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 Executive Director Dr. Sarintha Stricklin was honored to join Jefferson Community Foundation President & CEO Christine Briede at the United Way of Southeast Louisiana annual meeting and breakfast. As a proud partner of Jefferson Community Foundation, we celebrate the incredible impact United Way continues to make across our region. Together, through strong community partnerships, we are working to create brighter futures for chidren and families in Jefferson Parish. ... See MoreSee Less
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Great conversations happen around the table. Recently, members of the Jefferson Ready Start Network had the opportunity to meet with representatives from LENA to discuss ways we can continue supporting language-rich environments for young children across Jefferson Parish. We were also pleased to be joined by Jovetta Sanders, Ready Start Network Manager with the Louisiana Department of Education, whose leadership and support continue to strengthen early childhood education efforts across the state and here in Jefferson Parish. Strong early interactions help build the foundation for lifelong learning, and we're grateful for partners who share our commitment to helping children thrive from the very beginning. ... See MoreSee Less
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Great conversations happen around the table. Recently, members of the Jefferson Ready Start Network had the opportunity to meet with representatives from LENA to discuss ways we can continue supporting language-rich environments for young children across Jefferson Parish. We were also pleased to be joined by Jovetta Sanders, Ready Start Network Manager with the Louisiana Department of Education, whose leadership and support continue to strengthen early childhood education efforts across the state and here in Jefferson Parish. Strong early interactions help build the foundation for lifelong learning, and we're grateful for partners who share our commitment to helping children thrive from the very beginning. ... 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?