Jefferson Ready Start Network

09/03/2026

Please join us is wishing a great, big CONGRATULATIONS to JRSN Advisory Board member Dr. Paula Polito on being recogized as one of CityBusiness' 2026 Women of the Year! We are proud to celebrate Dr. Polito and her continued leadership and commitment to strengthening our community and creating opportunities for children and families across Jefferson Parish. Congrats on this well-deserved recognition!

09/01/2026

JRSN Parent Minute: Did your child zip up their jacket today? Learn a new word? Share with a friend? These everyday milestones are worth celebrating because every small success builds confidence for the next one. Keep cheering them on - you are helping them grow every day.

08/25/2026

JRSN Parent Minute: To a child, it's play.

To their growing brain, it's learning.

🧩 Building blocks teach problem-solving.
🎨 Coloring strengthens fine motor skills.
🎵 Singing builds language.
🏃 Outdoor play develops coordination.
👫 Playing together teaches sharing and cooperation.

Play is one of the most powerful ways young children learn.

08/18/2026

JRSN Parent Minute: Looking for one of the easiest ways to support your child's development? 📖 Read together for just 15–20 minutes tonight.

Reading helps children:
• Build vocabulary
• Strengthen listening skills
• Develop imagination
• Create lasting family memories

There's no better investment than time together.

08/12/2026

Jefferson Ready Start Advisory Board member Monique Rouege recently joined early childhood education leaders and advocates for an important conversation about where Louisiana schools stands when it comes to serving our youngest children.

More than 135,000 babies, toddlers and 3-year olds in Louisiana could benefit from quality early care and education, yet fewer than 1 in 5 who need publicly funded care can access it.

We're grateful to Monique for lending her voice to the conversation and continuing to advocate for greater access to early learning opportunities for Jefferson Parish families.

08/11/2026

JRSN Parent Minute: Choosing child care is about more than finding someone to watch your child.

High-quality early learning programs help children:
⭐ Build friendships
⭐ Learn routines
⭐ Develop language skills
⭐ Grow their confidence
⭐ Prepare for school success Those early experiences can make a lifelong difference.

08/07/2026

Congratulations to two outstanding champions for young children!

This past weekend, the Alliance for Good Government recognized Scott Walker and Kim Carver for their leadership and service to our community. We are grateful for their continued advocacy for early childhood education and their commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

During his remarks, Scott highlighted the importance of investing in early childhood and even gave a shoutout to the Jefferson Ready Start Network and the impact of supporting our mission. We are thankful for advocates like Scott and Kim who continue to elevate the conversation around the importance of high-quality early learning.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you both for being champions for Jefferson's youngest learners!

08/05/2026

Child care is more than a family issue, it's a workforce and community issue.

When early care and education providers face uncertainty, the impact extends far beyond the classroom. Families depend on reliable child care to work, businesses depend on working parents and children depend on quality learning experiences during their most formative years.

This commentary from Rochelle Wilcox highlights the challenges facing child care providers across our state and why building a strong, sustainable early care and education system remains so important for Louisiana's future. Read more:

State funding was pulled but the children were not. Their parents still have jobs and obligations that depend on our doors staying open.

08/04/2026

JRSN Parent Minute: You are your child's first teacher.

Simple activities help children learn every day:
✔ Count the stairs as you climb.
✔ Name colors while grocery shopping.
✔ Read one book before bed.
✔ Sing songs in the car.
✔ Ask questions about what they see. Learning doesn't only happen in a classroom - it happens all day long.

07/28/2026

JRSN Parent Minute - Preparing for kindergarten doesn't begin the summer before school starts, it begins at birth.

The first five years help children develop:
📚 Language skills
🎨 Creativity
🤝 Social skills
💙 Confidence
🧠 Problem-solving Every child deserves a strong start, and every parent plays an important role.