The LPIC team has been on the move! Over the past month, our team members have been traveling across the country to share Louisiana’s story and elevate the importance of early childhood education on a national stage. From policy roundtables and conferences to collaborative strategy sessions with leaders from other states, we are proud to represent the voices of Louisiana’s children and families while learning from peers and partners committed to building a stronger future for all.

 

Today, we’re proud to host leaders from across the South for a day of collaboration and strategy-sharing focused on strengthening compensation for early childhood educators. Together, we will explore ways to build stability in the early childhood education workforce, including the design of comprehensive benefits packages that support both recruitment and retention.

 

Earlier this month, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) celebrated and honored the third Annual Early Childhood Teacher and Leader of the Year at the 19th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala. We congratulate Devonda Whittington-Warren for being recognized as Louisiana’s Early Childhood Leader of the Year and Brooklynn Johnson-Botley for being recognized as Louisiana’s Early Childhood Teacher of the Year. Both continue to strive for excellence for our youngest learners.

 

Thank you for advocating on behalf of young children and families in Louisiana!

 

News You Can Snack On

1. Letters: Communities that want investment in child care must speak up (NOLA.com)

2. Women of Impact – Libbie Sonnier (New Orleans Magazine)

3. The Top 50 Women Leaders in Non-Profit for 2025 (The Women We Admire)

4. Fact Sheet: What To Know About the Child Care for Working Families Act (Center for American Progress)

5. Day Without Child Care 2025 Highlights (YouTube)