Ryan Kelly presided over the meeting. Joe Bost provided the opening prayer. Matt Rumph led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Ryan led the club in the Four Way Test. The meeting was held at the Holiday Inn in Hattiesburg.
Ryan announced that our club will meet on August 30, which is the 5th Tuesday of the month. Senator Roger Wicker will be the guest speaker.
Mark Killingsworth then introduced today’s guest speaker, Dr. Kathy Young. Kathy has been a veteran of early education with a great diversity of experiences for over 30 years. She has served as administrator and classroom teacher of programs serving infants through preschoolers. She currently serves as the Chairperson of the Coalition for Hattiesburg Excel by 5.
Excel By 5 is a community-based certification designed to improve a child’s overall well-being by age five. The first-of-its-kind in the United States, this program emphasizes the important roles communities play in educating their children during their most formative years–birth to five.
Initially funded with a grant from Chevron, Excel By 5 is currently working with thirty-eight communities throughout the state of Mississippi.
The Excel By 5 certification requirements are divided into four groups: Community Involvement; Family and Parent Support; Early Care and Education; and Health and vary according to community size and capacity. The certification process takes about two years to complete, and the certification is awarded for three years.
Excel By 5 sets forth a variety of standards involving parent training, community participation, childcare, and health to help communities focus on supporting young children and their families. Early Childhood Communities reach the goal that all of their children will be ready to learn when they start school at age five.
There is no cost to the state. However, the community may incur some cost locally during the certification process. These funds can be raised through community contributions or in-kind services. The actual cost will vary from location to location. This topic along with restrictions will be discussed at the initial informational meeting(s) and the first formal coalition meeting.
Locations throughout the State of Mississippi are mobilizing to ensure their children are better prepared for kindergarten and first grade.
Excel By 5 certification identifies gaps in community resources, promotes community collaboration, volunteerism and economic development. On the whole, children in Excel By 5 communities will be healthier and better prepared for kindergarten and first grade.
Communities begin the Excel By 5 certification process by forming a local leadership team made up of representatives from key community groups, including schools, churches, businesses, parents, hospitals, early care and education centers and government organizations.
If you would like more information about Excel By 5, please visit http://excelby5.com or contact the state office at 601-707-7726
There being no further business to come before the club, Ryan thanked Dr.Young for her presentation and then adjourned the meeting with our motto: “Service Above Self.”