The early years of a child’s life lay the foundation for everything that follows, and at the Henry Doerr Early Childhood Center, families don’t have to navigate those years alone.
Through its Birth–5 Program, Saginaw Public Schools offers free, voluntary support services to families who live within district boundaries and have a child under the age of five.
Designed to strengthen families, support early learning, and prepare children for school success, the program meets families where they are, both literally and figuratively.
What the Birth–Five Program Offers
Families enrolled in the Birth–5 Program have access to a range of supportive, research-based services focused on early childhood development.
Home Visits
Families are partnered with a trained Parent Educator who provides guidance, resources, and developmental information in the comfort of the home.
Ages and Stages Developmental Screenings (ASQ)
Regular check-ins help families track their child’s development and celebrate milestones while identifying areas where extra support may be helpful.
Play to Learn Groups
Small group experiences bring together families with children of similar ages to engage in hands-on learning activities that promote social, emotional, and cognitive growth.
Family Fun Nights
Free family events offer opportunities to connect, learn, and enjoy activities together in a welcoming, community environment.
Community Resource Connections
Parent Educators help families connect with local resources, supports, and services that strengthen overall family well-being.
All services are provided at no cost to eligible families.
Weekly Playgroups That Build Confidence and Connection
In addition to in-home services, the Birth–5 Program hosts weekly playgroups every Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Henry Doerr Early Childhood Center, located at 3270 Perkins Street.
These playgroups create a warm, welcoming space where young children can learn through play while caregivers connect with educators and other families. Each session includes developmentally appropriate play activities, a healthy snack for children, a free book for each child to take home, and access to a family pantry stocked with learning materials and diapers.
Playgroups are designed to support early literacy, social skills, and school readiness while also giving families practical resources they can use immediately at home. Please note that playgroups do not take place on snow days.
A Program Built on Partnership
The Birth–5 Program at Henry Doerr is led by Kelly M. Shay, whose leadership emphasizes collaboration, trust, and family empowerment. The program is further strengthened through the support of dedicated volunteers from the Saginaw Kiwanis Club, who help ensure families feel welcomed, supported, and valued.
Together, staff and volunteers work with one shared goal: helping children grow, families thrive, and communities become stronger, starting from birth.
Get Connected
Families who live within the School District of the City of Saginaw and have a child under five are encouraged to get involved. Even if you have not been contacted yet, the Birth–5 team is happy to connect.
Birth–5 Program/Early On:
989-399-6850
3270 Perkins Street, Saginaw, MI 48601
When families are supported early, children arrive at school ready to learn and ready to succeed!