St. Tammany Early Childhood
Ready Start Network

Head Start is a federally funded program for preschool children three to five years of age in low-income families. Early Head Start is a federally funded program for children from birth to age three in low-income families. In St Tammany Parish these programs are managed by a local nonprofit organization, Regina Coeli Child Development Center. Early Head Start offers centered based options at no cost to families. Head Start offers center-based and home-based options at no cost to families.

The Public School Pre K program provides a free daily education to four year old children who meet the income qualifications as determined by the State Department of Education. A tuition fee may be charged for children who do not meet the income guidelines only after all who met the guidelines have been placed.

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Type III child care centers have committed to working with other early care and education providers to raise the level of standards and expectations for children birth to age 5. Type III centers participate in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) which assists low-income families with the costs of child care while they are at work or attending school. 

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) funds a non-public school Early Childhood Development  grant (NSECD). This Pre-k program provides free care for 4 year olds who meet income requirements set by the LDOE. Participating centers vary each year. Contact centers directly to inquire about their participation in this program.

St Tammany offers three academically state approved Family Childcare Centers (FCC). FCC’s are located within the providers home with a maximum of 6 children. FCC’s participate in the state’s quality rating system, childcare assistance program, and are eligible for incentives and supports through the St Tammany Early Childhood Ready Start Network. 

Early Childhood Special Education Services are provided throughout the Network to support students who have identified needs in areas of communication, motor, sensory, cognitive, social, or self-help skills.

If you have questions or concerns about your child's development, contact Early Steps for ages birth to three at 985-429-1252 or Child Search for ages three to five at 985-898-3345.

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Vision

Provide access to high quality early childhood care and education to all children in St. Tammany Parish.

Mission

We support all early childhood providers with resources and tools needed to ensure all children are in high quality educational environments.

Goals

1. Increase the number of infant and toddler seats available throughout the parish. We will assess the need for Infant and Toddler care in each community, assess the available seats at existing sites in St Tammany Parish, and plan for increased seating.  
2. Develop strategies to recruit and retain staff to work at Head Start and child care sites.
3. In the effort to increase community awareness and support for the St Tammany Early Childhood Community Network, the Leadership Committee will recruit additional members from the community and explore ways to inform the community of the Network’s purpose and vision.
4. Network leaders will work with Agenda For Children and local parish businesses/organizations to design a plan to gain access to community funds available through the School Readiness Tax Credits in the effort to support the increased number of funded seats provided throughout the parish.