Jefferson Ready Start Network

Mission

Jefferson Ready Start Network aims to create a culture of high-quality, comprehensive early childhood services through engagement and partnerships with families, educators and community members.

Vision

All children birth to age 5 in Jefferson Parish have access to quality early childhood experiences that will prepare them to succeed.

Jefferson Ready Start Network is proud to recognize Representative Stephanie Hilferty as a Legislative Champion for Children by the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children.Representative Hilferty has long been a strong advocate for policies that support children and families across Louisiana, and her leadership continues to make a difference.In Jefferson Parish, the need for early care and education remains urgent. Many working families still struggle to find and afford high-quality child care, and providers are working every day to meet the growing demand for services that help children learn and thrive.Strengthening early learning opportunities is not only about preparing children for kindergarten — it’s about supporting parents, stabilizing the workforce and building stronger communities.We thank Representative Hilferty for being a champion for children and for recognizing the critical role early care and education plays in Louisiana’s future.#EarlyEducation #JeffersonParish ... See MoreSee Less
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Executive Director Sarintha Stricklin recently attended the New Orleans Chamber's Power Up Women's Conference, joining inspiring women leaders from across our region for a day of connection, insight and empowerment. Events like this remind us how important it is to support women in leadership. Thank you to the New Orleans Chamber for bringing so many incredible leaders together. ... See MoreSee Less
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Access to child care is a real workforce issue for many families in Jefferson Parish.Through Louisiana’s Workforce Child Care Tax Credit, businesses can support employees and receive valuable tax credits in return.For example:A company that contributes $10,000 to a 5-star early learning center to help cover child care costs for employees could receive $5,000 back in tax credits, making the real investment $5,000.Businesses can participate by:• Helping employees cover child care tuition• Supporting classroom expansion or equipment for local centers• Purchasing child care seats for employees’ childrenWhen businesses invest in early care and education everyone benefits, families, employers and our local economy.Jefferson Ready Start Network is here to help employers and providers understand how this credit works and connect businesses with local centers. Connect with us today!#JeffersonParish #WorkforceDevelopment ... See MoreSee Less
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In Jefferson Parish…

There are

28k children birth to age 5

of
those

15-21k are economically disadvantaged

and

~4k are served by publicly funded seats

Why Does This Matter?

  • 90% of brain development occurs before the age of 5.
  • Children in a quality early learning center are 25% more likely to graduate from high school and 25% more likely to graduate from college.
  • Children not in quality early learning centers are 70% more likely to commit a violent crime by age 18.
  • Parents who can’t afford early care and education are forced to miss work more often, making it hard on businesses to find workers.
  • The Louisiana economy loses over 1.3 billion dollars every year due to breakdowns in our child care system.

Jefferson Ready Start Network is driven by our community’s need to improve opportunities and inspire change for children from birth to 5. We aim to create a culture of high-quality, comprehensive early childhood services through engagement and partnerships with families, educators and community members.

Are you ready to join us?