Coalition focuses on community support for young children

Gathered at the Excel by 5 session are, from left, Jim Feritag, senior pastor at NorthPark Church; Cisley Barksdale, Meridian/Lauderdale Excel by 5 chairperson; Angie Burks, EC-HealthNet; and C.D. Smith, MCC Trustee and guest speaker at the Excel by 5 luncheon.Gathered at the Excel by 5 session are, from left, Jim Feritag, senior pastor at NorthPark Church; Cisley Barksdale, Meridian/Lauderdale Excel by 5 chairperson; Angie Burks, EC-HealthNet; and C.D. Smith, MCC Trustee and guest speaker at the Excel by 5 luncheon.

Community and civic leaders, daycare personnel, and government officials gathered at Meridian Community College to learn more about Excel by 5, a coalition that helps to engage citizens to ensure young children are ready for school by age 5.

Cisley Barksdale, Meridian/Lauderdale Excel by 5 Chairperson, shared with the audience in this community assessment meeting about the early childhood community certification process and urged the audience to join the program that emphasizes the vital roles communities play in educating children during their most formative years.

Barksdale recognized committee members including Michelle Hampton, Meridian Community College; Angie Burks and Dr. Sarah Anderson, EC HealthNet; Brittney Mosley and Miski Brown, Mississippi Department of Health and Kimberly Gowdy, Mississippi State University Extension Service.

In urging people to join the coalition, community leader and MCC Board of Trustees member C.D. Smith told the audience said coming together for the common good often yields promising results.

Barksdale noted that to have the Meridian and Lauderdale County area become a certified “Child-Friendly” Excel by 5 Community would be a great asset.

 “This certification focuses on our young children’s health, early education, parent support, and community involvement.  It emphasizes the important roles parents and early childhood educators play in the lives of children during their most formative years, birth to age 5,” she said.

Barksdale added the certification could bring more resources to future leaders and local and area citizens.