MEMBER PORTAL

How We’ll Define Success

Our Agenda

What does it mean to build a
state-of-the-art childcare system?

We know that a “state-of-the-art” childcare system looks different to everyone; however, we knew that we needed to define what state-of-the-art means to Forum for the Future in order to build a common agenda for change. 

To create this definition, we combined grassroot insights with state-level data and national research.

We spent nearly two years listening and talking to childcare providers, early childhood agency leaders, parents, policymakers, and business leaders about how they’d like to see childcare change in Mississippi, and what building blocks need to be in place to improve the early care and education system. Throughout this process, we researched promising new practices from other states, and kept current with national data on childcare workforce issues, quality improvement, and access to care. 

The Forum for the Future Steering Committee was tasked with taking all of this information, combining it with their own lived expertise, and creating a comprehensive definition of “a state-of-the-art childcare system” in Mississippi. 

Our Target Outcomes

Childcare is a Stable, Competitive and Respected Field

  • Mississippi is able to recruit and maintain a robust early care and education workforce in the state
  • Early care and education professionals receive adequate compensation, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.
  • Demand for childcare matches supply
  • There is less of a gap (or no gap) between public school-based preK teacher wages and benefits and childcare teacher wages and benefits.

 

  • Reduced number or size of childcare deserts.
  • Increase in average hourly and annual wages for childcare workers based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • Bonuses distributed directly to childcare workers for remaining in their positions.

Families have increased access to affordable childcare

  • Affordable childcare is available to more families across the state.
  • Communities experience greater economic security and greater community wellbeing.

 

  • There is increased access to Child Care Payment Program subsidies.
  • Average cost of childcare to families decreases in Mississippi (ideally hits 7% of the median annual income or less)

Improved health, academic, and economic outcomes through early education programs

  • Approaches to teaching, caregiving, etc. are evidence-based and linked to positive child outcomes.
  • Long term positive outcomes for children, including reduced dropout rates, higher graduation rates, fewer suspensions or expulsions, etc. 
  • Greater economic security in communities, greater community well-being.
  • Percentage increase in average kindergarten readiness. 
  • Fewer children need special education services after 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade.
  • Reduction in revenue lost due to childcare gaps.
  • Decrease in job transitions/inability to work due to childcare issues.
  • Overall improvements in state economy tied to capping families’ childcare expenditures.

The childcare system is supported by sustained resources and investment 

  • Resources are allocated specifically for early childhood. Resources do not come exclusively from larger funding pots that must be repurposed for early childhood.
  • Investments are SUSTAINED (not short-term grants or one-time expenditures) and reflect a strong understanding of the high return produced by early childhood investments.
  • Growth in combination of federal, state and local funding that is allocated to childcare (ages 0-3).
  • Increased funding & resources available to support quality improvement in childcare in Mississippi.
  • More funding opportunities available at a local or regional level.