If your community is interested in seeking Excel By 5 certification, contact the state office at 601-707-7726 to arrange an informational meeting to learn more about Excel By 5 and the requirements to become certified.  A representation of the citizens of the community should be present such as the local school district, local Head Start centers, medical personnel, childcare providers, parents, elected officials, local media, business and religious leaders.

Excel By 5 staff will explain the program and answer questions. This community group will decide whether to become a certified Excel By 5 early childhood community.

A timeline of the Excel By 5 certification process willbe provided, and is to be used as a tool by the Excel By 5 community lead agency, coalition members, and community certification manager. Meetings with the candidate community and state Excel By 5 staff will be held throughout the process.