Ensuring the Future Is Bright How the Jefferson Ready Start Network Helps Our Children
photos: CASEY McMURRAY PHOTOGRAPHY @caseymcmurrayphotography
by Sarah Spencer
THE JEFFERSON READY START NETWORK works to ensure that all children in Jefferson Parish from birth to age five have access to quality early childhood experiences that prepare them to succeed. The Network is a coalition of individuals committed to creating and implementing a bold local vision for early childhood, driven by our community’s need to improve opportunities and inspire change for children. The Jefferson Ready Start Network brings together partners to continuously improve access to quality early childhood experiences in Jefferson Parish. Guided by local data and context, the Network develops plans, secures and weaves together resources, and implements creative
solutions. The work of the Network is directed by Thought Partners, a coalition of community leaders from multiple sectors. It is guided by a Core Leadership Team, comprised of early childhood stakeholders who lead the largest early care and education programs in Jefferson Parish; and supported by Jefferson Parish Schools as the lead agency. The Jefferson Ready Start Network Advisory Council is comprised of business leaders, business organizations, community advocates, policy developers, council members, board members, and industry experts. The Network began as a group of thought partners in the fall of 2019 to develop a strategic plan to increase access to quality early care and education in Jefferson. >> A ug u s t- S e p te m be r 2 0 22
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