Duration: 59 minutes
Status: Now available on demand
The COVID-19 pandemic reaffirmed the vital role early childhood professionals play in supporting families, children, and the broader economy. As essential infrastructure, early learning systems must evolve to meet the needs of educators and the communities they serve.
In this recorded webinar, we explore how the state of Mississippi is piloting a systems-level approach to strengthening Early Head Start and Head Start (EHS/HS) classrooms. Through job-embedded professional development and cross-sector partnerships, the initiative aims to boost the quality of caregiver-child interactions and help meet school readiness goals. State and county leaders are joined by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the lead funder behind this transformative work.
You’ll learn about:
- How the initiative was funded and launched
- Strategies for scaling across counties
- Early outcomes and lessons learned
👉 In preparation for our conversation with the Mississippi Head Start Association, learn more about how LENA is working with Head Start partners across the country to promote language and early literacy development.
Panelists:
Dr. Candice Pittman
Program Manager, Mississippi Head Start Association (MHSA), Dr. Pittman brings deep expertise in instructional systems, workforce development, and early childhood education. She holds a doctorate from Mississippi State University and has authored multiple reports on early learning and design.
Bridgette Jackson
Deputy Director and Education Manager at Washington County Opportunities’ EHS/HS program, Bridgette has over 20 years of experience and serves as a CDA trainer, CLASS observer, and advocate for quality early childhood education across Mississippi.
Todd Klunk
Program Officer, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Todd supports initiatives across Mississippi that foster thriving children and equitable communities. His background spans public policy, fiscal management, and child care licensing across state and county systems.