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Inspired by this year’s Opening Day theme, “Every learner. Every day. Together,” the North Ed Early Childhood team came together to celebrate the incredible impact of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Festivities included interactive art and thank you card stations, free books, good food, great people and, of course, rhinestones, and western wear—all honoring a program that brings the magic of reading to so many little learners in our community.

Here’s to a year filled with learning, connection and growing together!
8 days ago, North Ed News
The North Ed Early Childhood team standing outside of the playgroup area of the Fisher Center, wearing sparkly western wear.
Whiteboard that reads “Welcome back Early Childhood Staff!.. ‘Find out who you are and do it on purpose.’ - D. Parton”
Small tabletop sign that reads “Add your tiny drops to our masterpiece - choose 2 or 3 different colors”, with a cardboard cutout of Dolly Parton in the background.
Collaborative art piece created by the North Ed Early Childhood team, featuring colorful dots on a white canvas.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Joseph C. Fisher Early Childhood & Family Center!

This space is more than just a building—it’s a dedicated hub for our families. By bringing our team and partners together in one spot, we can expand support and resources to young learners, families and early childhood professionals across the region.

Our new facility includes:

  • Indoor and outdoor play areas for local playgroups.

  • Space for child assessments, developmental screenings and early intervention.

  • Parent education classes and professional training opportunities.

  • Child care operated by our partners at Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA).

Read more.

5 months ago, North Ed News
Yvonne Donohoe McCool cutting a ceremonial ribbon with four children under the age of 6 to celebrate the new Joseph C. Fischer Early Childhood and Family Center.
A toddler riding a tricycle with one hand on their hip, and the other hand on the handle bars, smiling and looking upward.
Two small children playing with a baby doll.
A parent and their young child playing with musical equipment in an outdoor play area.
A group of 5 children smiling on a large swing set, being pushed by a parent.
Yvonne Donohoe McCool, Angie Nichols, Tara Mager, Tracy Spincich, Robin Hornkohl and Rachel Birgy cutting the ribbon during the ceremony for the Joseph C. Fischer Early Childhood and Family Center.
Joe Fisher, Rachel Birgy, Elizabeth Petrella, Tara Mager and Lisa Thomas standing in from of the Joseph C. Fischer Early Childhood and Family Center building sign.

We are very proud to have three exemplary North Ed leaders featured in the Traverse City Record-Eagle 2026 Women’s History Month special section: Dr. Tara Mager, Superintendent; Dr. Yvonne Donohoe McCool, Director of Early Childhood Services; and Marty Guiney, McKinney-Vento Liaison & Special Education Supervisor. It is an honor to have them on our team and we thank them for their work that shapes the future for educators, learners and families in our community. Read the full article.

6 months ago, North Ed News
2026 Women’s History Month. Record Eagle. March 2026. The publication cover image is designed with muted tones of green leaves that fade into the background of the page.
Join Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition of Traverse Bay for free Family Fun Days at YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps! Meet other families in your community while enjoying interactive storytelling and music with Jen Strauss and Miriam Pico, enter a raffle, and more!

Read more:
https://www.northwested.org/article/2762827
6 months ago, North Ed News
Family Fun Days at YMCA Hayo-went-ha Camps. Great Start Collaborative Traverse Bay.
In celebration of Reading Month, join the Great Start Collaborative for interactive storytelling with Jen Strauss at your local Neighborhood Network playgroup sites. Children will receive a bookbag from PoWeR Book Bags, snack and engage in a fun craft project! Learn more https://www.northwested.org/article/2735054
6 months ago, North Ed News
Neighborhood Network of Playgroups. March is Reading Month. Storytelling with Jen Strauss. Interlochen Public Library, March 4, 2026, 10:00 am. Glen Lake Community Church, March 10, 2026, 10:00 am. Kalkaska County Library, March 13, 2026, 10:30 am. Lake Ann United Methodist Church, March 20, 2026, 10:00am. Traverse Area District Library (TADL), March 21, 2026, 11:00 am. Leelanau Township Library, March 25, 2026, 10:00 am. Great Start Collaborative & Family Coalition Traverse Bay.