A home visitor sits with two parents and their young child, reading from a Great Kids Great Start manual together. They’re seated on the floor in a cozy living room, engaged in conversation and learning. Diverse family representation.

Great Kids Great Start Is Back

You Asked — We Listened 
Great Kids Great Start Is Back, Refreshed, and Ready to Make an Impact 

For years, our partners have told us the same thing: “We need Great Kids Great Start back.” And now — we’re thrilled to say — it’s here. 

One of our most requested resources has returned, completely refreshed, reimagined, and more impactful than ever. Great Kids Great Start (GKGS) was created in response to real challenges programs face every day — and it’s back because you asked for it. 

Why Programs Asked for GKGS to Return 

Across the country, programs shared a common pain point: new home visitors are often sent into visits before they feel prepared — not by choice, but because staffing, capacity, and funding pressures leave little alternative. 

When that happens, trust and engagement can waver. Families may disengage or leave the program entirely, impacting outcomes and the funding benchmarks programs rely on. 

Great Kids Great Start changes that. It helps new home visitors feel confident, capable, and equipped from day one. And during staff transitions, GKGS provides a consistent, structured approach that helps families transition smoothly, maintain trust, and stay engaged — strengthening relationships and improving retention. 

Bridging the Gap Between Hiring and Certification 

Great Kids Great Start is a practical, ready-to-use starter curriculum that bridges the gap between hiring and Growing Great Kids (GGK) Tier I certification. It gives new staff the tools they need to begin supporting families immediately — building confidence and experience before formal training. 

Each module is simple, flexible, and designed for any family, prenatal through age five. That means no waiting, no scrambling — just research-informed materials that make early visits meaningful and effective. 

Here’s why GKGS is a game-changer: 

  • Confidence from the start: New staff learn the structure, language, and flow of Great Kids’ approach before certification. 
  • Stronger family engagement: Staff enter visits prepared to build trust and relationships. 
  • Fewer families lost during transitions: GKGS keeps families connected and engaged, even through change. 
  • More impactful training: Staff who use GKGS often gain more from Tier I certification because they already understand the basics. 

A Win for Families, Staff, and Programs 

Great Kids Great Start builds a stronger foundation for everyone involved. Prepared home visitors build stronger relationships. Supported families stay engaged longer. And programs that retain more families maintain funding, expand capacity, and achieve better long-term outcomes. 

It’s a ripple effect — and it starts with that very first visit. 

GKGS Is Back — and Better Than Ever 

The return of Great Kids Great Start is more than a relaunch — it’s proof of our commitment to listening to our partners and delivering the solutions they need most. 

Now, it’s ready to help your team start strong, support families with confidence, and create lasting impact from day one. 

Explore Great Kids Great Start and see how it can transform onboarding, strengthen family engagement, and boost retention. 

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Growing Great Kids®

Why Choose Great Kids?

Proven Success

Over 50,000 people have been trained to use the Great Kids curricula

Protective Factors – GGK Constructs

Research informed constructs embedded in the Protective Factors Framework

Alignment with Head Start

The Growing Great Kids Home Based Curricula Series exceeds all Head Start Curriculum requirements

Evidenced Based Research

As evidenced by seven independent evaluations, the GGK Curriculum produces outstanding results

Specialized Training Programs 

On-site and virtual training options available

Healthy Families America

The Growing Great Kids curriculum aligns with and builds upon the HFA model approach