Mississippi is a study in contrasts. While some areas of the state are very progressive, both sociologically and economically, other areas remain tied to the past. They have been unable to create the changes necessary to move beyond the status quo to a more enlightened and prosperous future so that children enter kindergarten ready to learn.

Mississippi’s poverty rate is very high: 18% of all families and 44% of families with a female householder and no husband present had incomes below the poverty level. Race also continues to play a significant role, with Mississippi’s population primarily divided between two ethnicities: 61% white, 37% African American or black. Many children throughout Mississippi face unstable family situations and frequent address changes, so that neither their living situation nor their school situation are settled. Not surprisingly, Mississippi experiences a high dropout rate and low scores on National Assessment of Education Progress exams. Lack of proper funding has become a barrier to adequate resources and revenue for pre-school programs. And finally, Mississippi faces a chronic shortage of teachers due to natural attrition and large numbers expected to retire.

Despite this bleak outlook, we are truly fueled to improve the quality and accessibility of early care and education across Mississippi while engaging families and communities in the process.