Where Is Pre-K Today in Louisiana?

Louisiana provides pre-k for 4 year olds through a number of pre-k programs.  Some type of pre-k is operating in almost every parish in the state, but all of the current public pre-k’s target low-income children.

Learn More About Pre-K in Louisiana >

What Do We Want for the Future?

High quality pre-k increases a child’s chances for success in school and in life.  This campaign seeks high quality, voluntary, pre-k for all 4 year olds in Louisiana through a diverse delivery system, including child care and Head Start.

Learn more about diverse delivery >

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Senate Bill 286 Signed by Governor Jindal!
The Pre-K for All Louisiana bill, Senate Bill 286, was signed by Governor Jindal and now becomes law.  Congratulations to Senator Ann Duplessis, the lead author of the bill, and to all of you who advocated on its behalf.  Your hard work has resulted in a critical step forward for the young children of our state!

Download SB 286/Act 876>

Current Action Alerts

In the News

State’s Preschool Efforts Gain National Attention

July 7, 2008. Shreveport. The campaign, led by the Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families, was represented by Dr. Geoffrey Nagle, director of the Tulane Institute of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, who was on Capitol Hill to receive the award. Louisiana is one of nine states to try to offer a universal preschool education…. “Preschool helps build the foundation for the child that doesn’t have all the oral language skills or books at home,” said Wanda Gunn, Caddo interim superintendent.   Read More>

Bill Gives Young Citizens a Better Start

June 25, 2008. New Orleans, LA - Louisiana’s state legislators have taken the first step in making Louisiana’s children a priority by passing Senate Bill 286, legislation that would make all pre-school programs readily available to Louisiana’s 4-year-olds by 2013…. We applaud Louisiana’s state legislators for hearing our voice and being proactive in ensuring that every child in Louisiana matters. Read More> 

Pre-K Success Makes a Case for New Funds

June 19, 2008. Alexandria, LA - LA4 is a real success story, primarily because it focuses on academics and accountability. … Lawmakers should make sure they build on the success of LA4. They also should position the state to take the program to the next level: providing age-appropriate learning for all 3-year-olds, as recommended by the researchers who track LA4. Read More> 

Follow Senate Lead on LA 4

June 9, 2008. Shreveport - By passing Louisiana Senate Bill 286, the Senate has committed to a priority — to gradually move toward providing our very successful LA 4 early childhood program to every parent and child in Louisiana. We call on the Louisiana House of Representatives to follow suit and turn this bill into law. It is a commitment to make early childhood education a priority. Read More>

Preschool Molds Good Citizens

May 30, 2008. New Orleans - Every day, law enforcement leaders see the consequences of a weak educational foundation. … After 27 years in law enforcement, I can tell you a life of crime isn’t inevitable. To successfully curb future crime, we must begin now — by providing our young children with a strong educational foundation. … No single investment has as much potential to level the playing field, to improve kids’ life chances and to cut crime in Louisiana. Read More>

May 17, 2008. New Orleans, LA- On Monday, the Senate Finance committee is scheduled to consider legislation to expand the free public preschool program called LA 4, making it available to all 4-year-olds in the state by 2013. …Some type of publicly funded pre-K is operating in almost every parish, but all the public pre-Ks target low-income children. As a result, the program misses many children who would benefit. Read More>

Start Earlier in the Schools

May 17, 2008. Baton Rouge, LA - The House Appropriations Committee eliminated a $2.5 million increase for pre-K programs recommended in Gov. Bobby Jindal’s budget. The Baton Rouge Area Chamber called this week upon the Senate to continue to invest more in pre-K programs. …Why is a business organization so interested in this program? Read More>

Pre-K Programs Deserve Support from Senate 

May 7, 2008. Shreveport, LA - Louisiana Senate Bill 286 and its twin in the House (HB 722) would make pre-kindergarten programs available to every Louisiana 4-year-old by the year 2013. The potential long-range benefit to the student and the state is considerable, and the hefty price tag that comes along with it should be considered a long-term investment rather than a short-term expense. Read More>

Pre-K Program Should Be Expanded

April 28, 2008. Lafayette, LA - Until now, Louisiana has trailed other states in education advances. The early childhood program changed that. Other states are following our lead. The true measurement, however, is not whether other states follow us, but whether the program has a positive impact on the future of Louisiana children. We are confident it does. Read More>