With the 2025 legislative session around the corner, we would like to keep you all informed on issues and activities leading up to and throughout the session. As a leading member of the Ready Louisiana Coalition, our primary focus this session is maintaining current investment in early childhood education. Our Coalition is urging legislators to invest by:

 

• Ensure the maintenance of $103.4 million in total funding for state pre-K programs for 4-year-olds, including LA4 and the Nonpublic School Early Childhood Development Program (NSECD), between state and federal TANF funding sources to maintain seats for approximately 17,700 children. Furthermore, should the constitutional amendment eliminating 8(g) funds and the Education Excellence Fund pass, appropriate an additional $10 million to the LA4 program so that nearly 2,000 more children will not lose their ECE seat. 

• Invest at least $87.8 million in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) to provide working families across the state with access to affordable ECE programs, as recommended by the bipartisan 2024 Louisiana Early Childhood Care and Education Commission. Investing at FY24 amounts would allow for the reinstatement of at least 720 ECE seats.

• Appropriate at least $30 million to the Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund, which provides a dollar-for-dollar match to local investments in ECE to specifically expand access to our most underserved population, birth to 3-year-olds. Securing a full state match would ensure the continuation of more than 2,000 ECE seats across the state.

 

If you are interested in receiving weekly updates during the legislative session, please feel free to sign up for membership in the Ready Louisiana Coalition by contacting Candace Weber, Ph.D., at info@readylouisiana.org or sign up here.

 

We also want to thank you again for your sponsorship and partnership on Early Ed Month 2025. Attached is an overview of some of the highlights from the month.

 

You’re Invited | Early Ed Day at the Capitol

 

On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the Ready Louisiana Coalition will host its annual Early Ed Day at the Louisiana State Capitol. This annual event brings together more than 300 early childhood educators, advocates, parents, and business leaders from across Louisiana to participate in various activities and educate lawmakers about the importance of ECE. Register here. 

 

News You Can Snack On

1. Entergy Louisiana CEO: Lack of access to early childhood education has a ripple effect 

Investing in early childhood education isn't just good for kids — it strengthens families, communities, and our economy. Phillip May, CEO of Entergy Louisiana, highlights why Louisiana must continue prioritizing early learning to give every child the best start in life. Click here to read the full article.

 

2. Many Louisiana families struggle with childcare costs, survey finds

More than 7,000 children in Louisiana are currently on a waiting list for child care assistance, and parents who don’t qualify for subsidies are paying more than ever, according to the most recent Parent Poll from the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children. Click here to read the full article.

 

3. Geaux Far Louisiana Coalition invests in the state’s early childhood system

The Geaux Far Louisiana Coalition held its annual event at the Lincoln Parish Library, discussing crucial early childhood initiatives, including funding and accessibility for families and providers. Libbie Sonnier, co-chair of Geaux Far Louisiana, emphasized the importance of virtual access to meetings, especially for families in rural areas, ensuring their voices are heard in legislative decisions. The coalition continues to advocate for funding that supports the health and safety of mothers and babies across Louisiana. Click here to read the full article.

 

4. Local Leaders and Business Advocates Join United Way to Promote Early Childhood Education During Louisiana Early Ed Month 2025

Local legislators, business leaders, and community advocates gathered for the Early Ed Month Leadership Convening in northwest Louisiana, emphasizing the need for increased access to quality early childhood education for children from birth to age 4. The event, held in partnership with the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, Louisiana Early Childhood Business Roundtable, Louisiana Association of United Ways, Louisiana Association of Business & Industry, and United Way of Northwest Louisiana, is part of the annual Louisiana Early Ed Month campaign, which highlights the impact of early education across the state throughout February. Click here to read the full article.

 

5. International Women’s Day: Supporting Women in the Workforce through Child Care

A brief by the Bipartisan Policy Center highlights the crucial role child care plays in supporting women in the workforce. When families have access to affordable, quality child care, women can fully participate in the economy and advance in their careers. Read more about the connection between child care and economic opportunity. Click here to read the full article.