Early Education: Policy Vision
Learn about the five policy priorities for early education in Mississippi that we believe will create a stable and interconnected early childhood system for families, children, and educators.
Early education is a founding policy area for Mississippi First. In 2013, we authored and advocated for the Early Learning Collaborative Act, which established state-funded pre-K in Mississippi. As the ELC program has grown in strength programmatically and in stature politically, we believe we now have the capacity to broaden our focus to include children ages birth to five. As part of this effort, we have published a new policy vision that details five policy priorities for early education that Mississippi can use to create a more stable and interconnected early childhood system.
Early Education: Policy Vision
Learn about the five policy priorities for early education in Mississippi that we believe will create a stable and interconnected early childhood system for families, children, and educators.
Early Education Policy Agenda
We are excited to announce our early education agenda, which includes ongoing and new goals:
- Priority 1: Continue to improve and expand the Early Learning Collaborative program and ensure that it remains Mississippi’s only state-funded pre-kindergarten program.
- Priority 2: Support the expansion of layered funding programs that serve the 0-5 space.
- Priority 3: Support the adoption and implementation of data best practices for child and state program data, including a new, improved state longitudinal data system.
- Priority 4: Support the adoption and implementation of an equitable quality improvement and support system that centers provider and family voices to ensure access to high-quality early education options for all children.
- Priority 5: Research and propose policies, such as early educator scholarships and family-focused tax credits, to address the financial viability of the early childhood industry.
Authors
Micayla Tatum, Director of Early Childhood Policy
Rachel Canter, Executive Director, 2008 – 2025
SEE MORE REPORTS & PUBLICATIONS
This toolkit focuses on starting a state-funded early learning collaborative (ELC) program. Learn about the different types of state-funded pre-K programs and what steps you should take when considering starting a specific program. Being able to operate a state-funded collaborative pre-K program is dependent on state funding appropriated by the legislature. The application process for […]
Mississippi First's "2024 Pre-K in Mississippi: Briefing Book" analyzes the state's pre-kindergarten programs, covering history, types, costs, and improvements.
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A detailed analysis of public and non-public pre-K access in Mississippi in 2017-2018.
Examination of Mississippi’s pre-kindergarten programs, focusing on accessibility, quality, and recommendations for growth.
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In 2013, Mississippi First co-authored the Early Learning Collaborative Act of 2013, establishing the first state-funded pre-K program in Mississippi. Transforming Pre-K in Mississippi tells the remarkable story of the early learning collaboratives after a decade of national sucess and looks to their future in Mississippi. Authors Rachel Canter, Executive Director, 2008-2025 Micayla Tatum, Director […]
Mississippi First began publishing a How To Start A Pre-K Series in 2018. How To Start A Title I Funded Pre-K Program is the second in the series used to advocate increased access to pre-K in Mississippi. Authors Rachel Canter, Executive Director, 2008-2025 Angela Bass, Deputy Director of Policy, 2014-2019
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