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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

The Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage provides dedicated funding for programs to improve early childhood health, learning, and well-being. Every year, more than 10,000 children ages five and younger and their families participate in community-based programs funded by the millage. Kent County voters overwhelmingly (59% to 41%) renewed the millage for another six years in August 2024, after first approving it in 2018.

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 community-based organizations that provide around 30 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 Goals
  • Millage-funded Programs and Services

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.