October has been a season of connection as we continue to strengthen opportunities for children and families across the state. Through attending conferences and collaborating with partners, our focus remains on ensuring that every child has access to high-quality early learning opportunities.

 

On October 3rd, we hosted our second annual Louisiana Early Childhood Symposium, a dynamic day of learning and collaboration dedicated to addressing the unique needs of our state. Bringing together educators, policymakers, and advocates, the event sparked essential conversations about how we can collectively support young children and families. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the symposium a success! For those of you who were unable to attend, please visit our Louisiana Early Childhood Symposium page and watch any of the sessions you might find interesting.

 

In November, we will release findings from a statewide study of family child care. This report sheds light on a vital but often overlooked part of our state’s early childhood education infrastructure. Family child care providers are critical in supporting Louisiana’s workforce, especially for parents working nontraditional hours or in areas with limited child care options. Join us at the press conference on November 13th to learn more about key sector opportunities, with important implications for business leaders, policymakers, and economic development stakeholders. Please register here if you are interested.

 

As we enter the final months of the year, we reflect on the progress we have made and the work still ahead. Thank you, as always, for your support and unwavering commitment to Louisiana’s young children and families.

 

News You Can Snack On

1. Louisiana Policy Institute for Children launches annual poll to gather data from parents regarding early childhood education (Louisiana Radio Network)

2. Policy Institute Launches Annual Parent Poll to Gather Input from Families of Young Children (NOLA Newswire)

3. Report calls for $95M a year to boost early learning (The Center Square)

4. POLLING: Rural Voters on Child Care and Head Start (First Five Years Fund)​