The path to an equitable New Orleans begins at birth. Imagine a community where every child has access to high-quality early childhood education. Kaleidoscope Early Learning can get us there.
THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
In Business: Nearly half of all Louisiana parents report regularly missing work because of childcare issues. Absences and turnover related to childcare cost Louisiana employers $816 million annually.
In Education: There are zero 5-star early learning centers in New Orleans. 40% of Louisiana Children start kindergarten behind. Annual turnover for childcare teachers is 40%.
Early Childhood is Critical: 90% of the brain is formed before kindergarten, a sensitive period that sets the foundation for all future learning.
Relationships Matter: Attachment with caregivers + consistent, quality experiences = positive development for kids. Support for caregivers increases frequency and quality of these experiences.
Care for Adults = Care for Kids: Stressed parents & teachers are less engaged in developmental experiences for children. Childcare-related stress also leads parents to be less productive at work.
We believe that the path to a more equitable New Orleans starts with access to high-quality early childhood education. Kaleidoscope Early Learning is grounded in the latest research and is designed to replicate the best components of proven national models whose results include: long-term parental engagement in schools, improved school readiness, higher graduation rates, improved health outcomes, reduced crime rates and teen pregnancy, and a better prepared workforce for 21st century jobs. We believe that the work outlined below will have cascading effects on children's future educational and life outcomes.
Early learning centers sponsored by employers provide care for a diverse group of children six-weeks to four-years-old near parents' workplaces.
Teachers have consistent instructional leadership, ongoing professional development & coaching, time for planning & collaboration, and competitive salaries.
Kaleidoscope and parental employers coordinate calendar, hours, schedules, and work together to facilitate a shared vision for engagement, making life a little easier for working parents.
Monthly lunch-time workshops build community with other working parents, connect with resources, and gain knowledge. A blog and virtual platform enable two-way communication with teachers.
