The three-year commitment will expand access to high-quality early education seats for economically disadvantaged children
METAIRIE – Jefferson Ready Start Network (JRSN), a coalition dedicated to enhancing access to high-quality early childhood services, announced today that the Jefferson Parish Council approved a $250,000 donation annually for the next three years to support early care and education in Jefferson Parish. This expanded commitment marks the fifth consecutive year the council has partnered with JRSN, deepening its investment in the parish’s youngest learners.
The donation, led by Council Chairman Scott Walker, will be eligible for state matching funds through the Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund (ECE Fund), effectively doubling its impact to $500,000 per year. This funding will help provide multiple high-quality seats for children from birth to age five, support professional development for educators and enhance resources for local child care centers.
“Increasing access to early care and education is an area we are committed to supporting now and for years to come,” said Councilman Walker. “This multiyear commitment is an important step forward. If we are going to have serious conversations about the future of Jefferson Parish, we have to address the future now.”
JRSN Executive Director Sarintha Stricklin, Ph.D., expressed gratitude for the council’s sustained and expanded support. “This three-year commitment from the Jefferson Parish Council will have a big impact on our work. It provides stability for our efforts to raise awareness, secure matching funds and expand access to high-quality early care and education. Access to early care and education is not only a child and family issue but a workforce and economic development issue. Parents can’t fully participate in the workforce if they don’t have reliable care and education for their children, and businesses feel the impact when employees are forced to miss work or leave jobs altogether. Expanding access strengthens families, supports local employers and fuels long-term growth in Jefferson Parish.”
Since 2021, the Jefferson Parish Council has contributed annually to the JRSN Future Fund, steadily increasing its support each year. These investments have directly funded early learning seats, strengthened educator training and improved childcare resources, helping close the gap for the 80% of economically disadvantaged children in Jefferson Parish who currently lack access to publicly funded education.
To learn more about JRSN or contribute to the JRSN Future Fund, visit jeffersonreadystartnetwork.com.
About Jefferson Ready Start Network: The Jefferson Ready Start Network works to create a culture of high-quality, comprehensive early childhood services (birth to 4 years) through engagement and partnerships with families, educators and community members. For more information, visit www.jeffersonreadystartnetwork.com