Lafayette – Oxford – University Early Learning Collaborative


The Lafayette – Oxford – University Early Learning Collaborative has four sites: Bramlett Elementary School, Lafayette Lower Elementary School, Willie Price Lab School, and Mary Cathey Head Start. It has served 986 four-year-olds since its founding in 2019.

Number of Classrooms in ELC

22

Students Served in 2022-2023

386

Number of Sites in ELC

4

“Our collaborative consists of two school districts, one university/lab school, and one Head Start center. This makes for an interesting group of backgrounds, requirements, and program ideas. However, we have a great group that is committed to respecting and learning from one another for our common goal of providing excellent services for children.”

— Cara Buffington, Director of Early Childhood & Reading Development, Oxford School District

Do you have a four-year-old
in Lafayette County?

Enroll your four-year-old in the Lafayette-Oxford-University Early Learning Collaborative.

Want to receive an individual
tax credit?

Learn how to get a tax credit and support the
Lafayette-Oxford-University Early Learning Collaborative.


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About Early Learning Collaboratives

Early learning collaboratives (ELCs) are comprised of school districts, local Head Starts, child care centers, and/or private or parochial schools. Collaboratives offer a high-quality, low- or no-cost pre-K option to families in Mississippi. ELCs are funded through state funds and local matching funds and are overseen by the Mississippi Department of Education.

Learn more about how we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the ELCs.

We know that kids who attend high-quality pre-K:

Enter kindergarten with stronger literacy, language, math, and social-emotional skills

Are less likely to need special education services, less likely to repeat grades, and more likely to graduate and enroll in college

See stronger employment opportunities and increased earning potential

Are less likely to commit juvenile and adult crimes