Policy Institute Releases Findings on Growing Adverse Impacts of COVID-19 on Louisiana Child Care Providers

NEW ORLEANS, LA. (August 19, 2020) — This morning, the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children (LPIC) released findings on the ongoing adverse impacts the COVID-19 pandemic is having on child care providers, including financial losses, closure decisions and what supports are needed to help providers respond to the public health crisis. These findings result from a third survey of child care providers across Louisiana between June 15 - 22, 2020, over a week into Phase Two of reopening, conducted in partnership with the following organizations: Agenda for Children, Childcare Connections for Northeast Louisiana, Louisiana Association of United Ways, On Track by 5 Alliance, Pointe Coupee Early Childhood Education Coalition, United Way of Southeast Louisiana and Volunteers of America.

“Our most recent findings show that Louisiana’s early care and education sector is facing serious and compounding negative impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Libbie Sonnier, executive director of LPIC. “Without increasing investment in the sector now and facilitating access to quality, reliable early care and education, parents working across every industry will not be able to return to work to provide for their families and keep the Louisiana economy moving forward.”

During a virtual press conference held this morning, representatives from LPIC, Clara’s Little Lambs, the Department of Education, the Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Link Restaurant Group and the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce presented the following survey findings:

●      Seventy-seven percent of providers who responded to the survey reported experiencing substantial financial losses due to COVID-19 with losses averaging $110,000 per center as of June 22, translating to an estimated $137.5 million in collective losses statewide.

●      Almost half of providers, including those that were closed during the survey window, had a waiting list of families hoping to enroll their children.

●      Nearly two-thirds of providers reported difficulty in obtaining necessary supplies, including cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment.

●      Only 22 percent of providers open during the survey window, including those that had closed then reopened or remained open throughout the pandemic, responded that they could afford to continue to operate with the current smaller group sizes for as long as necessary. By contrast, 35 percent predicted their businesses could last six months or less, and another 42 percent were unsure.

●      81 percent of providers open during the survey window were serving fewer children in June than they did in January before the pandemic. On average, enrollment at open providers was 30 percent less in June than it was in January.

“These findings further speak to the critical need for increased funding for the early care and education sector in Louisiana,” said Dr. Jenna Chiasson, assistant state superintendent at the Louisiana Department of Education. “We must do all that we can to ensure there are enough open, quality early care and education providers with available spots to serve those families and guarantee that their children arrive at kindergarten ready to succeed.” 

LPIC’s study also showed that federal and state relief fund programs helped many child care providers across Louisiana; however, these funds largely slowed, rather than fully addressed, the extensive financial losses experienced by providers. To ensure there is a child care sector for working parents and their employers to rely on in the future, additional investments will be necessary. These investments must include support to ensure providers can obtain necessary personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies and maintain affordability for families.

The complete findings can be found here. For more information on LPIC, please visit: http://www.policyinstitutela.org. 

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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.