The City of Jacksonville is making significant progress in improving the well-being of its children and youth, thanks to the ongoing efforts of Kids Hope Alliance (KHA). As a key funding agency for the city, KHA invests millions each year in programs for children and youth. In addition to providing vital services, KHA ensures these programs are effective by monitoring their outcomes. By partnering with local non-profits, KHA helps thousands of children access a range of services, including early learning, nutrition, and mental health support. The organization is committed to meeting the needs of early childhood providers, whether they are just starting a childcare business or are fully accredited.
Jacksonville’s approach to early childhood education is being highlighted by NLC’s Early Childhood Success team through the “Decades in the Making” initiative. This effort showcases how cities like Jacksonville are strategically developing early learning programs and supporting providers to improve outcomes for children.
Key Elements of Jacksonville’s Early Childhood Strategy
1. Promoting Early Literacy
In Jacksonville, early literacy is a key focus. It has become a central tool for rallying community support and improving early childhood development. Programs that emphasize reading are not only preparing children for school but also involving families and communities in the learning process.
The city’s commitment to early literacy dates back to 2004 with former Mayor John Peyton’s Rally Jax Book Club. Today, under Mayor Deegan’s leadership, the River City Readers literacy challenge continues to push the importance of reading. By focusing on early literacy, Jacksonville addresses a critical gap in education while raising awareness about early childhood development. Local libraries, schools, and community organizations collaborate to bring books and reading programs to underserved neighborhoods, ensuring that literacy is accessible to all families.
This focus on early literacy serves as the foundation for KHA’s broader early childhood efforts, providing momentum for other initiatives.
2. Supporting Early Childhood Providers as Small Businesses
Another unique aspect of Jacksonville’s approach is its recognition of early childhood providers as small business owners. Mayor Deegan has expressed her goal of making Jacksonville the “small business capital of the Southeast,” which includes empowering early childhood providers.
KHA partners with Jacksonville’s Small and Emerging Businesses (JSEB) to help early childhood providers access business tools. The program offers financial management workshops, marketing support, and proposal writing guidance. Additionally, KHA runs programs like the Business Leadership Institute (BLI) for Early Educators and the Accreditation Academy. These initiatives offer training and support for early childhood center owners to improve their business operations. Since the launch of these programs, more than 130 providers have completed the BLI training. By treating early childhood centers as businesses, Jacksonville is improving care quality, increasing staff compensation, and creating a more sustainable early education system.
3. Building Strong Partnerships
The City of Jacksonville is committed to creating strong partnerships to develop early childhood programs. Local officials, community organizations, and providers work together to find new ways to meet the needs of families.
One example is the annual “Back to School” event, which brings together local organizations and city departments to provide free services, supplies, and information to families. Another initiative, the Duval Early Learning Director’s Network (DELDN), brings together early childhood leaders to share best practices and address challenges. These collaborations demonstrate Jacksonville’s commitment to working together to improve the early childhood landscape.
Conclusion
Through KHA’s continued partnerships with local organizations, Jacksonville is better equipped to understand the needs of its families and create effective solutions. By focusing on early literacy, recognizing early childhood providers as business owners, and fostering collaboration, the city is paving the way for programs that truly support its children and families.
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