MSU Extension Nurturing Homes Initiative

06/22/2026

Learning doesn’t just happen during planned activities; it happens all day long in simple moments.

Talking through routines, naming objects you see, and asking simple questions all help build your child’s early language and thinking skills. 💛

06/19/2026

Healthy meals help build strong foundations for learning and development. Our Head Start program is looking for a Cook who is passionate about serving children and families. View the original post to learn more! 🍎✨

🍎 Join Our Team and Make a Difference Every Day! 🍎

Do you enjoy cooking and serving others? Our Head Start program is looking for a dedicated Cook to help provide nutritious meals and snacks that fuel learning, growth, and healthy development for young children.

As a Head Start Cook, you’ll play an important role in creating a positive experience for children by preparing meals that support their success in the classroom and beyond.

✨ Competitive benefits
✨ Meaningful work that impacts families
✨ Supportive team environment
✨ Opportunity to serve your local community

If you’re passionate about food, children, and making a difference, we’d love to hear from you!

🔗 Apply today: https://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/jobs/search?page=1&query=cook

Help us nourish young minds…one meal at a time!

06/17/2026

Do you have CDA questions? Well, we’ve got answers!

Whether you’re considering your CDA Credential for the first time or you’re ready to begin the process, our CDA FAQs can help point you in the right direction.

Drop a 🙋‍♀️ in the comments if earning your CDA is one of your professional goals this year!

06/15/2026

We’re not saying this is modern art… but we *are* saying it belongs in a museum! 😄🎨

In early childhood, the best kind of “mess” is the kind that builds creativity, confidence, and curiosity. Paint gets everywhere, ideas get bigger, and somehow a simple activity turns into a full-blown imagination explosion... and that’s exactly how learning should look!

No rules. No pressure. Just little artists doing big things!

06/11/2026

Check out highlights from a recent Care to Read: Toddler Art training in Jackson County! 🎨

Providers explored the value of art in early childhood education and gained practical ideas to use in their classrooms. We appreciate their dedication to lifelong learning and quality care.

Jackson County child care providers recently participated in our Care to Read: Toddler Art training, a hands-on professional development session focused on the importance of art in early childhood education.

During this 2-hour workshop led by their local MSU Extension agent, they learned how to create engaging art environments that support children’s cognitive, social-emotional, language, and fine motor development. Providers explored the value of process art, creativity, self-expression, and open-ended learning experiences for young children.

Participants also enjoyed a variety of hands-on art activities, giving them practical ideas and techniques they can immediately implement in their classrooms to inspire creativity and learning.

Thank you to all of the dedicated early childhood professionals who attended and continue to make a positive impact on the lives of young children throughout Jackson County!

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

Play isn’t ‘just play’; it’s brain-building work for kids! Whether they’re playing pretend, running outside, or building forts, they’re learning important life skills.

06/08/2026

Reminder for summer days ☀️💧

Little bodies need LOTS of water; especially when they’re playing outside. Keep water fun with fruit ice cubes or colorful cups!

06/05/2026

Play is how children make sense of the world around them!

The power of purposeful play in early childhood has multiple benefits:
- Enhances cognitive development
- Fosters social skills
- Promotes emotional growth
- Supports physical development
- Encourages creativity and imagination
- Builds resilience

06/03/2026

Behind every safe, nurturing learning environment is a provider making a lasting impact on children and families.🌟

Thank you to the childcare providers who continue showing up, teaching, encouraging, and caring for Mississippi’s youngest learners each day 💛