Oxford Receives $2M for Early Learning Collaborative
Oxford, Mississippi (December 20, 2018) — The L.O.U. Early Learning Collaborative has been chosen to receive an additional $2M in funding to provide high-quality early childhood education programs to 4-year-old students at Bramlett Elementary, Lafayette Lower Elementary, Willie Price Lab School, and Mary Cathey Head Start.
The Early Learning Collaborative Act of 2013 established the ELC program, which provides funding to local communities to establish, expand, support and facilitate the successful implementation of quality early childhood education and development services.
In Oxford, a community with limited preschool options, these funds will add 4 Pre-K classes (2at Mary Cathey Head Start and 2 at Willie Price Lab School). This brings 76 new seats to the existing 242 seats to benefit both city and county students. Funds will be used to hire 4 new teachers and 4 teacher assistants.
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) issued the request for proposals on July 26 and accepted applications through Sept. 21. The MDE reviewed all nine applications received. Five applicants gained the required points to qualify for the interview round, and the MDE submitted all five applicants for the SBE’s final approval. They are:
- Cleveland School District
- George County School District
- Hattiesburg Public School District
- Oxford School District
- Marion County School District
Oxford School District serves as the lead partner for this collaborative, through which the funds will flow. Tamara Hillmer serves Oxford as the Director of Early Childhood and Reading Development.
Click here to view MDE’s press release.