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How We’ll Define Success

The Agenda

State-of-the-art Early Childhood system

By 2030, Mississippi’s early childhood system will be state-of-the-art, fueled by robust data, resources, and cross-sector collaboration to meet the needs of all children and families.

*While we continue to work towards the 2030 goal of a state-of-the-art child care system, our coalition is also moving to expand and build a common agenda for the entire Prenatal-to-Five system. 

  • Mississippi has a functional family-friendly early childhood system supported by an efficient and coordinated infrastructure for children and families at both the state and local level.
  • A responsive, family-driven system of care for young children.
  • The child care system is supported by sustained resources and investment.
  • Improved health, academic, and economic outcomes through early education programs.
  • Families have increased access to affordable child care.
  • Families have equitable access to Paid Family Leave and Medical Leave.
  • Child Welfare practices meet the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers.
  • Families are economically secure.
  • A responsive, family-driven system of care for young children.
  • Mothers and children have access to comprehensive, high-quality healthcare from conception
  • Expecting mothers and children can access and afford healthy and nutritious food.
  • Mississippi’s young children live in healthy, safe environments.
  • Mississippi supports, and compensates a qualified physical, mental, and developmental workforce.
  • Mothers and children can access timely, high quality, and responsive Mental Health care.
  • Eligible children have access to timely, high quality, and responsive Early Intervention services from birth.

Common Agenda Explainer

The Mississippi Forum For the Future’s Common Agenda outlines four priority areas designed to support the healthy development and success of Mississippi’s infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Developed collaboratively by a diverse group of early childhood professionals, parents, advocates, and leaders, the Common Agenda reflects a shared vision for a Mississippi where every child has the strongest possible start in life. It serves as a roadmap to guide data collection, policy development, and cross-sector collaboration—helping partners align efforts toward a common set of goals. Learn more and explore the full explainer documents below.

READ THE FULL COMMON AGENDA EXLAINER HERE

Steering Committee

Feedback Moves Us Forward

The Forum For the Future’s Steering Committee consists of 21 members from all areas of the early childhood landscape. Starting early 2025, these key partners began the process of shaping the Forum’s priorities. The Agenda will have three pillars: Early Care & Education, Strong Families, and Healthy Mothers & Babies – all supporting a Coordinated Efficient System.

mEET THE STEERING COMMITTEE