Louisiana

In 2022, voters in New Orleans, LA, passed a property tax levy that, along with state matching funds, will provide early childhood education to 2,000 children from low-income households annually. The campaign won a 5 millage property tax that will raise $21 million in the first year and will be doubled by the state’s matching fund. The program will provide child and family support services, coaching and professional development for teachers, and expand the supply of quality early learning centers.

In 2022, the Louisiana Department of Education partnered with Ochsner Health to launch a virtual therapy program for educators. This program was designed to respond to ongoing mental health challenges faced by educators during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. It covers four virtual therapy visits for Louisiana public school teachers and support staff at all K-12 school systems and early childhood centers serving children from birth to age four. Additional visits are available for $37.50 (30-minute visits) and $75 (60-minute visits). Appointments are available during daytime and evening hours Monday through Friday and on Saturdays. Funding for this three-year initiative is provided through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund.

Sources:

Louisiana Department of Education. (n.d.). Virtual Therapy through Ochsner Anywhere Care.

Louisiana Department of Education. (n.d.). Virtual Therapy through Ochsner Anywhere Care: Frequently Asked Questions.

In 2021, the Louisiana Department of Education (DOE) created the Fast Forward initiative to offer students opportunities to earn an associate degree or gain meaningful work experience in a variety of fields, including early childhood education, through an apprenticeshipwhile in high school. In the early childhood field, the initiative is intended to expand the teacher workforce. Participants are trained to assure the health, safety, and well-being of young children in out-of-home care. The Fast Forward program has three pathways: Jump Start 2.0 Pathway, TOPS University Pathway, and Louisiana Transfer Degree Pathway. In 2021 the program announced grants of up to $50,000 to be awarded to a lead regional secondary school system and its higher education partner in each of the eight regions of the state. The DOE and the Board of Regents each contributed $200,000 for the total grant cost of $400,000. The initiative aims to assist with establishing statewide industry or sector partnerships among local educational agencies and institutions of higher education.

Sources:

Louisiana Department of Education. (n.d.). Fast Forward

Louisiana Department of Education. (2023). Approved Fast Forward Pathways List.

Louisiana Department of Education. (n.d.). Fast Forward Pathways.

Louisiana Department of Education. (n.d.). Jumpstart 2.0 Associate of Applied Science: Care and Development of Young Children.

Louisiana Department of Education. (2021). Louisiana Department of Education Launches Bold Career and College Readiness Pilot Supported by BESE, Board of Regents.

Louisiana Board of Regents. (2021). Louisiana Previews New Career & College Readiness Pathways During Joint BESE, Regents Meeting.

Louisiana Department of Education. (2021). Louisiana Department of Education Awards $400,000 in Planning Grants to Improve Career & College Readiness.