Funtime Pre-School Clinton joins JPS – Hinds Early Learning Collaborative

Special to The Clinton Courier

The JPS-Hinds Early Learning Collaborative recently voted to add Funtime Pre-School Clinton as a new partner. Funtime Pre-School Clinton joins Jackson Public Schools, the Hinds County Human Resource Agency, Little Saints Academy, and the Lottie Thornton Early Childhood Center at Jackson State University to provide nationally recognized, high-quality pre-K education in Hinds County.

Early Learning Collaboratives (ELCs) are state-funded pre-K programs located in forty communities across the state that are composed of at least one school district and one Head Start. Childcare and private schools are also eligible to join ELCs.

“Funtime Pre-School Clinton is thrilled to be able to join the Early Learning Collaborative to ensure our four-year-olds have access to high-quality curriculum and materials to enhance their school readiness,” said Lesia Daniel-Hollingshead, owner of Funtime Preschool. “This partnership will also provide a tuition reduction for our four-year olds, which supports working families in our area.”

The JPS-Hinds Early Learning Collaborative has a vision for a more collaborative future that raises the quality standards for all early childhood providers throughout their communities.
“We are thrilled about this expansion of the JPS-Hinds Early Learning Collaborative, because it demonstrates the commitment of Jackson Public Schools and our partners to increase the number of four-year-olds receiving high-quality early learning that prepares them for success in kindergarten,” said Dr. Felicia Thomas, early childhood director at Jackson Public Schools. “This partnership will ensure more children in Hinds County get a strong start on their academic journey, ultimately leading to stronger communities and a stronger economy that benefits everyone.”

Mississippi First, the advocacy organization that co-authored the Early Learning Collaborative Act of 2013, continues to advocate for the success of the pre-K program. As part of this work, they are recruiting childcare providers to join ELCs.

“It’s so important to have childcare providers join the early learning collaboratives. The ELCs provide an invaluable opportunity for childcare providers to access state funds and resources, which helps prepare our children for school, keep families working and ensures our childcare providers are financially stable,” said Micayla Tatum, director of Early Childhood Policy at Mississippi First.