Third Annual Louisiana Early Education Week Recognized February 7-14
NEW ORLEANS, LA. (Feb. 05, 2020) — The third annual Louisiana Early Ed Week, sponsored by Entergy, is being held from Friday, February 7, to Friday, February 14, with seven events across the state aimed at highlighting the critical need for increased access to, and investment in, high-quality early care and education for our youngest children.
Held in partnership between the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children (LPIC), the Louisiana Association of United Ways
(LAUW) and United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Louisiana Early Ed Week is a focused campaign for business leaders and legislators to increase understanding of the importance of access to, and funding for, high-quality early care and education for children, birth through age four, across the state. The campaign has grown over the past three years with help from local and regional United Ways and Chambers of Commerce, and with generous support from sponsors such as Entergy Corporation and Save the Children Action Network.
“As an independent source of data, research, and pertinent information for policymakers, stakeholders, and the public at large around issues related to young children in Louisiana, we believe that the future of Louisiana depends on how willing and able we are to care for and prepare our youngest citizens to be successful in school and in life,” said Libbie Sonnier-Netto, Ph.D., executive director of LPIC. “It is critical our state policy makers and business leaders understand the role they play in improving the life chances of young children in Louisiana.”
This year, Louisiana Early Ed Week will feature tours of early care and education centers in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans and Shreveport. Local legislators and business leaders in attendance will see firsthand what high-quality early learning centers look like and learn about the challenges Louisiana’s families face when trying to access quality, affordable early care and education in this state.
“United Ways throughout Louisiana work to ensure all children reach their full potential and access to high quality child care provides a strong start while supporting parents in the workforce,” said Sarah Berthelot, president and CEO of LAUW. “Louisiana ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households unable to earn enough to meet basic household budgets represent 45% of homes led by parent workers with children. Workers with young children make hard choices regularly between quality child care and other basics like food for the table. Louisiana’s investments in quality child care help support the overall functioning of thriving families in our state.”
Significant research shows that for every $1 invested in high-quality early care, the state yields a $7.30 return on investment as children who participate in these early care and education programs are less likely to require specialized education when they enter elementary school, less likely to drop out prior to high school graduation, and less likely to get caught up in the criminal justice system later in life.
“It is easy to recognize the benefits of investing in quality early learning opportunities for children, but the gains don’t end with the child,” said Michael Williamson, president and CEO of UWSELA. “A significant investment in early care and education will increase the earning potential for working parents, improve profitability for business and industry, and strengthen our state’s economy – a true win-win.”
For more information on early child care and education in Louisiana, please visit policyinstitutela.org. To join in the online conversation, use #LAEarlyEdWeek on social media channels.
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About Louisiana Policy Institute for Children:
Louisiana Policy Institute for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that Louisiana's young children, from birth to age four, are best prepared for success in school and in life. The Policy Institute develops policy proposals informed by data, research, best practices and the experiences of other states to improve the outcomes of Louisiana’s youngest citizens, and further provides educational and outreach activities based on recommended policy solutions. The organization works to ensure children are safe, healthy and have opportunity to reach their full potential. For more information, visit www.policyinstitutela.org and follow the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children on Facebook and Twitter.
About Louisiana Association of United Ways:
The Louisiana Association of United Ways is an association of nine regional United Ways serving 53 parishes throughout Louisiana. Our mission is to integrate action and resources for the common good. We work across our communities to tackle challenges that affect individuals, families and whole communities — challenges that are ultimately bigger than any of us and impact our entire state. We are part of a global network of more than 1,800 United Ways, servicing communities in 41 countries.
About United Way of Southeast Louisiana:
For 95 years, United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) has been a leader and trusted partner in improving lives and making a lasting difference. We fight to eradicate poverty by preparing people for quality jobs, growing incomes, and affording better health and education opportunities throughout Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. We have a bold vision of equitable communities where all individuals are healthy, educated, and financially stable – and we have a plan. United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Blueprint for Prosperity guides all strategic investments in programs, initiatives, collaborations, volunteerism, and advocacy aimed at tackling poverty. For more information, please visit UnitedWaySELA.org. Find us on social: @UnitedWaySELA.
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