We have all heard the saying, "The children are our future."
But what does this really mean? For Louisiana, it means that what happens with our children affects the quality of life for everyone in our state—the way we live, do business, the growth of our economy, everything. This is true not just for the years to come, but TODAY, and every day.
Did you know:
- Current third-grade reading scores are used to estimate the number of prison beds we here in Louisiana will need in the future?
- Louisiana has the second highest premature birthrate in the country, with the average preterm birth costing 14 times more than for a healthy baby. And over 60% of those births are paid for by Medicaid?
- The number of Louisiana children in foster care under age six has increased by 81% since 2001?
Far too many of our children and families are in crisis. But we can do something about it. Studies prove that early prevention and intervention from birth through age five can have an enormous impact, not just on the life of the child and his or her family, but his or her community, and ultimately the entire state.
BrightStart is an initiative designed to provide a comprehensive and integrated system to ensure families and communities can give young children from birth through age five the physical, emotional, social and cognitive development needed to help them reach their full potential, and ultimately give Louisiana a competitive edge.
A Stronger Louisiana Begins in Early Childhood.
That’s what BrightStart is all about.
VIDEO: THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD FROM THE OUNCE OF PREVENTION FUND AND THE FIRST FIVE YEARS FUND (4:01)
VIDEO: NOBEL PRIZE WINNING ECONOMIST DR. JAMES HECKMAN ON THE IMPORTANCE OF INVESTING IN YOUNG CHILDREN (2:29)