MELA drives collective impact with diverse stakeholders to achieve systemic change leading to the holistic development of Mississippi children in their first 8 years of life.
Early years most important
Development in the early years of a child’s life are the most important for their lifelong health and success. Strong development in the first 8 years of life can build a foundation for future learning, health, and economic stability.
Holistic development
That’s why 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
We believe that the most impactful change can happen (1) when decision-makers engage with communities and understand the complexities that impact the lives of children and (2) when a diverse group of stakeholders – state leaders, practitioners, and community members – work together to create solutions and drive for change.
Latest News, Events & Resources
Faith Leaders: Celebrate Mississippi Children’s Sabbath with Us!
Children’s Sabbath is a national, multi-faith event that asks places of worship across the country to spend a week focusing their prayers, worship, education programs, and acts of service on…
Progress Report: Read Our First Annual Report!
The Annual Report is designed to summarize our activities and accomplishments over the past 18 months (January 2020 – July 2021), as well as forecast some of our upcoming projects and initiatives.
Mississippi State Plan Summary
On July 1, 2021, the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) will submit their three-year State Plan for how Mississippi will use Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program funding….
Meet SECAC Member Dean Bobo
NAME: Dean Bobo CENTER: Magnolia Kindergarten Incorporated TOWN: Batesville, MS HOW LONG WORKING IN EARLY CHILDHOOD: 41 years EDUCATION: Associates degree in Office Admin from Northwest, BA in general Ed…
Governor Reeves Proclaims April 10th-16th Week of the Young Child!
It’s Official! Governor Tate Reeves has proclaimed this week as the week of the Young Child in Mississippi. We appreciate the Governor’s support as we celebrate and advocate for young…
MELA Welcomes Chloe Lake to Our team!
Public Health Communications Expert Brings Necessary Experience to MELA’s work!Jackson, MS – April 6th, 2021FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mississippi Early Learning Alliance (MELA) is excited to share that communications professional, Chloe…