Page 111 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2020

GIVING BACK
BILOXI
Biloxi Excel by 5 is an early childhood community initiative focusing on the community’s young children. The initiative will better prepare children for school, emphasizing the important roles parents and early childhood educators play during the most formative years — birth to age ve.
“The mission is to give every child a chance to live up to his or her potential,” said Susan Hunt, certi cation manager. “Biloxi Excel By 5 makes a positive di erence in children’s lives as well as making a positive di erence in the future of Biloxi.”
The Biloxi Schools is a major partner, providing space for the Family Resource Center along with building maintenance
story by Lynn Lofton
and utilities; sta members; media and
Facebook coverage; and information and correspondence to parents.
“During COVID, Biloxi Excel By 5 has been able to continue with programs for children and parents but some changes have been made such as closing the Resource Center for interactive play,” Hunt said.
Continuing programs include Teaching Tots on Tuesday; Art on Wheels with
the Child Care Centers, Head Start, and Early Head Start; hosting Gobble Gobble Day and Come Learn With Santa.
“Masks are required for parents
and children ages two and up and temperatures will be taken,” Hunt added. “The events will possibly be held
outside.”
Beginning last June, educational
activities were sent to parents twice a month and will continue in 2021. Plans are being made to host Parent Academies and Child Care, Head Start and Early Head Start training next year.
Community partners include IP Casino; Wells Fargo Bank; Biloxi Schools; City
of Biloxi; families, businesses and friends of Biloxi Excel By 5; Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic; and the Benji Borrelli Family.
Biloxi Excel by 5
140 St. John Ave., Biloxi
228.297.6808 or 228.432.2431
www.excelby5.com/biloxi
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