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Early Childhood Education:
What is it and what does it do?
Studies show that early childhood education reduces crime, increases graduation rates, creates a more qualified workforce, improves the quality of life for children and their families, and delivers at least a $10 return on every dollar invested.
Recent brain research identifies the first three years of a child’s life as the most vital learning age, where most of the learning and behavioral imprinting occurs. Yet, in the United States, and particularly in Louisiana formal education is not available for children until much later. One program initiated by former Governor Blanco provides quality education to four year olds – yet sadly only about 15,000 children each year participate. Last year, the Legislature cut the reimbursement for this program from $5,000 per child to $4,600, and this year they are seeking more cuts.
Early Headstart and Headstart reach 13,500 children in Louisiana. All in all, about 63% of Louisiana’s children are included in some early education program. However, recent assessments of children entering kindergarten in New Orleans show only a small percentage at a five year developmental level, indicating that the programs are not meeting the quality of education to advance these children. Most children start school at least 2 years behind their peers in private schools and other quality programs. They never catch up.
Developments to establish Early Child Education
In New Orleans, there are a number of child care centers serving young children. Unfortunately, they are not fully preparing children to be able to succeed in school. One program, the Mahalia Jackson Early Childhood Center, founded by the Orleans Parish School Board, located at 2405 Jackson Avenue in Central City has a comprehensive program for early childhood. An Early Headstart and a Headstart Program, and a Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten class serve 150 children ages birth through 5. Opening in May, 2010, we graduated our first class this year.
On site there are 17 other services in place to serve the children and their families, from the St. Thomas Health Clinic, to the State Departments of Health, Education, Child and Family Services, Labor and Juvenile Justice. There is also adult technology education, GED and Job One, Prime Time Early Reading Program, a branch of the Public Library, Boys Town, and other services to improve the health and well being of the children and their families.
Dr. Pat Cooper, the President and CEO and Phyllis Landrieu, Co-Founder and Development Consultant have reached out to many entities to foster the development of early childhood education citywide. This year, the United Way established a Council on Early Childhood Education. The New Orleans Archdiocese has asked for our assistance to develop a center in the ninth ward. State Representative Steve Carter of Baton Rouge has formulated agreements from School Superintendents in 20 Parishes to develop early childhood programs. Many people are becoming advocates of assuring that every New Orleans child has the benefit of quality early childhood education.
It will take the efforts of everyone in the city and state to eventually assure quality early education to all our children. Only then can we expect to achieve high graduation rates, an educated workforce, a stable community and a happy city for all.
What You Can Do:
Write to your elected representatives at the city, state, and federal levels to ask them to support and fund:
- LA4 Pre-K for all 4-year-olds
- Head Start for 3-year-olds
If you have a 4-year-old, apply for any of the local child cares or schools that offer Pre-K.
Write to the Governor to ask him to increase next year’s budget in order to restore LA4 funding back to the $5000 per child per year. (He cut it to $4600 per child per year.)
Write and ask the Governor and the legislature to increase LA4 funding to the same level as the Minimum Foundation Program.(http://www.doe.state.la.us/divisions/edfn/mfp_admin.html)
Ask the city government to sponsor a millage election to raise local taxes for Pre-K.
Help build a groundswell of citizen support for Pre-K:
We will all benefit when quality early childhood education and care is provided to all New Orleans children. Early education increases economic activity, lessens strains on social services, reduces crime, and leads to holistically healthier, happier neighbors. Save a Child. Save a City.
- Educate your family and friends on the importance of early childhood education.
- Encourage them to take all of these same actions.
How You Can Help ECFLF and Mahalia Jackson Center:
Register on the web site for scheduled seminars and programs. Ask your legislator to adequately fund early childhood education. Ask your friends and neighbors to get involved. It can only happen if we all work together. Save a child, save a city. Thank you.
Donations to ECFLF and Mahalia Jackson Center are tax deductible and can be made generally or specifically to any of the following special accounts:
- Foundation Development Fund
- Family Literacy & Technology Fund
- The Brenda & Stephen Landrieu Memorial Fund
Please note: The Early Childhood & Family Learning foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Its EIN is 33-1159042. An acknowledgement of donation will be sent to donor within 30 days after funds are deposited.
Send your gift to:
Contributions Center
ECFLF, Suite C 213
2405 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
Please contact us at 504-359-6802 or 504-523-1193 for more information on how to get involved.You can also make a donation on any page of this website by clicking the "Click to Contribute" button at the bottom of the page.
All families with a Central City address qualify for full, free membership.
And, you do not need to live in Central City to become a member of Mahalia Jackson Center. Call 504-359-6835 for more info.
More membership information at: www.mahaliajacksoncenter.org.
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