Jefferson Ready Start Network Releases Impact Report on State of Early Childhood Education in Jefferson Parish
METAIRIE, LA (April 19, 2022) – In partnership with Start Early, today Jefferson Ready Start Network (JRSN) released new results from an impact study on the landscape of Jefferson Parish early care and education that confirms the need for increased supply of high-quality, accessible and affordable early learning services, particularly for infants and toddlers.
“Access to early education is essential for the success of our children and our community at large,” said Sarintha Stricklin, Ph.D., executive director of JRSN. “We were excited to work with Start Early on this research to spark conversation and guide our planning to increase successful outcomes in Jefferson Parish.”
The purpose of the analysis was to inform strategy, guide planning and drive implementation to increase equitable access to high-quality early learning services. The project included collection and analysis of existing public data regarding availability, quality and accessibility of services. Start Early conducted additional research through focus groups, surveys and interviews with key economic partners and families, including a concentration on the underrepresented Latino community.
The report findings conclude there is a need for increased supply of high-quality, accessible and affordable early learning services, particularly for infants and toddlers. The biggest barriers for early childhood education include cost, child care supply and language, among others.
With this in-depth understanding of the state of early care and education in the parish, JRSN will continue its work with key stakeholders aimed at targeting the following specific goals:
Expand access by increasing subsidies and subsidy participation
Explore opportunities to increase infant and toddler seats
Develop a community-targeted approach to supply
Conduct targeted quality study and implement improvements
Build a diverse, supported and sustainable workforce
Expand access by reducing language barriers
Develop an outreach and marketing plan for target families
“As we look to the future, we are confident that these ideas will improve opportunities for young children, their families and our community. We will continue to work to build a more equitable and accessible early learning ecosystem for the children and families it serves. This analysis serves as the next step in that endeavor.,” Dr. Stricklin continued.
The complete Jefferson Parish Early Learning: Capacity and Access Landscape Analysis can be downloaded here. For additional information about JRSN, visit jeffersonreadystartnetwork.com. To learn more about Start Early and its work across the United States, visit startearly.org.
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About Jefferson Ready Start Network: Under the authority of Jefferson Parish Schools, the Jefferson Ready Start Network works to create a culture of high-quality, comprehensive early childhood services (birth to five years) through engagement and partnerships with families, educators and community members. For more information, visit www.jeffersonreadystartnetwork.com.
About Start Early: Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce of Prevention) is a nonprofit public-private partnership advancing quality early learning and care for families with children, before birth through their earliest years, to help close the opportunity gap. For nearly 40 years, Start Early has delivered best-in-class doula, home visiting and Early Head Start and Head Start programs. Bringing expertise in program delivery, research and evaluation, professional development and policy and advocacy, Start Early works in partnership with communities and other experts to drive systemic change so that millions more children, families and educators can thrive. Learn more at StartEarly.org.