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
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…
Join us for 2021 Capitol Day
This year’s virtual Early Childhood Capitol Day on Wednesday, January 13th, 2021 will bring Mississippians together to advocate, learn about, and support our state’s young children. Through issue round tables,…
MELA Executive Director Named to MDE Board
We at MELA are thrilled to share that our Executive Director, Dr. Angela S. Bass was appointed to the Mississippi Department of Education by Governor Reeves. We know firsthand how…
Don’t Miss the EdsUp! Podcast
EdsUp! is a podcast from MELA partner the Graduate Center for the Study of Early Learning at the University of Mississippi. It’s all about children and those who care for…
The State of PreK in Mississippi
One of the founding issues of MELA partner Mississippi First is publicly funded PreK. Find a great deal of information about the state of PreK in Mississippi, how to apply…
MELA Partner releases report about connection between child care and Mississippi economy
“The Chamber Foundation partnered with the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC) and the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi on this report to better understand the unique needs of Mississippi’s working parents and how…