The Mississippi Early Learning Alliance (MELA) annually hosts the Early Childhood Capitol Day, an event bringing together early childhood education advocates, healthcare leaders, parents, policymakers, and other partners who want to ensure Mississippi’s infants, toddlers, and preschoolers have what they need to thrive. Attendees participate in networking, a press conference, and legislative policy discussions with elected leaders focused on early childhood education, early intervention, child nutrition, maternal and child health, and others.
The Mississippi Early Learning Alliance (MELA) believes that by investing in the first five years of a child’s life, we can transform the future of our state for generations to come. That’s why we’re hosting our second Big Voices for Little children event. Building on the success of our inaugural event with Academy-Award winning actor and Mississippi native, Morgan Freeman, this year’s event will be an evening reception celebrating Mississippi employers who support families and strengthen the workforce. The event will highlight effective policies and practices to improve hiring, retention, and productivity that also help parents of young children. Bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and advocates, the evening will showcase what’s working—and how to expand it across the state.
The State of Babies is Mississippi Forum for the Future’s annual policy and advocacy event dedicated to ensuring every baby in our state has what they need to thrive. At this event, leaders, advocates, and community members from across Mississippi will gather to reflect on progress, align around key priorities, and chart a bold course for the year ahead.
MELA coordinates and hosts both the Mississippi Early Learning Resources child care Talks series and Forum for the Future Prenatal to 5 Policy Series virtual events that bring child care providers, policy leaders, advocates, educators, and partners together to learn, share, and strengthen early learning in Mississippi. These sessions cover timely topics—from health and safety to policy updates and professional development—always with practical takeaways you can use in your center or classroom.Join us live to ask questions, connect with experts, and access resources designed to support your work.