Karen Clark
Great Start Collaborative Coordinator @Newaygo County Resa
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WORK HISTORY
Great Start Collaborative Coordinator @Newaygo County Resa
Newaygo County, MI, US
Served as the lead system-builder for early childhood programs and services across Newaygo County, aligning local efforts with Michigan’s four Early Childhood outcomes.Convened cross-sector partners including health providers, early childhood educators, business leaders, and parent representatives to address barriers facing families.Developed, implemented, and monitored the local early childhood strategic plan using family voice, local data, and state-aligned metrics.Facilitated Collaborative meetings focused on equity, family engagement, and service coordination.Empowered parent leaders to inform policies and elevate family voice in planning and decision-making.Leveraged state funding to identify community priorities and support program sustainability.Wrote and managed local and state grant proposals to support early childhood system initiatives.Oversaw program budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure responsible stewardship of resources across initiatives.Coordinated local initiatives and events promoting kindergarten readiness, early literacy, and supports for families.Advocated at the county, regional, and state level for policies and funding that strengthen early childhood outcomes.Built relationships with philanthropic and community organizations to align investments with strategic priorities.Guided efforts to reduce service duplication and increase accessibility for historically underserved populations.
EDUCATION
Calvin University
Bachelor's degree
ABOUT KAREN CLARK
With over 18 years of experience in early childhood program leadership, I currently serve as the Great Start Collaborative Coordinator at Newaygo County RESA. I am passionate about fostering equity, amplifying family voices, and building systems that improve outcomes for young children and families. By aligning local efforts with Michigan’s Early Childhood outcomes, I contribute to creating cohesive strategies that address barriers and enhance service coordination. Partnering with diverse stakeholders, I focus on empowering communities to achieve sustainable success through data-driven planning and inclusive engagement. At Newaygo County RESA, I lead cross-sector collaborations, facilitate strategic meetings, and advocate for policies informed by family input. I have developed and implemented local early childhood strategic plans, monitored key metrics, and secured state funding to advance community goals. My commitment to equity, family engagement, and collaborative problem-solving drives impactful change, ensuring that all children and families can thrive.
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