MELA exists to build, strengthen, and support coalitions to advocate for systems change to improve early learning and child development outcomes in our state.
The first 8 years of a child’s life are critically important.
During their first years of life, children’s brains and bodies are growing and changing rapidly. Brain development during their early years, paired with the cognitive, social and emotional skills they learn at the same time, will influence their lifelong health and success. The first 8 years of a child’s life can build the foundation for future learning, health, and economic stability.
When our children thrive, our state will thrive.
We believe that improving outcomes for children is a public issue for which everyone is responsible. The holistic development of Mississippi’s children is the single most important accomplishment we can achieve to improve the quality of life in our state.
Working together is the only way to make lasting change.
We believe that the most impactful change can happen when two things happen: first, decision-makers must engage with parents, early childhood professionals, and other community members to understand the complexities of their lives. Second, a diverse group of stakeholders – state leaders, practitioners, business leaders, subject matter experts, and more – must work together to create and implement solutions that meet the needs of children and families in Mississippi.
Looking for information about Forum for the Future?
The Mississippi Early Learning Alliance serves as the backbone behind Forum for the Future, a movement to transform the early care and education system in Mississippi. More specifically, Forum for the Future is a coalition of childcare providers, early childhood organizations, business leaders, and policymakers working to break down silos and leverage our combined resources and expertise to accomplish commons goals. Right now, the common goal is: By 2030, Mississippi’s childcare system will be state-of-the-art, fueled by robust data, resources, and cross-sector collaboration to meet the needs of all children & families.
Latest News, Events & Resources
February 6th: Early Childhood Capitol Day
On Tuesday, February 6, 2024, the Mississippi Early Learning Alliance (MELA), along with the members from the Mississippi Forum for the Future (FFtF), will host the fifth annual Mississippi Early…
FFtF’s 2023 Teachers’ Wages Survey Results
JACKSON, Miss. – Mississippi Forum for the Future (FFtF), a coalition dedicated to ensuring Mississippi’s child care system is state of the art by 2023, launched a groundbreaking report today…
Mississippi Business Tax Credits
Mississippi businesses have a $557 million problem – and if we utilize all the tools at our disposal – I think we can solve it. But first, I want to…
2022-2023 Annual Report
MELA presents the third annual progress report for the 2022-2023 reporting year. The Mississippi Early Learning Alliance (MELA) was created to build, strengthen, and support coalitions to advocate for systems…
Ms FFtF Member Progress Meeting
We invite you to join us Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. to hear all the exciting things happening within the Forum since the Forum For The Future Summit…