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legislative & Advocacy
Louisiana State Legislature Website Why is it Critically Important for State Lawmakers to Invest in Early Care and Education for Louisiana Families? Brain and Cognitive Development 85% of Brain development occurs by age 3. 90% of Brain development occurs by age 4. The first 1,120 days of a child’s life are the most formative. Economic and Workforce Development Early Childcare Education is the backbone of economic and workforce development in Louisiana. Parental absences due to a lack of childcare and associated missed work and turnover, cost Louisiana businesses $762 million annually and are estimated to have a $1.3 billion impact on the Louisiana economy. Thriving childcare services are essential for parents to work or further their career and college studies. Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps working moms or dads to place their child in a high quality and safe learning environment, while the parent goes to work or attends school full-time. CCAP is a federal program that provides a subsidy to families who meet the income thresholds and work/school requirements. State Funding of CCAP The federal government allocates a certain amount of CCAP funds to states who wish to administer the program. Federal funding does not meet the overwhelming need for Louisiana’s early care and education. State funding fills the gap. In Governor Jeff Landry’s proposed executive budget for SFY 2024-25, $87.7 million is allocated for early childhood education. To fully fund this program, an allocation of $115 million is needed. These additional funds would reduce the wait list for thousands of Louisiana’s children. In Louisiana, only Type 3 licensed early learning centers (formerly known as daycare centers), as well as family day homes can accept families who receive CCAP. Types of Licensed Early Care Centers Type I Church/Religious Owned Centers Type II Centers With No State/Fed Funds Except USDA Food Program Type III Receives State and/or Fed Funds, Governed by Many State and Federal Rules and Regulations State Funding of the Early Childhood Education Fund This fund incentivizes local investment and fundraising for Early Care and Education by providing a dollar-for-dollar state match for locally-generated funds. CCAL believes strongly that this fund needs to be continued. Kindergarten Readiness According to the Louisiana Department of Education, fewer than 40% of children currently enter kindergarten meeting or exceeding expectations primarily because of a lack of access to high quality childcare and education. Providing more funding for early care and education will enable thousands of children to begin school with the necessary foundation for learning. Child Care Regulation and Licensing In Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Education regulates the childcare industry. Childcare providers are governed primarily by the licensing regulations contained in Bulletin 137. However, licensed childcare providers are also governed by the following state and federal agencies:
Benefits to Louisiana of High-Quality Early Care and Education Research shows that there is a 13% return on investment for early childhood education (Heckman Study). High quality early care and education reduces incarceration, criminality and truancy and has positive impacts on educational attainment, employment prospects, earning potential and health outcomes for the children enrolled. The Child Care Association of Louisiana urges legislators and state leaders to make children a priority when legislation, regulations and the state allocations are being considered. Quality early care and education lays the foundation for future success. Children who start school with appropriate readiness skills will benefit from their educational experiences and continue their education through high school and even attain career or college degrees. It all starts at the preschool level. Research shows that investing at that critical stage provides many advantages to Louisiana’s families and children, as well as the economy of the state. REMEMBER TO SCHEDULE YOUR CENTER TOUR FOR LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS Now that the state legislature is out of session, it is a great time to extend an invitation to your local state senator and state representative to visit your center and learn more about the critical importance of funding early childhood education. Include an invitation to your local BESE member while you are in the process of scheduling a legislative tour. CCAL can help you to connect to your local Board of Elementary and Secondary Education member. It is easy to schedule a visit for a center tour: Just Follow these easy steps: 1) click this link to determine the names of your state senator and state representative 2) Take a screenshot and send it to us at 225 933 5435 if you would like us to introduce you to your local elected leaders. 3) CCAL will provide you with a sample email to use to set up the center tour for your local elected officials. Congress will be on recess during August and we strongly encourage CCAL members to attend town hall meetings of your elected congressmen and congresswomen. When you click on the link above, it will show you the name of your US Senator and your US Representative. If you look at their Facebook page, it should include a list of local town hall meetings. You can also sign up on their website to receive their constituent newsletters. Congresswoman Julia Letlow holds the distinction of being the only one of Louisiana's congressional delegation to hold a seat on the powerful House Appropriations Committee. Senator Bill Cassidy serves as the Chairman of the powerful Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions in the US Senate. If you need assistance with your advocacy efforts, please reach out to Cindy Bishop at 225 933 5435 or CCAL's Legislative Chairman Jonathan Pearce (337) 476-1246. |