Report calls for $95M a year to boost early learning

By Nolan McKendry
The Center Square

A report from the Early Childhood Care and Education Commission is urging Louisiana leaders to lock in a decade of new early-childhood funding, warning that child-care shortages are sidelining parents from the workforce and hurting economic growth.

In a report titled “Building on What Works,” the panel links affordable, high-quality care for infants and toddlers to Louisiana’s ability to fill tens of thousands of anticipated jobs and maintain recent economic momentum.

The document notes that its “findings and recommendations are the Commission’s alone and do not represent the Louisiana Department of Education’s position.”

Major Funding Recommendation

The commission’s top proposal: a long-range recurring state investment.

“Invest an additional $95 million ... now and an additional $95 million annually for the next 10 years,”
the report states.

Officials say that level of investment would expand access from about 18% of children under age three to roughly two-thirds statewide.

The commission also calls on lawmakers to:

• Invest $30 million in the Early Childhood Education Fund now
• Codify the annual state match into law

Without additional revenue, the report warns that the state’s dedicated funds will fall short of the amount needed to meet obligations next year.

Progress Acknowledged — But Not Enough

The commission credit lawmakers with major steps since 2018, including:

• Dedicated revenue for the Early Childhood Education Fund
• Significant increases in CCAP funding
• New Workforce Child Care Tax Credits approved in 2025

But they stress more support is needed:

“Louisiana has already put some components of a strong ECE system in place. Now is the time to build on what works.”

The Workforce Connection

The report urges employers to take advantage of tax credits by reserving child-care slots or helping cover child-care costs for employees.

Mandi Mitchell, Lafayette Economic Development Authority, notes:

“When working parents in our communities have access to reliable ECE options, absenteeism drops, productivity rises, and businesses can retain the talent they need.”

Expanding Seats & Supporting Educators

Schools and early-learning centers are encouraged to:

• Expand infant and toddler seats
• Align programs with kindergarten readiness goals
• Strengthen the workforce pipeline

The report emphasizes educator stability and pay:

Quality relies on sustainable compensation and professional development for early-learning teachers.

Economic Stakes for Louisiana

The report concludes that stable public investment, a guaranteed local match, and active employer participation are key to supporting providers and families.

“When we invest in quality ECE for Louisiana’s working parents, we are building a stronger workforce for today and preparing our children for workforce success tomorrow.”