About Us

Excel By 5 is a community-based certification designed to improve a child's overall well-being by age five.

The first-of-its-kind in the United States, this program emphasizes the important roles communities play in educating their children during their most formative years--birth to five.

Funded with a $650,000.00 grant from Chevron, Excel By 5 is currently in thirty communities including Alligator, Belzoni, Beulah, Biloxi, Central Clarke County, Cleveland, Duncan, Gunnison, Hancock County, Hattiesburg, Hollandale, Indianola, Isola, Lafayette County, Louise, McComb, Mid-Jackson, Monroe County, Moss Point, New Albany/Union County, North Madison County, Oktibbeha County, Pace, Pascagoula, Petal, Rosedale, Shelby, Silver City, Stone County and West Point, MS.  

Excel By 5 sets forth a variety of standards involving parent training, community participation, child care and health to help communities focus on supporting young children and their families. The certification process also identifies available resources and existing best practices to help Excel By 5 - Early Childhood Communities reach the goal that all of their children will be ready to learn when they start school at age five.

Bob Clay, Executive Director

Excel By 5
Early Childhood Institute
Mississippi State University
109 Executive Dr. Ste. 1
Madison, MS 39110

phone: 601-707-7726
fax: 601-707-7727
bobrclay@bellsouth.net