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Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage

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Supported by the Kent County Ready by Five Millage

Strong Families. Ready Kids. Thriving Community.

The Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage provides dedicated and sustainable funding for programs that support the health, school readiness, and well-being of children five and younger. Research shows the earliest years of life are the most important for brain development and set the foundation for future success. Early investment saves money long term and leads to a strong future for our community

Thousands of Children and Families Served

In 2022, Ready by Five provided more than 12,400 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

$7M

$7 million in 2024

$37M

$37 million in total

  • Millage Impact
  • Voter Information
  • Funding Opportunities

Millage Reports

First Steps Kent appreciates the trust that the people of Kent County and the Kent County Board of Commissioners have placed in us to administer and oversee the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage.

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.

First Steps Kent administers and oversees the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage

Community-based organizations apply for funding to provide services such as home visiting, play and learn groups, developmental screening, and navigation support to help families access the help they need and want.

Decisions about which organizations to fund are based on community needs assessments and the recommendations of the Resident Proposal Review Board, which includes parents, Kent County Commissioners and staff, a community early childhood expert, and a First Steps Kent Commissioner.

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Evaluating Ready by Five

An independent research and evaluation team is assessing the impact of Ready by Five on young children and their families. The external evaluation will lead to continuous quality improvement and assure the effectiveness and accountability of programs funded by the millage.

Learn more about the Evaluation
N5 A3987N5 A3672