Jefferson Ready Start Network

06/05/2026

Thank you to the early childhood educators who joined us on the West Bank this week for a day of professional development focused on understanding and supporting positive behavior in the classroom. During our sessions, ABCs Easy as 123: Understanding Behavior and Behavior Hacks! Proactive Strategies for a Smoother Classroom, participants explored how behavior serves as communication, identified common behavior triggers and learned practical strategies to prevent challenging behaviors before they occur. Through hands-on activities, group discussions and real-world classroom scenarios, educators left with new tools and ready-to-use strategies they can immediately apply in their learning environments. We are grateful for your commitment to creating supportive, nurturing classrooms where every child can thrive.

05/28/2026

Provider Spotlight ✨

Founded in 2017 as a family business, Jazzie's Learning Academy began in River Ridge before expanding to Kenner, where it now has the capacity to serve up to 161 children as a Type 3 center. Named after the director's oldest daughter, Jasmine, the center was built on a mission of creating opportunity and ensuring every child has access to high-quality early care and education, regardless of their family's circumstances.

Jazzie's accepts all forms of funding and recently opened its doors to share the building with Head Start, reflecting the center's collaboration and adaptable spirit. The director joined JRSN's Grassroots Committee to advocate for great transparency and help expand access to care for underserved families and children with disabilities.

"At the end of the day, every family deserves a fair and equal chance."

Thank you, Jazzie's Learning Academy, for the care and compassion you bring to Jefferson Parish families every day.

05/20/2026

Provider Spotlight ✨

Opened in Rivertown in 2022, Kinderland Academy was created from one mother's passion for children and her desire to make quality early care more accessible for families. After working in early education since high school, the center's director was inspired to open her own Type 3 center after experiencing challenges of finding affordable care for her son.

Today, Kinderland Academy serves a diverse group of children and celebrates a major milestone this year with its very first enrolled student moving up to kindergarten. The director also serves on JRSN's Grassroots Committee to help support more accessible early education opportunities across Jefferson Parish.

Thank you, Kinderland Academy, for making a difference for local children and families. 💙

05/14/2026

Tuesday, Jefferson Ready Start Network joined providers, teachers, families, advocates and children from across Louisiana at the State Capitol for A Day Without Child Care, a national day of action bringing awareness to the critical importance of early care and education.

Led in Louisiana by For Providers by Providers and supported by organizations including the Child Care Association of Louisiana, Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and many others, the event highlighted how deeply child care impacts families, businesses and our workforce.

More than 1,200 participants gathered at the Capitol, while approximately 150 child care centers across the state closed their doors for the day so providers and educators could make their voices heard.

The day included a press conference featuring legislative leaders and advocates, activities for children and educational booths focused on strengthening Louisiana’s early childhood systems.

When child care is unavailable, parents can’t work, businesses feel the strain and children miss out on critical early learning opportunities. Early care and education is not just a family issue, it is a workforce and economic issue.

We are proud to stand alongside partners across Louisiana advocating for stronger investments in the future of our children, families and communities.

05/12/2026

At Jefferson Ready Start Network, we believe Jefferson Parish has an opportunity to continue investing in spaces and policies that support children, working families and long-term community connection. When families have access to strong neighborhoods, quality early learning opportunities and places to gather, everyone benefits. We'd love to see more of these ideas brought to Jefferson Parish as we continue building a stronger future for our children and workforce. Read more:

Downtown Baton Rouge’s new master plan proposes a dramatic reimagining of the Mississippi Riverfront.

05/08/2026

Because of you, this GiveNOLA Day made a real impact. Thank you to everyone who supported Jefferson Ready Start Network through the Jefferson Community Foundation. Your generosity, paired with matching funds will help expand access to high-quality early care and education for children and families across Jefferson Parish. Every dollar moves us closer to connecting more children with the strong start they deserve and gets more parents to work. We are grateful for this community and proud to be a part of a shared commitment to our youngest learners and their future.

05/05/2026

Final hours of GiveNOLA Day. Your support today helps connect more childrent to high-quality early education and stronger futures. It helps connect families to their need so parents can get to work. Do not miss your chance to double your impact through the Jefferson Community Foundation match. Give before midnight: https://bit.ly/4e7F0Ee

05/05/2026

Today is GiveNOLA Day. Now is the moment to invest in the future of Jefferson Parish. Your donation to Jefferson Ready Start Network will be matched through Jefferson Community Foundation, doubling your impact for early care and education. Give now: https://bit.ly/4e7F0Ee

05/04/2026

Early care and education is not just about children. It is about our workforce and economy. When families cannot access reliable child care, it costs Louisiana businesses an estimated $762 million each year and results in a $1.3 billion economic loss. Investing in early education supports working families and strengthens our community.

Make your impact go further with a matched gift this GiveNOLA Day. Donate early here: https://bit.ly/4e7F0Ee

Jefferson Community Foundation

05/01/2026

Only 12.4% of children in Jefferson Parish enter kindergarten ready to learn. That number should be higher. Access to high-quality early education changes outcomes, from classroom success to long-term achievement. This GiveNOLA Day, help more children start strong. Make your early gift now: https://bit.ly/4e7F0Ee