JACKSON, Miss. – Mississippi First today released a new Blended Pre-K Toolkit, a comprehensive guide designed to help school districts and Head Start programs expand pre-K access by strategically blending funding sources. According to Mississippi First’s 2023 poll, only 54.8% of Mississippians agree that families have access to affordable pre-K. This toolkit provides a roadmap for maximizing resources, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring sustainable and affordable early education programs for Mississippi families.
“In Mississippi, too many children lack access to high-quality pre-K, but declining population in many areas of the state puts critical funding at risk,” said Rachel Canter, Executive Director of Mississippi First. “Our new Blended Pre-K Toolkit offers practical solutions for school districts and Head Start programs to work together, share costs, and expand opportunities for young learners.”
Key Features of the Toolkit:
- Blended Funding Strategies: Guidance on using Head Start, Title I, state pre-K, and local funds to maximize resources.
- Building Strong Partnerships: Best practices for school districts and Head Start programs to collaborate effectively.
- Quality and Compliance: A breakdown of Mississippi Early Learning Guidelines and Head Start Performance Standards to ensure excellence in pre-K programs.
- Budgeting and Sustainability: Sample budgets and cost-sharing models to help communities launch and sustain blended pre-K programs.
- Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Templates: Customizable agreements to clearly define roles and responsibilities in blended programs.
Why Blended Pre-K Matters
Blended pre-K models allow communities to offer more high-quality pre-K seats without creating additional financial burdens. By strategically using federal and state funds, school districts and Head Start grantees can increase teacher pay, enhance classroom resources, and improve early learning outcomes all while expanding access to families.
Who Should Use This Toolkit?
- School district leaders and superintendents exploring pre-K expansion.
- Head Start administrators seeking to partner with school systems.
- State and local policymakers working to improve early childhood education access.
Education advocates and nonprofit leaders supporting early learning initiatives.
About Mississippi First
Mississippi First is a nonprofit organization committed to transforming education policy and practice to ensure every child in the state has access to high-quality early education, public charter schools, and highly effective teachers. Since 2008, Mississippi First has been a leading advocate for state-funded pre-K expansion and education reform. Learn more at mississippifirst.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2025
CONTACT:
Brendan Lowe
brendan@eachdaycomms.org
856.904.1693