We are excited to share that Early Ed Month 2026 was an enormous success. Over 800 parents, advocates, business leaders, and elected officials across the state participated in 12 events throughout the month. 

 

Early Ed Month 2026 would not be possible without our sponsors! A heartfelt thank you to Entergy for being the title sponsor. We also want to give a special thanks to our other 2026 Early Ed Month sponsors: Agenda for Children, Baptist Community Ministries (BCM), Clara's Little Lambs, Clover House, Ellevate Louisiana, ExxonMobil, For Providers by Providers, Gambel Communications, Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company, Hancock Whitney, Jones Walker, Kidz Karousel, LAFORCE, Leaders for a Better Louisiana, Louisiana Blue, Louisiana Public Health Institute, ResourceFull Consulting, LLC, Saul's Light, The Bardell Co. Inc, United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Urban League of Louisiana, Volunteers of America South Central Louisiana, and YWCA Greater Baton Rouge.

 

We also want to thank the Louisiana Association of Business & Industry, Louisiana Association of United Ways, United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, Lafayette Economic Development Authority, Capital Area United Way, Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana, Community Foundation of North Louisiana, and United Way of Central Louisiana for co-hosting regional tours of child care centers across the state. These regional tours deepened elected officials’ and business leaders’ understanding of the role early childhood education providers play in supporting working families, local employers, and the state’s economy. 

 

Governor Jeff Landry released his proposed executive budget earlier in the month, which includes maintaining the state’s investment in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Thank you, Gov. Landry, for supporting our youngest learners and their working parents.

 

With the 2026 legislative session just around the corner, we couldn’t be more grateful that early childhood education was highlighted so well in February. Thank you for advocating on behalf of young children and families in Louisiana!

 

Geaux Far Day at the Capitol

Geaux Far Louisiana — a coalition of early childhood providers, parents, and community partners — invites you to join its annual Geaux Far Day at the Louisiana State Capitol on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Geaux Far believes in a unified early childhood system that centers racial equity and ensures families have access to seamless, high-quality early child development, health, and educational services.

 

This impactful event unites early childhood educators, advocates, parents, and community partners from across Louisiana to engage in activities and advocate for expanded access to education, early childhood development, and health programs that empower families and strengthen communities. Register today!

 

News You Can Snack On

1. Letters: Early education is the best investment a state can make (NOLA.com)

2. Letters: Early education offers important benefits to society

3. Letters: Don’t let early education become an afterthought (NOLA.com)

4. Dr. Libbie Sonnier speaks about the importance of early childhood education (KSLA)

5. Louisiana early childhood education funding crisis affects workforce, economy (KNOE)

6. CEO of Louisiana Policy Institute for Children explains the importance of early childhood education (WBRZ)