During its first decade of operation, the Mississippi State University (MSU) Early Childhood Institute has made numerous innovations in on-site technical assistance for child care facilities. Some of these innovations have been tailored to facilities in rural communities; some have helped facilities earn quality ratings from the state; and some have focused on improving early literacy experiences for young children.

Providing on-site assistance to teachers of young children, Leaders in Literacy began as a collaboration by the MSU Early Childhood Institute and the Barksdale Reading Institute, with subsequent funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Phil Hardin Foundation, the Day Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Education. Leaders in Literacy has mentored teachers in the Mississippi communities of Canton, Clarksdale, Columbus, Crenshaw, Durant, Greenville, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Jackson, Lambert, Meridian, Tchula, Utica, and West Point.

Kimberly Triplett, Ph.D., directs Leaders in Literacy.