Ensuring more at-risk children enter kindergarten ready to succeed is the goal of the Community Network in Louisiana.

Locally, that effort is alive and well with ongoing Early Childhood Education Network Round-Ups, the next one taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today in the West St. John Elementary School cafeteria.

Parents will be able to learn about early childhood programs offered by the St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District, such as Head Start, LA4, Model Early and universal pre-kindergarten, as well as pick up program applications.

In the past, school district officials said the early childhood system grew fragmented, resulting in an increase in children who were not prepared to be successful in kindergarten.

All 4 year olds in St. John’s school system are eligible to attend a 4-year-old school district program, depending on income guidelines. Also, the parish’s funded universal pre-k program doesn’t require income guidelines, so families of any income level can receive a free, quality pre-k education.

School officials also stress local childcare network pilot partners Terence Day Care, Little Leaders Learning Center, Garden of Eden Learning Center and Kindercare Learning Center provide quality learning environments for children from birth to 4 years old. Depending on income, families can qualify for the Child Care Assistance Program.

School leaders said response to these initiatives has been positive, but the push continues to get more families aware of their options.

The coordinated enrollment application process for all programs goes into effect this fall, and with the simple goal of preparing our kindergartners for success today and tomorrow, it’s an effort we should all support.