Jefferson Ready Start Network

Jefferson Ready Start Network (JRSN) is increasing access to high-quality early care and education in Jefferson Parish.

[Jefferson Ready Start Network @ReadyStartJeff]

JRSN is excited to announce our transition to the Jefferson Community Foundation (@JCFPhilanthropy)! This move enables us to broaden our partnerships, deepen engagement w/ local businesses and unlock new funding avenues to increase ECE access. Learn more: https://t.co/mjfQ2AK8nr

[Jefferson Ready Start Network @ReadyStartJeff]

In celebration of 200 years of Jefferson Parish, @JCFPhilanthropy raised more than $1 million with net proceeds directed to JRSN and other foundation initiatives. JRSN is grateful to be included as a beneficiary of this celebration! https://t.co/gY7jpKXREF

[Jefferson Ready Start Network @ReadyStartJeff]

JRSN hosted the Jefferson Delegation for a luncheon today at the Capitol. JRSN Executive Director Sarintha Stricklin, Ph.D., shared the importance of investing in high-quality early care and education and protecting public funding sources for ECE during the Legislative Session.

[Jefferson Ready Start Network @ReadyStartJeff]

JRSN joined Ready Louisiana members at #EarlyEdDay to speak with legislators about the critical importance of ECE. Reliable, affordable access to ECE enables a productive workforce, supports our economy and provides our youngest learners with a strong foundation! #ECEisEssential

[Jefferson Ready Start Network @ReadyStartJeff]

This morning the JRSN Advisory Board met to discuss the latest advocacy and fundraising efforts to advance sustainable funding for early care and education in Jefferson Parish and Louisiana. Thank you to @JCFPhilanthropy for hosting us! #ECEisEssential #LALege

[Jefferson Ready Start Network @ReadyStartJeff]

She met with representatives from Congressman @RepTroyCarter, Congressman @SteveScalise, and U.S. @SenJohnKennedy’s offices, as well as early education advocates from @PolicyInstLA and the Child Care Association of Louisiana.

[Jefferson Ready Start Network @ReadyStartJeff]

This week JRSN Executive Director Sarintha Stricklin, PhD, went to Washington D.C. to advocate for sustained, permanent increases in funding for early care and education, especially as it pertains to the Child Care & Development Block Grant (CCDBG).

[Jefferson Ready Start Network @ReadyStartJeff]

JRSN is participating in #GiveNOLADay2025! Thanks to our partnership with the @JCFPhilanthropy, when you contribute to the JRSN Future Fund TOMORROW, JCF will match your donation dollar for dollar! Learn more about how to give: https://t.co/H1yeK61lz2

[Jefferson Ready Start Network @ReadyStartJeff]

📸 We spent yesterday afternoon at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana's Roundtable and Business Luncheon. Always great to network and see some familiar faces! (@HispanicCCL)

[Jefferson Ready Start Network @ReadyStartJeff]

JRSN Exec. Dir. Sarintha Stricklin, PhD, and Beary Cherry Tree Child Development Center Owner Paula Polito, PhD, MBA, attended the @jeffersoncoc & @LABI_biz Evening at the Legislature. The presenters reinforced the importance of early education's impact on Louisiana’s workforce!

[Jefferson Ready Start Network @ReadyStartJeff]

We celebrated the opening of Beary Cherry Tree's 5th building! The center is part of JRSN’s high-quality network & has been in Jefferson Parish since 1974. Congratulations to owner Paula Polito, PhD, MBA, on this exciting milestone and 50 years of serving our parish’s children!

[Jefferson Ready Start Network @ReadyStartJeff]

Yesterday Jefferson Parish early care and education (ECE) leaders presented at @Teachstone 's Interact 2025 conference. They spoke about JRSN’s efforts to find long-term sustainable funding to increase access to high-quality ECE.

[Jefferson Ready Start Network @ReadyStartJeff]

📚 Our coaches & instructors are integral to creating a culture of high-quality, comprehensive early childhood services. ⭐️ Today we spotlight their dedication to advancing quality and supporting providers and teachers with hands-on training & resources. 🤝 #WomensHistoryMonth

[Jefferson Ready Start Network @ReadyStartJeff]

This Women's History Month, we're spotlighting the Jefferson Parish early care and education team. These dedicated women are working to advance our community by investing in the future — our children. #WomensHistoryMonth #ECEisEssential

[Jefferson Ready Start Network @ReadyStartJeff]

A dedicated funding stream to support ECE access would lead to lasting positive impacts for children, working parents, seniors, business owners and our economy.👨‍👩‍👧 @JCFPhilanthropy https://t.co/Kqt0XPEdDq

[Jefferson Ready Start Network @ReadyStartJeff]

📢Research shows roughly 4% of children are being raised by grandparents. That means more than 1,000 young children in Jefferson Parish are in the primary care of a grandparent. 👵🏾👴🏽 Access to high-quality early education impacts EVERYONE. @JeffParishGov (Councilman Deano Bonano)

[Jefferson Ready Start Network @ReadyStartJeff]

Got grandkids? The JRSN team had fun at the 2025 Senior Expo and handed out books, toys, and informational materials for attendees with infants, toddlers or young children in their families. Thank you, @JCFPhilanthropy , for a great event!

[Jefferson Ready Start Network @ReadyStartJeff]

⚠️ Registration is now open for pre-k 4 and early childhood programs! These tuition-free seats are available, but limited. View this page for more information: https://t.co/sNyIZZ8pfq

And create an account to apply today: https://t.co/rAOQrX1MiR

[Jefferson Ready Start Network @ReadyStartJeff]

"Less than 16% of children under 4 in economically disadvantaged families have access to any publicly funded program...Without greater investment, too many children enter preschool already behind — a gap that can persist through K-12 and beyond." https://t.co/U4JQEzsaIF

[Jefferson Ready Start Network @ReadyStartJeff]

Funds raised locally for ECE are eligible for a dollar-for-dollar match from the Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund. This DOUBLES the impact of local investment. @CouncilmanBLee speaks to the importance of collaboration to double down on ECE funding efforts. #LAEarlyEdMonth