The Petal Early Learning Collaborative was one of the very first that was established in 2013.  

“The Early Learning Collaborative Act of 2013 establishes Mississippi’s first state-funded, voluntary Pre-K program.  The Mississippi Department of Education is responsible for the implementation of the legislation and administration of the program. The purpose of the Early Learning Collaborative Act of 2013 is to provide funding to local communities to establish, expand, support and facilitate the successful implementation of quality early childhood education and development services.” ---MDE Early Learning Collaborative Scope of Services

The Petal Early Learning Collaborative consists of two sites: C. H. Johnson Head Start and Petal Primary School.  The collaborative recruits students who will be 4 years of age by September 1^st of each year for voluntary FREE Pre-K classes. Students must live in the Petal School District and meet the Head Start income guidelines to be eligible for the program. All future collaborative students must apply through P.R.V.O. Head Start. To apply for one of our collaborative classrooms, please click on this link to PRVO. Head Start:

https://www.childplus.net/apply/en-us/9667DABFF37AD709BB2C83FA315F04B9/82AC3D9E88D5AAB5D8C9C557F9B4D6FF

As the lead partner in the Petal Early Learning Collaborative, the Coleman Center for Families & Children supports both collaborative sites: C. H. Johnson Head Start and Petal Primary School.

The preschool curriculum is currently transitioning this year in Pre-K classrooms OWL curriculum to the Mississippi Beginnings Curriculum, which is research-based, aligns with the Early Learning Standards of Mississippi, and is developmentally appropriate. This Pre-K curriculum balances intentional instruction and          child-centered learning.  It provides comprehensive, integrated instruction in all developmental domains and it empowers children with choices in self-directed activities. It offers a daily routine that develops key social skills, emotional control and values individual differences.

For more information about the Petal Early Learning Collaborative, please click on the QR code below to access the Petal Early Learning Collaborative Informational Handbook.

Please follow both the Petal Early Learning Collaborative and Coleman Center FaceBook pages for up-to-date information.