Helping Mississippi’s Children
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
Thank you for making Capitol Day a HUGE Success!
In the current reality of virtual events, uncontrollable schedule changes, and other completely unexpected challenges, Mississippi’s early childhood community was still able to join together to learn about the upcoming…
Capitol Day Video Shares the Dedication of Mississippi’s Early Childhood Community
This year when Covid 19 impacted the world, it tested what we were made of. It revealed and amplified all of the weaknesses of the systems in our society. All…
See you at Virtual Capitol Day!
Wednesday, February 3rd from 9:00am-11:30am We are thrilled to have 44 organizations who have signed up to attend the event and 100 participants. See this year’s schedule and view photos…
Child Care Clean + was a big Success!
Child Care Clean + (also referred to as CCC+) is a program made possible through House Bill 1782, which appropriated $3 million to the North Mississippi Education Consortium to distribute…
MELA Launches 3 Year Strategic Plan
Jackson, MS – December 7th, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Join Mississippi Early Learning Alliance (MELA) for a virtual LUNCH & LAUNCH on Tuesday, December 8th via Facebook Live to learn…
MELA Welcomes April May as New Director of Coalitions and Programs
Jackson, MS – November 5th, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mississippi Early Learning Alliance is thrilled to announce that early learning advocate, April May, has joined their team as the new…