In 2007 the Mississippi Legislature passed and Governor Barbour signed SB 2667, establishing the Early Learning Collaborative Act of 2007. This bill authorizes the Department of Human Services to implement a voluntary early child care and education grant program that calls for a collaboration among existing entities such as Head Start, private child care providers, and public schools. The bill allows for eligible entities to submit an application for funds to enhance or expand services at the local level.
While funding has not yet been appropriated for this program, the Mississippi Board of Education has included a request for $3 million as part of their 2010 Legislative Priorities.
