BPS Launches ‘Thrive by Five’ Initiative to Promote Early Literacy Beginning at Birth

By  //  November 2, 2021

BPS: sets the stage for lifelong learning success

ABOVE VIDEO: Brevard Public Schools announced the official launch of the Thrive by Five initiative by Superintendent Dr. Mark Mullins to provide a pathway for every family in Brevard to learn the importance of early literacy beginning at birth.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Brevard Public Schools announced the official launch of the Thrive by Five initiative by Superintendent Dr. Mark Mullins to provide a pathway for every family in Brevard to learn the importance of early literacy beginning at birth.

This program connects Brevard families to resources that promote readiness for school and set the stage for lifelong learning success.

At a press conference held today, major local healthcare systems joined forces to share their support for this initiative.

“I want to thank essential partners in this effort and for their commitment, this would not be possible without them. Our healthcare partners at Health First, Parrish and Steward, your leadership in this community is reflected every day,” said Mark Mullins, Superintendent of Brevard Public Schools.

This program connects Brevard families to resources that promote readiness for school and set the stage for lifelong learning success. (BPS Image)

Each healthcare system selected a representative to speak about their support and the importance of a program that cares for the children and families in our community with a holistic approach.

“Reading regularly to young children stimulates optimal patterns of brain development and strengthens parent- child relationships at a critical time in child development which in turn, builds language, literacy and social-emotional skills that last a lifetime,” said Dr. Timothy Laird, Chief Medical Officer at Health First Medical Group.

Brevard Public Schools announced the official launch of the Thrive by Five initiative by Superintendent Dr. Mark Mullins to provide a pathway for every family in Brevard to learn the importance of early literacy beginning at birth. (BPS Image)

Father to a young child himself, Tom Bowden, Chief Operating Officer for Rockledge Regional Medical Center said, “This program that we’re launching today, and that we’re a happy and proud partner of really allows us to extend the program that we offer to residents in Brevard moving forward for those first five years. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Brevard Public Schools in this important initiative.”

The shared sentiment of those supporting Thrive by Five is perhaps best encapsulated by the words spoken by Natalie Sellers, Senior Vice-President of Communications, Community and Corporate Services for Parrish Healthcare Center. “We believe prioritizing children, especially from birth to age five is the best way to improve outcomes for children and set them on a path for lifelong success.

The Thrive by Five website will host a variety of resources and helpful information at the click of a button for families in Brevard County.

Together, education, healthcare and businesses are partnering together to ensure that every child in our community can Thrive by Five.

To learn more about the Thrive by Five program, please visit www.brevardschools.org/ThrivebyFive.

The Thrive by Five website will host a variety of resources and helpful information at the click of a button for families in Brevard County. (BPS Image)