Editorial: Expand Access to Early Education for Lasting Benefits in Louisiana

Investing in Early Childhood Education: A Critical Step for Louisiana’s Future

Education Superintendent Cade Brumley asserts that the narrative labeling Louisiana as a leader in educational failure is outdated and incorrect. Recent reports indicate that the state is not lagging but instead showing significant improvements in national education rankings. This positive trajectory is largely attributed to proactive policy initiatives and a strong focus on early childhood education, particularly for children aged four.

As highlighted in a recent article by Elena Lotano, Louisiana has made notable advancements in expanding access to public preschool and Head Start programs. Currently, over 80% of four-year-olds in the state are enrolled in quality early education programs, a development that is contributing positively to their academic readiness and social skills. Such statistics warrant recognition as the state continues to prioritize nurturing early learning.

Despite these achievements, experts contend that there is more work to be done for Louisiana to maintain and build on its educational success. A critical aspect that remains largely unaddressed is the need for comprehensive investment in early childhood education for children aged birth to three. Research indicates that neurological development during these formative years lays the groundwork for lifelong learning and cognitive abilities. Unfortunately, access to quality early education programs for children under four remains severely limited, particularly for families facing economic hardships. Currently, fewer than 16% of children from low-income families have access to any publicly funded early education programs.

The ramifications of this inequity cannot be understated. Many children enter preschool already at a disadvantage, which can lead to persistent achievement gaps throughout their K-12 education and into adulthood. As Lotano emphasizes, investment in early education yields substantial economic returns, particularly for disadvantaged populations, underscoring the importance of extending resources to birth-to-three programs. The implications of early educational support reach far beyond the classroom, affecting students’ future academic performance, workforce preparedness, and overall economic mobility.

Louisiana has demonstrated it has the capacity to create high-quality early childhood education initiatives. The pressing challenge now is to secure sustainable funding for these birth-to-three programs. Ensuring access to quality education for all children, regardless of age or socioeconomic background, is vital for fostering a thriving future workforce. Louisiana has shown itself to be a pioneer in educational reform before; it is now positioned to lead once again by prioritizing the needs of its youngest citizens.

Sarintha Stricklin
Executive Director, Jefferson Ready Start Network