September 2026 Monthly Update
Dear Friends and Partners,
It has been a busy and meaningful month! From new research highlighting the financial realities facing Louisiana’s child care providers to national recognition for members of our team, we continue to see the power of data, advocacy, and partnership in advancing early childhood education in our state.
On September 10th, we released our annual provider survey, Carrying the Cost: How Louisiana Providers Are Covering the Financial Burden of Child Care. More than 600 early childhood providers shared their experiences and offered a closer look at the financial and operational pressures facing centers across the state. The findings showed that providers are absorbing significant costs while working to keep care affordable for families and maintain their staff, all while serving children in their communities.
The report also highlighted an important reality: when child care providers struggle financially, the impact extends beyond individual centers. Providers are essential to Louisiana’s families, workforce, and economy, yet many are navigating a difficult balance between rising costs, staffing challenges, and the need to keep care accessible to families. By listening directly to providers, this report helps identify the challenges they face and highlights opportunities to build a stronger, more sustainable early childhood system.
We’re also celebrating two members of our team who received national honors from Women in Government Relations! Mattilyn Karst Batson, Policy and Research Director, received the Advocate on the Rise Award, and Victoria Gudino, Communications Manager, received the Communications in an Advocacy Campaign Award. These awards recognize their leadership and commitment to advancing policies and sharing stories that help build a stronger future for Louisiana’s children and families.
Finally, we’re calling you, our partners, to take action on the federal level. As proposed changes to Head Start could have significant implications for children, families, and early childhood programs, we’re asking you to use your voice and contact members of Congress.
Thank you for continuing to be a part of this work and for advocating for young children and families in Louisiana.