Fall 2023

Filed Under:

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

October 5, 2023

About Our Programs

The Early Child Care Programs at MSU Extension offer transformative programs to support children's educational journey. The MSU Extension Head Start and Early Head Start Program, in Harrison County, eases the transition to kindergarten through local partnerships and research-based methods. The Nurturing Homes Initiative (NHI) enhances early education in family childcare settings, emphasizing mentorship and enriched learning. Meanwhile, the Mississippi Child Care and Resource & Referral (MSCCRR) provides vital developmental resources and family engagement activities. Funded by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), the NHI and MSCCRR programs collectively nurture children's growth and preparation for a successful future.

Head Start

New School Year Kickoff

A new school year brings about an exciting time to MSU Head Start and Early Head Start for students, teachers, and families! Since 2019, our mission has been to provide early childhood care services to the children and families of Harrison County, a commitment that fills us with immense pride as we embark on another school year.

August was the kickoff of our new academic year, an occasion marked by celebration as we welcomed back familiar faces and eagerly embraced new ones. Our mission extends beyond the classroom and is shared in growth, learning, and nurturing bright minds for the future.

Jamila Taylor, MSU Extension Head Start and Early Head Start Director, says that she is excited about this new year as it “allows us to make a meaningful impact on families and children in the Harrison County community.”

To learn more about this program, visit the MSU Extension Head Start webpage.

Nurturing Homes Initiative

NHI Now Recruiting

The Nurturing Homes Initiative (NHI) program is on a mission to elevate the quality of early education experiences in family childcare homes. We are looking for in-home unlicensed childcare providers who offer year-round full-time childcare to children aged birth to 5 years.

Here's what NHI offers:

Personalized Support: Our year-long program provides tailored coaching to help you achieve your goals and create an optimal learning environment.
Engaging Resources: Access educational materials that inspire creativity and enrich your learning center.
Professional Growth:
- Pursue the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential online, boosting your career in early childhood education.
- The Business Administration Scale for Family Child Care was designed to serve as a reliable tool for measuring and improving the overall quality of business and professional practices in family child care settings.

To learn more and apply, visit the NHI webpage.

MS Child Care Resource and Referral

MSCCRR Celebrates Grand Opening

Group standing outside for ribbon cutting Celebrations and excitement were felt throughout the month of September as the MSCCRR at MSU Extension celebrated the grand opening of our Hattiesburg location. The grand opening was on September 19 at the center's location, U.S. Highway 49, Hattiesburg, MS.

Welcoming the Hattiesburg community, the grand opening event allowed us to share the various resources available. The MSCCRR centers provide free resources for child care providers, teachers, parents, and children. Our lending library allows you to check out developmentally appropriate learning materials for up to 14 days. Each center includes a maker space to create die-cuts and more.

We look forward to the next year as the MSCCRR network continues to grow. For more information visit the MSU Extension news item.

Other News

Halloween Safety Tips

With Halloween and fall parties approaching, children’s safety is essential. The Halloween Safety Tips offers tips, safety reminders, and alternative options for candy and trick-or-treating! We understand that parents and guardians want their kids to have a memorable and safe Halloween experience. This guide provides essential safety reminders and provides creative alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating.

MSCCRR Now Hiring

We are currently hiring program associates and office associates in several counties statewide! MSCCRR employees work throughout the state to build a stronger network of support for children and provide early childhood resources, referrals, family engagement activities, and more. Visit the MSU Extension news item for more information.

Follow Us on Social Media

Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay up to date with the latest information!

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Upcoming Presentations

Fletcher, F. & Stallworth, D. (2023, October 11 & 12). Creating purposeful play through dramatic play. [Conference Session]. 2023 Mississippi Early Childhood Association Conference. Meridian, Ms.

Carson, N. & McBryde. B. (2023, October 12). Taking care of self, before taking care of others. [Conference Session]. 2023 Mississippi Early Childhood Association Conference. Meridian, Ms.

Carmody, K. & Mills, M.H. (2023, October 12 & 13). Strengthening family childcare in MS through Nurturing Homes Initiative Project. [Conference Session]. 2023 Mississippi Early Childhood Association Conference. Meridian, Ms.

McKeehan, R. & McSwain, R. (2023, October 12). Shake it, but don’t break it! Conference Session]. 2023 Mississippi Early Childhood Association Conference. Meridian, Ms.

Barksdale, C. & Dickerson, T. (2023, October 12). I’ve heard of rest and recreation – but what the heck is an R&R? Overview and outreach MS Child Care Resource and Referral at MSU. [Conference Session]. 2023 Mississippi Early Childhood Association Conference. Meridian, Ms.

Harris, C. & Brown, J. (2023, October 12). Extending family story time. [Conference Session]. 2023 Mississippi Early Childhood Association Conference. Meridian, Ms.

Dickerson, T. & Thorne, L. (2023, October 13). Fight or flight: Is emotional intelligence the key to survival for leaders. [Conference Session]. 2023 Mississippi Early Childhood Association Conference. Meridian, Ms.

Long, A. & McKeehan, R. (2023, October 13). Building positive connections between families and providers to enrich the home-to-school relationship. [Conference Session]. 2023 Mississippi Early Childhood Association Conference. Meridian, Ms.