Excel By 5 is a community-based certification designed to improve a child's overall well-being by age five.  The first-of-its-kind in the United States, this program emphasizes the important roles communities play in educating their children during their most formative years--birth to five. 

Initially funded with a grant from Chevron, Excel By 5 is currently working with thirty-eight communities throughout the state of Mississippi including Alligator, Beulah, Biloxi, Central Clarke County, Cleveland, Corinth/Alcorn County, Drew, Duncan, Durant, Gulfport, Gunnison, Hancock County, Hattiesburg, Hernando, Horn Lake, Indianola, Isola, Lafayette County, Lee County, Louisville/Winston County, McComb, Mid-Jackson, Moss Point, New Albany/Union County, North Madison County, Ocean Springs, Oktibbeha County, Olive Branch, Pascagoula, Petal, Pontotoc County, Poplarville, Ripley, Senatobia, Stone County, Tallahatchie County, Vicksburg/Warren County, Wayne County and West Point, MS. 

Excel By 5 sets forth a variety of standards involving parent training, community participation, child care and health to help communities focus on supporting young children and their families.  The certification process also identifies available resources and existing best practices to help Excel By 5 - Early Childhood Communities reach the goal that all of their children will be ready to learn when they start school at age five.