Free statewide virtual event brings together leaders to address funding, workforce challenges, and family supports in early childhood education
BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children (LPIC) will host the second annual Louisiana Early Childhood Symposium, a free, virtual event that will bring together researchers, policymakers, business leaders, and community stakeholders for a day-long program focused on the future of early childhood education.
The symposium will feature interactive breakout seminars and panels examining the economic impact of child care, the critical role of early development, and the need for innovative local funding solutions. Sessions will spotlight workforce challenges and opportunities in the early childhood sector and explore strategies to expand family supports across Louisiana.
Panels and plenary sessions include:
The Bottom Line: Why Child Care Matters for Business — A panel of Louisiana economic development leaders will discuss how child care challenges affect businesses and the workforce.
Turning Policy into Practice: The 45F Advantage — Facilitated by the U.S. Chamber Foundation, this session will highlight the expanded federal employer child care tax credit and its potential to support businesses and working families.
Make It Make Cents: Critical Conversations About Early Educator Compensation — This panel will feature new research from the Blanco Public Policy Center on early educator compensation.
“High-quality child care is the foundation of Louisiana’s future. When families have access to affordable early education, children thrive, parents can work, and businesses grow,” said Dr. Libbie Sonnier, chief executive officer of LPIC. “This symposium is a chance for leaders across sectors to come together, share solutions, and drive meaningful change for our state.”
Last year’s inaugural symposium drew a wide range of participants and sparked important conversations about the history of early childhood education and how it intersects with the state’s economic growth, the workforce, and equity. This year, the event aims to deepen those discussions.
“We know that Louisiana cannot reach its full potential without a strong child care system,” said Stephen Barnes, director of the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. “By investing in early childhood now, we are not only preparing the next generation for success but also ensuring our business and communities can thrive today.”
The 2025 Early Childhood Symposium is free and open to all, but advanced registration is required. Interested participants can sign up here.
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 the opportunity to reach their full potential. For more information, visit www.policyinstitutela.org and follow the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.