Krewe de Bonne Terre moves parade to Sunday
February 5, 2016
Mardi Gras morning hit and run proves fatal
February 10, 2016Parents interested in getting their children involved in early education programs will have an opportunity to sign up later this month.
The Lafourche Early Childhood Network is hosting an enrollment campaign for Early Learning Centers, Head Start and public pre-K sites. The campaign will take place Feb. 22 – 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day.
According to Suzette Bartnesky, enrollment manager for the network, parents can go to any of the locations to register children. The Lafourche network has a unified application throughout the parish, and parents can rank locations by their preference.
“Through that and through the coordinated effort between the three different entities, we’ll be able to service as many children as possible without them being put on a waiting list or falling through the cracks,” Bartnesky said.
Early learning centers
Early learning centers are open to children six weeks to four years old. The only documentation required for registration is the child’s immunization record. Tuition assistance is available depending on household income.
Head Start
Head Start classes are available for children who will be three or four years old on Sept. 30. The tuition-free program is open to families with a household income at or below the federal poverty level. Head Start serves children with disabilities as well.
Parents are required to bring the enrolling child’s birth certificate, immunization record, social security and documentation of the family’s household income to register. Head Start has limited openings, so a completed application does not guarantee placement.
Public Pre-K
Public pre-K classes are open to four-year-olds who are at the appropriate age on Sept. 30. The services are available at every elementary school in the parish except for Golden Meadow Upper Elementary, Lockport Upper Elementary and Raceland Upper Elementary.
The classes do not have any tuition costs, and services for students with disabilities are available. According to the Lafourche Early Childhood Network, a screening process determines placement. Parents must provide the child’s birth certificate, immunization record and social security card as well as a proof of residence. •
