Our Approach
In St. Landry Parish, 86% of economically disadvantaged infants and toddlers (ages birth to 3) lack access to publicly funded early care and education seats. This means only 14% of at-risk children in this age group are served by programs like Early Head Start or the Child Care Assistance Program. While St. Landry Parish has achieved an excellent enrollment rate for older children, a massive funding and availability gap targets families with younger toddlers and infants.
With access to quality early childhood programs, these children could have the opportunity to start strong and build a solid foundation for their future. At the St Landry Equity & Education Foundation, we are committed to giving every child a strong start, and we NEED your help.
Why is Early Childhood Eduction Needed?
Right now, families are having to choose between breaking the budget, being forced to cut back work hours, or settling for lower-quality care just to ensure that their kids have safe and accessible child care. The lack of affordable early learning options also shortchanges our kids. Research shows that high-quality early education can improve high school graduation rates and future employment income. We shouldn’t be denying our children the kind of care and early learning they need to fulfill their potential.
What We Do: Raising Funds for Early Childhood Education Programs
It takes a village to raise a child, and St. Landry Parish is stepping up. Through fundraising and community involvement, we provide support for local early childhood education programs in St Landry Parish. These programs equip children with the skills to thrive in school and life. Your contributions directly improve access to high-quality early education for our youngest of learners in St Landry Parish.
Access For All Children and the Gift of Time
What is Transitional Kindergarten (TK)?
“Universal pre-k,” also known as “preschool access for all,” ensures any family who wants to enroll their preschool-aged child in a publicly-funded, pre-kindergarten care and education program has the opportunity to make that choice. Universal Pre K improves school readiness and provides long-term educational benefits. Children who attend preschool are less likely to get arrested later in life or face disciplinary measures such as juvenile incarceration. They are also more likely to attend college and earn significantly more as adults.
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is a free, publicly funded school program that serves as an educational bridge between preschool and traditional kindergarten. It is designed for four-year-old children to give them an extra year of preparation to build the social, emotional, and foundational academic skills required for school success. Children who attend and complete TK then move on to kindergarten the following year. So, a child with a birthday within the TK range will have two years of kindergarten experience before going to first grade.
TK primarily serves children who turn 4 years old on or before a specific cutoff date but are not yet eligible for regular kindergarten at the of the school year, and follows the traditional elementary school calendar and daily schedule. Unlike preschool, which primarily focuses on socialization and essential learning experiences, TK introduces more structured lessons tailored to younger learners. The program emphasizes early literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional growth, preparing children for a smooth transition into kindergarten.
What is Universal Pre-K?
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) vs. Preschool
Parents often compare transitional kindergarten vs. pre-K to determine which option best suits their child’s needs. Pre-kindergarten (pre-K) serves children as young as three and primarily focuses on foundational skills, such as social interaction and essential cognitive development.
In contrast, TK caters to older preschool-aged children, offering a more structured curriculum that closely aligns with kindergarten standards. The instructional approach in TK incorporates phonics, early math skills, and problem-solving activities, making it a strong choice for children who need additional time to develop readiness skills.
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) vs. Pre-K
Another standard comparison is transitional kindergarten vs. preschool. While both programs target early childhood development, they serve different purposes. Preschool focuses on play-based learning and socialization, making it ideal for younger children.
TK, on the other hand, acts as a preparatory stage between preschool and kindergarten. The curriculum includes more advanced lessons in literacy and mathematics and structured classroom routines. Children enrolled in TK gain confidence in their learning abilities before entering a traditional kindergarten setting.
Ready to Fund Universal Pre-K, Transitional Kindergarten & Early Learning?
Your contributions directly improve access to high-quality early education for our youngest of learners in St Landry Parish.
