Enrollment for free tuition seats for birth to five open now in Jefferson Parish
Informational fairs to also be held on the Eastbank and Westbank to assist parents
METAIRIE, LA– Jefferson Ready Start Network announced the application window for tuition-free early care and education seats. Registration is limited, and the application window is open from March 12 – April 26 for prospective families.
Seats are available for children age birth to 5 years old in economically disadvantaged families, children with identified disabilities and children in foster care. These publicly funded programs are dedicated to helping low-income families access high-quality early care and education. The free seats are across sites in Jefferson, including high-quality child care centers, Early Head Start, Head Start, school system and some parochial school programs.
With more than 90% of brain development occurring before the age of 5, high-quality early care and education programs are vital to positive outcomes for children. More than 47% of families in Jefferson Parish cannot afford the basics, and the rising cost of child care puts early care and education out of reach for most families. These tuition-free seats are a vital resource for the parish and while they are available, they are limited. Parents are encouraged to apply during this first round of applications for a higher likelihood of receiving placement if qualified.
Families will complete an online application here and provide information about the child and household including the following documentation:
● Parent identification
● Child’s birth certificate
● Proof of residency
● Proof of income
● Current/updated immunization records
Application support is available by appointment. Parents can call 504-349-7696 to book an appointment or they can go here to set an appointment time.
JRSN will also host two informational fairs – Early Childhood Extravaganzas – to allow families to learn about publicly funded seats and the registration process. Families will be able to meet directors from centers and gather information about their early care and education programs. There will also be access to resources, including developmental screenings and job opportunities for parents. The two events are taking place:
● Saturday, March 23 at Lakeside Shopping Center (3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
● Saturday, April 13 at Jefferson Parish Schools Administration Building (501 Manhattan Blvd, Harvey, LA) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information families should visit jeffersonchild.com.
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About Jefferson Ready Start Network: The Jefferson Ready Start Network works to create a culture of high-quality, comprehensive early childhood services (birth to 5 years) through engagement and partnerships with families, educators and community members. For more information, visit https://jeffersonreadystartnetwork.com.