Winter 2024

Filed Under:

MSU Extension Head Start, Nurturing Homes Initiative, Mississippi LIFT Resource and Referral Network

January 31, 2024

We are excited to see how the year kicked off with great momentum! Our team continually reflects on ways we can focus our missions on supporting young children and our community. From innovative collaborations to impactful developments, this year promises to be one of growth and achievement.

A new year allows us to look back on our past accomplishments:

The Mississippi Child Care Resource & Referral with MSU Extension grew to 13 open and operational centers and served 13,285 patrons in 2023.
Nurturing Homes Initiative (NHI) served 118 providers since 2022, 83 of which are currently active with NHI.
Over the course of the 2021-2022 school year, our MSU Extension Head Start program served a total of 227 children in Head Start as well as 41 children in Early Head Start. Our report for the 2022-2023 school year will be available in early 2024.

Provider Professional Development

Child care providers working with the Nurturing Homes Initiative (NHI) receive not only our exceptional services but also access to enriching professional development opportunities. Participation in the NHI program includes membership in the Mississippi Early Childhood Association (MsECA), a strategic collaboration designed to empower providers in advancing and diversifying their businesses.

By being a part of MsECA, providers gain entry to a plethora of resources, networking opportunities, and expert insights, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the ever-evolving field of early childhood care.

In October 2023, the MsECA celebrated its 70th Imagine Conference in Meridian, MS, themed "Movin’ and Groovin for Early Childhood." This conference featured presentations emphasizing hands-on learning, licensure safety, nutrition, learning standards, and more.

One standout example of the tangible benefits of MsECA membership through NHI is Chrrissy Hickman Baker, an NHI provider. Chrrissy utilized her MsECA affiliation to not only enhance her early childhood education but also gather valuable insights to implement at her in-home child care center by attending the 2023 conference.

Participation in these professional development opportunities is a vital component for our providers, enabling them to stay aware of the ever-changing field of early childhood education. If you are interested in learning more about working with NHI, please visit the Nurturing Homes Initiative webpage.

Other News

Give your child a Head Start

The MSU Extension Head Start works to provide free educational programs to support children, including those with disabilities and their families. We are now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year for children ages 3 to 5! For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 228-365-9621.

Join the Head Start Team

We are now hiring at our MSU Extension Head Start and Early Head Start programs! Essential duties include serving as a role model for children and families, increasing understanding of child growth and development, and working collaboratively among staff and partners. We are currently hiring lead teachers, assistant teachers, and floaters. To learn more about our program and how to apply, visit the Head Start webpage.

MSCCRR Free Community Events

Did you know that the Mississippi Child Care Resource & Referral centers offer a free community event each month? These events are curated to provide an educational experience for children, parents, and child care providers that engage participants in developmentally appropriate activities! Our dedicated staff ensures that each location provides a fun-filled environment for all participants. Events are free and open to the public. To find an event going on near you, visit the Mississippi Child Care Resource and Referral webpage and view upcoming events.

MSCCR&R locations are also open for extended hours! Join the MSCCR&R near you on Tuesdays from 5-7 pm and select Saturdays from 9 am – 12 pm.

Car Seat Safety

When traveling with your child in a car, it is necessary to properly secure your child in a car seat. Proper fit in a car seat can prevent injuries during an accident. There are important guidelines and requirements to consider when selecting a car seat. These include not only the child’s age, but also the weight and height of the child. Listed below are some guidelines to follow when securing your child in a vehicle. Learn more from our Car Seat Safety publication.

Partnering for a Collaborative Future

NHI is partnering with the Social Science Research Center at MSU to be trained on implementing the Market Rate Survey with our providers. This survey measures the current market rate trends for child care in Mississippi. To view results from the past survey visit the Mississippi Department of Human Services website.

Upcoming Presentations

Dickerson, T., & Thorne, L. (2024, March 7). Fight or flight: Is emotional intelligence the key to success for leaders? [Conference Session]. 2024 Southern Early Childhood Association Conference. Atlanta, Ga.

McBryde, B., & Fletcher, N. (2024, March 8). Taking care of self, before taking care of others. [Conference Session]. 2024 Southern Early Childhood Association Conference. Atlanta, Ga.

Carmody, K. & Mills, M.H. (2024, March 8). Strengthening family childcare in MS through Nurturing Homes Initiative Project. [Conference Session]. 2024 Southern Early Childhood Association Conference. Atlanta, Ga.

Fletcher, F. & Stallworth, D. (2024, March 9). Creating purposeful play through dramatic play. [Conference Session]. 2024 Southern Early Childhood Association Conference. Atlanta, Ga.

Taylor, A., & Hampton, F. (2024, March 9). Building social and emotional development in young children. [Conference Session]. 2024 Southern Early Childhood Association Conference. Atlanta, Ga.