Louisiana Policy Institute for Children

08/28/2026

Members of the LPIC team attended LegisGator, Louisiana’s premier public policy and business forum, in Lake Charles, bringing together state and federal elected officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders to discuss the issues shaping Louisiana’s future.

💼 This three-day event featured conversations on legislative priorities, economic development, workforce growth, and long-term prosperity, while creating opportunities for collaboration among leaders from across the state.

08/25/2026

💼👶 Businesses can play an important role in expanding access to early childhood education.

The Jefferson Parish Early Childhood Collaborative is encouraging local businesses to help address gaps in access to early childhood education through a Louisiana tax credit program that directs business contributions to local early learning centers.

These investments can help strengthen the child care system that so many working families rely on—supporting parents' ability to remain in the workforce while giving young children greater access to quality early learning opportunities. 🤝📚

When businesses invest in child care, they’re investing in their employees, their communities, and the future of Louisiana. 💙

📰 Read more from Biz New Orleans:

METAIRIE, La. – The Jefferson Parish Early Childhood Collaborative is looking to businesses to help address gaps in access to early childhood education, using

08/24/2026

📣 SAVE THE DATE: 2026 Provider Survey Press Conference

Join us on Thursday, September 10, at 10AM CT for a virtual press conference announcing the results of the 2026 Provider Survey.

Each year, the survey gives child care providers an opportunity to share the challenges affecting their programs and businesses, including financial losses, staffing turnover, and barriers to enrollment. The findings provide an important look at the experiences of providers and the challenges facing Louisiana’s child care system.

The survey was conducted in partnership with organizations and coalitions from across Louisiana committed to strengthening early childhood education. 🤝👶

💻 Virtual event
📅 September 10, 2026
⏰ 10AM CT

🎟️ Register to attend: https://bit.ly/26ProviderPressConference

08/21/2026

✨ Two days of connection, reflection, and celebration! ✨

Last week, the LPIC team stepped away from our day-to-day work for our team retreat, a chance to reconnect, reflect on the work we’ve accomplished, and look ahead to what’s next for Louisiana’s children and families. 💙

And this year’s retreat included an extra special celebration: LPIC’s first-ever Gold Star Gala! ⭐️🎉 It was a wonderful opportunity to recognize the dedication, creativity, and impact of our incredible team.

08/19/2026

🎉🏆 We’re excited to congratulate Mattilyn Karst Batson and Victoria Gudino on being named Women in Government Relations Excellence in Advocacy finalists!

👏 Mattilyn is a finalist for the Advocate on the Rise Award, recognizing her dedication and impact in advocacy.

📣 Victoria is a finalist for the Communications in an Advocacy Campaign Award, celebrating the power of strategic communications to advance advocacy efforts.

We’re so proud of Mattilyn and Victoria and grateful for all they do to help move important work forward. 💙 Please join us in congratulating them on this well-deserved recognition! 🎊

08/17/2026

📣 Louisiana’s youngest children deserve a stronger start, and Propeller: A Force for Social Innovation is helping us bring this conversation to the forefront.

At a recent Propeller press conference, leaders highlighted the urgent need to expand access to quality early childhood education for babies, toddlers, and 3-year-olds across Louisiana. While the state has made significant progress serving 4-year-olds, fewer than 1 in 5 children ages 3 and under who need publicly funded early childhood education can access it. 👶💙

The press conference highlighted what’s at stake and the opportunity ahead: building on the systems Louisiana has already created and ensuring more families can access quality early care during the critical first years of a child’s life.

📰 Read more about the conversation and Louisiana’s early childhood needs in Verite News:

Most of the state's parents can't enroll their infants and toddlers in early child care and miss a critical window for their child's development.

08/14/2026

📅 SAVE THE DATE! 📅

The Early Childhood Symposium is coming October 22–23! Join us for a two-day virtual program bringing together researchers, policymakers, business leaders, and community advocates to explore the economic impact and critical importance of early childhood education.

💡 Engaging workshops
📚 Real-world examples
🤝 Networking opportunities

October 22 | 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
October 23 | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
💻 Virtual

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information and registration details!

🔗 Learn more: PolicyInstituteLA.org/Early-Childhood-Symposium

08/11/2026

👶🏡 Louisiana is taking an important step to support families during the critical early months of a child’s life.

Starting January 1, 2027, Louisiana will become the first state in the South to require insurance coverage for voluntary home visiting services for families with newborns. Under Act 190, families will have access to trained professionals—including nurses, social workers, and community health workers—who can provide support and help identify health and other needs during the transition home after birth.

Home visiting can connect families to resources, support healthy development, and help address concerns before they become bigger challenges. This new coverage requirement is an important investment in the health and well-being of Louisiana’s mothers, babies, and families. 💙

Read more from KPLC:

Louisiana is becoming one of the first states in the South to require insurance companies to cover home visits for new mothers and their babies.

08/10/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Alexandra Cory, LMSW, on her promotion to Outreach & Partnerships Senior Manager!

Since joining LPIC in 2024, Alex has built strong relationships with partners across Louisiana and helped connect LPIC’s research and policy work with the people and organizations working to improve outcomes for young children and families. In her new role, she will lead outreach and partnership efforts, strengthen existing collaborations, and build new connections with nonprofits, business leaders, advocacy groups, and communities across the state.

We’re excited to see Alex continue bringing people together around a shared vision for Louisiana’s youngest children. Congratulations, Alex! 💙👏

Read the full announcement: https://nolanewswire.com/2026/08/louisiana-policy-institute-for-children-promotes-alexandra-cory-to-outreach-and-partnerships-senior-manager/

08/07/2026

🩺💜 Join Saul's Light for the 6th Annual NICU Health & Equity Summit on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 8 a.m. at Manning Family Children's Hospital.

This year's theme, "Discharge Begins on Day 1," focuses on advancing equitable care, strengthening community partnerships, and supporting infant health beyond the NICU.

🍻 Kick off the summit at the Pre-Summit Happy Hour on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 5 p.m. at Urban South in New Orleans.

🎟️ Register today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-sauls-light-nicu-health-equity-summit-tickets-1986096850143