Alexis Hicks
Advocacy & Policy
Director
Birth-to-Three Advocacy Coalition of Mississippi
Recognizing the importance of early childhood education and development outcomes, the Mississippi Forum For the Future is proud to announce the launch of the Birth-to-Three Advocacy Coalition of Mississippi. The primary objective of this coalition is to enhance our understanding of the needs of young children and families throughout the state.
This plan aims to mobilize parents, caregivers, and community members to advocate for early childhood education at both local and state levels. By providing training and resources, we empower these advocates to effectively engage in policy efforts that increase access to affordable child care subsidies for low-income families, ensure sustainable funding for early childhood education initiatives, and advocate for fair compensation for child care teachers.
Through continuous engagement with policymakers, state agencies, community organizations, and other key partners, we strive to build strong partnerships and secure ongoing support for early childhood education initiatives that benefit young children and families across Mississippi.
Who Should Apply?
Are parents, caregivers, or childcare providers passionate about early childhood education
Want to engage in advocacy at local and state levels to improve access to affordable, high-quality childcare.
Are committed to contributing their voice and experiences to shape policy priorities that reflect the needs of Mississippi’s children and families.
Your Commitment:
Dedicate 6-8 hours per month to coalition activities, including meetings, trainings, and advocacy initiatives.
Participate in developing policy priorities, engaging in legislative advocacy, and mobilizing your community.
Work collaboratively with other coalition members to advance our shared goals of improving early childhood education in Mississippi.
What will you gain?
Advocacy Training and Resources: Learn how to effectively engage in advocacy efforts and make your voice heard.
Professional Development Opportunities: Enhance your skills through continuous learning and capacity-building activities.
Networking and Collaboration:Connect with other parents, providers, and early childhood advocates across Mississippi.
Access to Legislative Updates and Policy Briefings: Stay informed and prepared to take action on critical issues impacting early childhood education.
Technical Assistance and Support: Receive guidance from the Southern Education Foundation and other partners to strengthen your advocacy efforts.
Monthly Participation Stipend: Participants will receive a stipend to acknowledge their time and commitment and to help offset any expenses incurred during coalition work.
MORE INFORMATION
MEMBERSHIP DURATION:
Membership is an ongoing commitment for up to two years, with regular opportunities for review and feedback to ensure a fulfilling and impactful experience.
POLICY PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT:
The development of policy priorities for the Birth-to-Three Advocacy Coalition of Mississippi is guided by a rigorous process that ensures alignment with the needs and aspirations of our diverse stakeholders. Central to the process is our collaboration with the Mississippi Early Learning Alliance (MELA), which serves as the backbone of the Mississippi Forum For the Future – a collective impact movement dedicated to transforming the child care and early childhood system across the state.
MELA facilitates a collaborative approach that breaks down silos among early childhood organizations, business leaders, and policymakers. This structured coordination allows us to leverage collective strengths, share resources, and work towards common goals in a cohesive manner. Through extensive engagement with stakeholders – child care providers, agency leaders, parents, policymakers, and business leaders – we gather grassroots insights, integrate state-level data, and draw upon national research on child care workforce issues, quality improvement, and access to care.
Over nearly two years of dialogue and research, we have cultivated a deep understanding of the aspirations and challenges within Mississippi’s early care and education landscape. This inclusive approach has enabled us to define a comprehensive vision for what constitutes a “state-of-the-art” child care system in our state. This vision for a state-of-the-art child care system includes:
- Childcare is a Stable, Competitive, and Respected field.
- Families have increased access to affordable child care.
- Improved health, academic, and economic outcomes through early education programs.
- The child care system is supported by sustained resources and investment.
OBJECTIVES:
- Mobilize parents, caregivers, and community members to advocate for early childhood education at the local and state levels, empowering them with training and resources to effectively engage in advocacy efforts.
- Advocate for policies that increase access to affordable child care subsidies for low-income families, ensuring that all children have access to quality early childhood education and care.
- Advocate for sustainable funding mechanisms to support early childhood education initiatives, ensuring consistent resources for programs and services that benefit young children and families.
- Advocate for policies that address the low wages of child care teachers, ensuring fair compensation and professional recognition for their essential role in early childhood education.
- Continuously engage with policymakers, state agencies, community organizations, and other key partners to build strong partnerships and ensure ongoing support for early childhood education initiatives.
Application Deadline: Monday, September 30, 2024
For more information: Contact us at policy@msearlylearning.org
Together, we can build a brighter future for Mississippi’s youngest children!