and consequently, have a major impact on future life outcomes.
- Community events, targeted to families with young children, showcase resources and help build community.
What if parents work and cannot get to the services or gatherings?
Home visits can be provided outside of Monday to Friday traditional business hours. PC offers monthly evening gatherings and some events on Saturdays.
What does Parenting Communities offer?
- Home visits (by request) – non-judgmental support, and referral to other services when needed
- Playgroups – while the term may sound frivolous, it is NOT! Play is the “work” of children – it is how they LEARN! At playgroups, parents connect and create a supportive network
- Developmental screenings and referral, if needed
- Discussion and support to help parents work through topics like difficult child behaviors, stress reduction strategies, mental health issues, etc.
- Lactation consultant and registered dietician
- Educational programming including “Families Together,” “Mom Power,” and “Fraternity of Fathers”
- Early literacy - PoWeR! Book Bags and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Station Library
- Newsletters with information about parenting, explanations of the “6 protective factors,” age-appropriate activities to do at home, upcoming events and more
Two valuable guides - “School Readiness” and “Grandparenting” booklets created by PC staff
The dramatic results of this research imply that the vast majority of parents recognize that the connections, information and support they gain from Parenting Communities actually make them better parents.
Is this worth the money we are spending?
There is a large body of evidence that demonstrates that programs such as PC have a lengthy list of wins, both in lower costs and in greater social vitality. Estimates are that return on investment for early childhood programs and services are between $4 and $16 per every $1 spent (again, the highest rate of return comes from the earliest efforts) and result in long-term outcomes such as:
- Decreased need for special education services
- Improved academic success
- Decreased substance use
- Decreased teen pregnancy
- Lessened court system involvement
- Greater workforce participation
- Greater economic self-sufficiency
- Better lifelong physical and mental health
Does this millage help families with the cost of childcare?
No. EC millage funds may not be spent to provide funding for childcare. Other local and regional organizations are working to increase access to childcare in Leelanau, make it more affordable for parents, and more profitable for care providers.
What do the parents say?
A research project by the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Dept found overwhelming agreement of participants that involvement:
- Helps them feel less isolated
- Makes them better parents
- Helps them learn about resources and supports to help them as parents
- Helps them navigate the ups and downs of life
Further, parents who received Home Visits report both tangible and intangible supports that:
- Helped them learn about their children’s development
- Helped them improve their parenting skills
- Helped get help from community resources
- Helped get medical, dental, or mental health care
- Helped find ways to improve their families’ financial situation
For those parents who participated in multiple rounds of assessments between 2021 and 2024:
- the percentage experiencing moderate or severe anxiety fell from 33% to 11%
- and symptoms of depression fell from 63% to 44%
Why should I pay for someone else’s kids to play?
Perhaps Lilian Katz, professor emerita of early childhood education, University of Illinois, says it best:
“Each of us must come to care about everyone else's children. We must recognize that the welfare of our children and grandchildren is intimately linked to the welfare of all other people's children. After all, when one of our children needs lifesaving surgery, someone else's child will perform it. If one of our children is threatened or harmed by violence, someone else's child will be responsible for the violent act. The good life for our own children can be secured only if a good life is also secured for all other people's children.”
There are already programs for kids (story time, etc.). Why do we need more?
The PC millage-funded program is not a one-and-done activity. This program is meant to support families on multiple levels, and the intention is to promote healthy children living in stable, nurturing families, supported by strong communities that provide comprehensive supportive services.
How much (tax dollars) will this cost me?
On 4/23/24, the County Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 EC millage rate “up to .2530 of one (1) mill, for a period of five (5) years, 2025 through 2029, inclusive.” The rate can vary but not increase during those 5 years based on the annual budget request of the Health Dept. and the Commissioners’ approval. Property owners will be assessed $0.2530 per $1,000 of “Taxable Value” (not State Equalized Value (SEV) nor Assessed Value). For example, a homeowner with a Taxable Value of $100,000 would pay $25.30 a year. If approved and levied in full, this millage will raise an estimated $913,128.00 for EC services in the first calendar year.
Why should we spend $20K per child?
As the adage says, “pay now or pay later.” Review the benefits outlined in Question #4. Then, consider the annual cost of special education services for just one child; the cost to detain a youth for one year; the lost tax revenue from an individual who is unable to be gainfully employed as an adult; the loss to society of individuals who are not able to participate/contribute to the community.
Has the impact of Parenting Communities been evaluated?
Yes, Avenue ISR, an independent research and strategy consultancy based in Traverse City, Michigan was contracted to provide an evaluation of the Parenting Communities program operated by the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department. The 2023-2024 report can be found through the link below:
