Columbus Honors Early Educators During Week of the Young Child with Mayoral Proclamation

COLUMBUS, Miss. – In celebration of the Week of the Young Child, Mayor Keith Gaskin joined Mississippi University for Women’s School of Education’s Center for Education Support to issue a proclamation recognizing the vital role early educators play in shaping Mississippi’s future — not only for young children, but for families, communities, and the economy at large.

“We often speak of early education as a moral imperative,” said Mayor Gaskin. “But it’s also an economic one. When our youngest citizens thrive, our entire community prospers. High-quality early childhood programs support working families, reduce long-term costs, and build the foundation for a stronger local economy.”

As part of this local recognition, Mayor Gaskin also declared Early Educator Appreciation Day in Columbus, acknowledging the critical work of early learning professionals across the community.

The proclamation event was held as part of a broader Week of the Young Child celebration, which included classroom activities, family engagement efforts, and community partnerships throughout Columbus and Lowndes County. This year’s theme, “Together We Shine,” highlights the collective impact of educators, families, and community leaders in early childhood development.

Penny Mansell, Director of the Center for Education Support at Mississippi University for Women, emphasized that early childhood educators are doing far more than most realize.

“It’s more than daycare. It’s more than babysitting,” said Mansell. “These educators are world changers. Because of their work, parents can go to work, children’s brains can grow, and local economies can prosper. They are building the foundation not just for kindergarten readiness — but for lifelong success.”

Governor Tate Reeves also recognized the Week of the Young Child with a statewide proclamation, reinforcing that early childhood matters across every corner of the state. No matter your priorities — education, workforce, health, or community development — we can all agree that when we take care of our youngest children, Mississippi grows.

The Week of the Young Child, led nationally by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), recognizes that early childhood education is not only an investment in our children — it’s a cornerstone of thriving communities. Learn more at www.naeyc.org/events/woyc.

To learn more about The W’s early childhood initiatives and support for local educators, visit www.muw.edu/education.