![]() The coalition has a school-owned house that is adjacent to Kennedy Elementary School, where early childhood education efforts are centered. “We have to give more children opportunities.” “How can we begin to impact that environmental delay,” Palmertree said. Many in that 40 percent don’t have social experience, either, and efforts will be made to get young children integrated in the community and what it offers - the McComb Railroad Museum being a prime example. School superintendent Therese Palmertree is excited about the Excel By 5 project and she said it will bolster the education efforts for a concentrated number of residents in McComb.Įarly childhood efforts are vital, she said, noting that some 40 percent of children who enter kindergarten in the McComb School District come to school at a developmental disadvantage. The coalition has already taken a major step by making a needs assessment and determining where efforts most need to be. “Getting kids ready is the universal goal,” she said. Projects include a children’s health fair, which is set for March 2012 and will cover nutrition, developmental screenings, transportation safety and immunization early childhood update meetings for the community each year, and early childhood educators alliance meetings three times a year.Īmong those meeting on Tuesday were government officials, including Summit Mayor Percy Robinson and McComb city board member Tammy Witherspoon pre-school educators health care providers, including the district’s Margaret Hart and longtime pediatric nurse practitioner Gidge Clayton and other school employees.Ĭarol Rawlings said at least 13 child care centers are on board with the program, which will provide educational continuity. Getting parents, educators and child care providers to work in unison is a big part of the plan. “I feel like we’re well on the road to getting this initiative at full speed.” “We can do it,” said Carol Rawlings, Excel By 5 chairman and a retired teacher in McComb schools. McComb’s efforts are in the early stages, but already excitement is building within the district and the community. Monique Gilmore, who handles community relations for the school district, is the Excel By 5 certification manager. McComb began its three-year certification process in August, and the coalition group held its second quarterly meeting this week.Ĭertification requirements are divided into four groups - community involvement, family and parent support, early care and education and health and safety. Launched in 2004, Excel by 5 define communities that embrace early childhood education by supporting and encouraging children and their families.Īlthough the McComb School District plays a key role in the Madison-based Excel By 5 program, it’s not a school program it’s a community initiative. McComb is one of about 20 Excel By 5 candidate communities in Mississippi. The City of McComb and the McComb School District have joined hands with area businesses, educators and concerned citizens to concentrate efforts to shape youngsters in their formative years of age 1 to 5. ![]()
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