GSC-O Purpose
GSC-O’s purpose is to ensure that every young child in Michigan has a great start and arrives at the kindergarten door healthy and ready to succeed in school, with parents who are committed to educational achievement. Across the state, Great Start Collaboratives are convening local decision-making bodies to:
- Link existing early childhood services
- Align services and resources
- Develop strategies for identifying and filling gaps in services
- Ensure all of the Great Start system components are available to every child in their community

GSC-O Vision
A Great Start for every child in Ottawa County: safe, healthy and eager to succeed in school and in life.

GSC-O Mission
to assure a coordinated system of community resources and supports to assist all Ottawa County families in providing a great start for all children from birth through age five.

GSC-O Values
GSC–O will carry out its work according to these values:
- Accessibility
- Accountability
- Healthy relationships
- Individuality: diverse and inclusive
- Safe and nurturing environments
- Honesty and integrity
- Unity
- Intentional and strategic actions.

GSC-O Parent Coalition Purpose
The Parent Coalition is an important initiative of the GSC–O. This parent-led alliance is designed to:
- Increase parent participation in planning and decision  making
- Build public support and will
- Be engaged in the work of GSC–O
- Strengthen civic engagement of parents in the community on behalf of young children.