WLOX-TV and WLOX.com - Building South Mississippi Together |Ready to Learn
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Moss Point already has some great programs in place to help children from birth to age five, but it's working to offer even more. The city is in the process of becoming Excel by 5 Certified, which ultimately will help children in Moss Point grow up happy, healthy, and ready to learn.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 2.5 million children are injured or killed each year by dangers in their own home. That's why babyproofing your house is so important.
Becoming an Excel by 5 community means your area has formed a coalition dedicated to making sure children have everything they need to excel by the time they're five years old. So far, Mississippi has four communities that have completed an extensive checklist of requirements to become Excel by 5 certified. Biloxi wants to be next.
Mississippi has the highest infant mortality rate in the nation. Parents can learn how to prevent infant mortality by going to a community health fair this Saturday in Biloxi. One thing they'll learn is that raising a healthy child starts before they're even born. Meggan Gray climbs aboard the March of Dimes' Mom and Baby mobile unit, which helps bring babies into the world happy, healthy, and ready to learn.
All parents want to see their child succeed. The key to doing that, is laying a strong foundation during their formative years. Thanks to some passionate child advocacy leaders, south Mississippi communities are doing their part to make sure children excel. It's called Excel by 5, and it's all about making sure children grow up happy, healthy, and ready to learn.
