Quality is Essential
Having a quality early childhood experience is necessary and can be life-changing. Science shows that 80% of human brain development occurs before a child turns age three…and the experiences that children have during this critical time in their lives can significantly impact their success in both school and later adult life. Therefore, it is very important that in the early years a child experiences high-quality care.
School Readiness
Our partners have come together to ensure that all children in our Central community are ready for Kindergarten. A child’s school readiness depends on the child’s attitude towards learning, social skills, physical skills, cognitive abilities, and emotional competence. Our programs are committed to providing high-quality care to ensure all children are ready for Kindergarten by age 5.
Resources and Links
Childcare/Education Resources:
- Louisiana Department of Education:
Provides child care assistance programs and information about child care centers - Zero to Three:
Provides informational videos on early development, early learning, and parenting - CDC Milestones:
Provides information on important developmental milestones for children - School Finder:
A search site that offers performance and licensing information for all publicly-funded programs in the state in order to help families more easily locate and evaluate schools and child care centers
Financial Assistance Resources:
- CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program):
Provides financial assistance to low-income families while they are working or attending school to support families in accessing high-quality child care LIHEAP (Low-Income - Home Energy Assistance Program):
Helps low-income households by providing bill payment assistance and/or energy crisis assistance - SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services:
Provides monthly benefits that help eligible low-income households buy the food they need for good health - 211 Directory:
Connects people to the resources they need such as basic needs, health, employment, support for older people, disabled people, children, and families
Healthcare Resources:
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program:
Offers supplemental foods, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals to low-income pregnant and post-partum women and to infants and children up to age 5 who are found to be at nutritional risk - LaCHIP (Louisiana Children’s Health Insurance Program):
Provides health coverage to uninsured children up to the age of 19 - Medicaid:
Provides medical benefits to low income individuals and families - EarlySteps Parent | Louisiana Department of Health:
Provides services to families with infants and toddlers from birth to three years of age who have a medical condition likely to result in a developmental delay or who have developmental delays - Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge:
Provides individualized service, information, resources, and support to positively enhance the independence, productivity, and integration of persons with disabilities into the community