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Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage

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Supported by the Kent County Ready by Five Millage

Ready by Five in Kent County

Exciting news: the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage has been renewed for another six years! We would like to extend a big thank you to Kent County voters, service providers, endorsers, donors, and supporters. We are grateful for the work you have done to continue to advocate for the health and wellbeing of all Kent County children.

In 2023, Ready by Five provided more than 14,000 young children and expectant parents from every zip code in Kent County access to programs focused on healthy development, early learning, and family support. Thousands more received information and resources about early childhood development.

The millage is funded by a .25 mill property tax increase that generates about

$8M

$8 million in 2024

$48M

$48 million in total

Ready by Five Programs

Ready by Five supports 18 community-based organizations that provide 32 different early childhood programs, including:

  • Prenatal support
  • Developmental screenings to identify potential delays and disabilities
  • Assistance navigating the early childhood system
  • Home visits that support caregivers
  • Play and learn groups, which help develop language and learning skills
  • Elimination of hazardous substances, like lead, from homes
  • Intensive therapy for children dealing with behavioral health issues
  • Books for families to support reading at home

Ready by Five complements state and federal funding, generating about $8 million a year to expand access to early childhood programming.

Isabel Media Studios First Steps Kent 1Isabel Media Studios First Steps Kent 409
  • Millage Impact
  • Funding Opportunities

Millage Reports

View the following reports to learn more about how all millage dollars are being spent, which organizations and programs are being funded, and who they are serving.