Mississippi State Board of Education Expands Early Learning Collaboratives for Pre-K Education

In a proactive stride towards enhancing early childhood education, the Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) has made a significant move. By unanimous decision, the SBE has ushered in a new chapter for young learners with the addition of three pioneering early learning collaboratives (ELCs). These collaborative initiatives hold the key to fostering high-quality pre-K education, ensuring a solid foundation for the educational journey that lies ahead.

Empowering Early Childhood Education: Introduction to Mississippi’s ELC Program

The Early Learning Collaborative Act of 2013 laid the foundation for a transformative program that empowers local communities to establish, expand, and bolster quality pre-K early childhood education and developmental services. At its heart, the program strives to holistically prepare preschoolers for the challenges and opportunities that kindergarten presents.

Investing in Quality Pre-K Education: Funding and Expansion of ELCs

The latest expansion of the ELC program stands as a testament to Mississippi’s resolute commitment to nurturing its youngest learners. A substantial allocation of $2.1 million in state funds has paved the way for this expansion, aimed to be fully utilized by June 2025. This surge in state funding echoes the growing recognition of the program’s profound impact. From its inception with a $3 million appropriation in 2013-14, the program’s funding has witnessed remarkable growth, reaching $24 million for the 2022-23 academic year. The cumulative state allocation to the ELC program to date stands at an impressive $78 million.

Introducing the New ELCs: Holly Springs, Lee County, and Ocean Springs

Envisioning a brighter future for Mississippi’s 4-year-old students, the SBE has greenlit the establishment of three new ELCs. These collaboratives—namely Holly Springs Early Learning Collaborative, Lee County Early Learning Collaborative, and Ocean Springs Early Learning Collaborative—will collectively cater to 260 pre-K 4-year-olds. These young learners will be enriched through the combined efforts of five new classrooms and the augmentation of eight existing classrooms. The profound impact of these initiatives is set to resonate with more than 6,800 ELC students throughout the 2022-23 school year.

Educational Impact: Enhancing Kindergarten Readiness Through ELCs

The ripple effect of these ELCs goes beyond mere numbers. Spring 2022 witnessed a significant achievement, with 65.12% of ELC students meeting the end-of-year target score. This remarkable feat is juxtaposed with the 61.53% achievement of students in other public pre-K classrooms, encompassing diverse class configurations, including Title I, self-contained special education, and other school district pre-K programs.

A Shared Vision: Statewide Efforts in Early Childhood Education

The year 2022 witnessed Mississippi’s commendable recognition by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER). Among only five states to meet all quality standards for pre-K, Mississippi stands tall as a beacon of effective early childhood education. This achievement underscores the collective commitment of educational authorities, communities, and educators to steer the state’s youngest learners toward a bright and promising educational journey.

As Mississippi takes profound strides to shape the educational landscape for its youngest learners, the synergy of efforts and dedication holds the promise of nurturing generations equipped for success.

For more information, watch Mississippi Department of Education’s Early Learning Collaborative Informational Webinar here.

UPDATE: The Ocean Springs School District school board has declined to accept the ELC grant. So Ocean Springs School District will not open an Early Learning Collaborative at this time.