Dear Child Care Providers, Advocates, and Supporters,

We have exciting news to share with you.

The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) has announced it will use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) direct funding to support the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP), a solution MLICCI has long advocated for and pushed especially since the pause in April 2025.

This decision marks an important step forward and establishes TANF direct funding as an additional revenue stream for child care assistance in Mississippi.

The initial $5 million investment could help nearly 700 Mississippi families gain access to child care, helping parents remain in the workforce while ensuring children have access to safe, nurturing environments to learn and grow.

We are deeply grateful to our child care leadership team, providers, legislative champions, advocacy partners, parents, and supporters who stood with us and helped move this issue from concern to action. Your advocacy mattered.

At the same time, we know the work is not over.

Thousands of families still face barriers to affordable child care, and providers continue navigating workforce shortages and financial strain. This progress is meaningful, but it is only a first step.

Today, we celebrate progress. Tomorrow, we continue the work because no mother should have to choose between the child she loves and the job she needs.

Thank you for standing with us.

Carol Burnett

Executive Director

Mississippi Child Care Changemakers:

Leading the Way to the Ballot Box

Training in Biloxi this Saturday

We you have saved the dates for our regional convenings designed to ensure that you help lead the way to the ballot box this November.



This statewide training series that will equip you with tools to:

• Educate families about voting

• Connect civic engagement to child care and workforce issues

• Implement the “V is for Vote” curriculum

• Prepare you to vote during the General Election on November 3, 2026

📍 Future Locations include:

Indianola | Tupelo | Jackson

✔ Open to Child Care Leadership Team Members, Staff, & Parents

✔ Employment Equity for Single Moms Providers

✔ Lunch will be provided

Register today by emailing us at info@mschildcare.org.

Together, we are building stronger communities — one voice at a time.