Louisiana
Working families in Louisiana need accessible, affordable, quality child care and early learning opportunities for their children.
Currently, federal and state early learning programs reach thousands of young children and their families in Louisiana. But too many working families in Louisiana are missing out. As a direct result of child care issues, the Louisiana economy loses millions of dollars each year in the form of lost earnings, productivity, and revenue.
There are 347k children ages 5 and under in Louisiana – 66% of these children have all available parents in the workforce.
The typical annual cost of child care for an infant in Louisiana is around $10,000.
The Child Care and Development Block Grant only reaches 14% of eligible families. This federal program helps low-income parents afford child care.
On average, child care providers in Louisiana earn just $21,910 a year; this can make it a challenge to recruit and retain this workforce, leading to supply issues.
Louisiana’s economy loses $1.3B annually due to child care challenges
Louisiana: In The Headlines
These cities raised taxes — for child care. Parents say the free day care ‘changed my life’
Associated Press | April 30, 2024
Last year, New Orleans added more than 1,000 child care seats for low-income families after voters approved a historic property tax increase in 2022.
Program emphasizes importance of early childhood education
KLAX | February 8, 2024
ABC 31 News Reporter Joel Massey takes us to a program highlighting the critical need for high quality early care and education for the state’s youngest children birth to age four.
New poll finds most Louisiana parents concerned about affording child care
KADN | February 21, 2024
Parents with family incomes below $50,000 say they were more likely to have trouble paying for basic household expenses because of what they pay for child care.
Louisiana Resources & News
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