early on zoo trip

Saginaw ISD Early On Program Provides 56 Families with Saginaw Children's Zoo Memberships

SAGINAW, MICHIGAN - The Saginaw Intermediate School District (Saginaw ISD) is pleased to announce that 56 families were awarded one-year memberships to the Saginaw Children's Zoo on May 22, thanks to the generous funding from an American Rescue Plan (ARP) state grant. The initiative was organized by the Saginaw ISD Early On program to support families with young children who may benefit from early intervention services.

Saginaw ISD's Early On program recognizes the importance of providing enriching experiences for children and their families, and the Saginaw Children's Zoo is a perfect venue to foster learning and enjoyment for young ones. The ARP state grant has allowed the Early On program to offer these families the opportunity to explore the wonders of the zoo and create lasting memories.

Due to the overwhelming success of the initial event, Saginaw ISD is delighted to announce that more passes will be made available to current Saginaw County families enrolled in Early On. On June 1, interested families can visit the zoo between 10:30 am and 12 pm to secure their passes. To ensure availability, families are kindly requested to RSVP with their provider.

In addition to the zoo memberships, participating families will receive a delightful goody bag, including animal-themed books and stuffed animals. These items aim to engage children's imagination further and promote early literacy skills.

Meghan Shepard, the Early Childhood Special Services Supervisor for Saginaw ISD, expressed her gratitude stating, "Our families were extremely appreciative to receive this invaluable opportunity for their children to enjoy the zoo."

This event is an excellent example of how the Saginaw ISD Early On program continues to prioritize the well-being and growth of Saginaw County's youngest members. By fostering early childhood development and facilitating meaningful experiences, Saginaw ISD is positively impacting the lives of children and their families.

About Saginaw ISD

Saginaw Intermediate School District (SISD) is an educational service agency that provides effective and innovative leadership, services, resources, and programs throughout Saginaw County. Saginaw ISD provides career and technical education, early childhood, finance, human resources, instruction, pupil accounting, special education, technology, and transportation services. In addition, SISD operates multiple educational programs to meet the unique needs of students ages birth to 26 across Saginaw County, including: Hartley Outdoor Education Center, Head Start/Early Head Start and Great Start to Readiness Programs, Great Lakes Bay Early College, Saginaw County Juvenile Detention Center School, and Special Education Center Programs.

Saginaw ISD serves 12 local school districts, six public school academies, and 22 non-public schools, with a total enrollment of approximately 26,000 students. Public school districts supported include: Birch Run Area Schools, Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School District, Carrollton Public Schools, Chesaning Union Schools, Frankenmuth School District, Freeland Community School District, Hemlock Public School District, Merrill Community Schools, Saginaw Public School District, Saginaw Township Community Schools, St. Charles Community Schools, and Swan Valley School District.

About Early On

Saginaw ISD's Early On Program is Michigan's system of coordinating early intervention services for children from birth to age three who may have a developmental delay or medical condition that could lead to a delay in school readiness. It fulfills the federal mandate known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Growing and learning are your child's most important jobs. Sometimes parents notice that their infant or toddler does not seem to be at the same stage of development as other children the same age. Identifying concerns can begin at home. Early identification of possible problems can lead to early interventions and supports so each child can be more successful.