MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee leaders are trying to chip away at learning gaps that are holding some children back.

Wisconsin has the widest achievement gap in the nation between Black and white students according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Experts say the key is early intervention, and that is why the state’s largest and most diverse city is trying to reach its young residents and their parents through the Mighty Small Moments campaign.

“The main goal of creating Mighty Small Moments, by setting up these pop spots, is to support parents as the first teacher to their children,” said Dea Wright, director of Milwaukee’s Office of Early Childhood Initiatives.

The free spaces, known as pop spots, help provide easy, educational activities in public places across Milwaukee and, in the end, allow parents to create mighty small moments with their kids.  

Kwame El is thankful the city is helping him prepare his almost two-year-old for success.

“When we are walking around and maybe she’s in the stroller, it gives her something to interact with as we go about the city,” said El.

Wright said there are now at least 24 pop spots throughout the city, with most in underserved communities.

“We are trying to create these opportunities for parents who might be dealing with stress or other issues at home. Perhaps they are not finding the time to read these stories or just to talk and play and learn together,” Wright said. “So, we want to make the times when they are out taking care of their everyday routines like laundry, at the bus stop, on the bus or at the park. We just want to make it a little bit easier for parents to enjoy their children and vice versa.”

Some pop spots have books and others offer interactive play spaces that all help little ones learn and offer parents some ideas on how to guide and teach in their everyday lives. Pop spots may seem small and simple, but Wright said their impact can be huge.

“This is about growing our future leaders, making sure we have a strong workforce, reducing crime, reducing poverty,” Wright said. “This is about making sure kids are ready to read and learn by third grade to go on and graduate high school.”

El knows the earlier his little girl learns things, the better. He wants the best for her and others growing up in Milwaukee, and he hopes parents utilize these special spaces.

“Keep your eyes open and make sure that you are looking at these certain things and taking an opportunity to have a little moment with your baby throughout the day,” said El.

Click here for more information on the initiative. To help out, call (414) 286-5437.