If you have a child from birth to age four, now is the time to pay attention, because early childhood education in East Baton Rouge Parish is popping up in a whole new way.
This February, the East Baton Rouge Parish Early Childhood Community Network (ECCN) is celebrating Early Education Month with a fresh, family-focused approach to enrollment: Pop-Up Enrollment Extravaganzas. Instead of hosting one large event, ECCN is bringing information, support, and enrollment help directly into neighborhoods and community spaces where families already gather.
Early Ed Month begins with Early Ed Week, February 2–6, featuring open houses at participating early learning providers across the parish. More than 15 child care centers—and additional schools—will open their doors so families can tour classrooms, meet educators, and learn about available seats.
The week concludes with Early Ed Day on Friday, February 6, from 9:30–11:30 a.m. at Second Baptist Academy, hosted alongside Capital Area United Way and the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children. It’s a chance for families, educators, and community leaders to come together around one shared goal: giving young children the strongest possible start.
Enrollment officially opens February 19, and families are encouraged to apply early. While nearly 18,000 young children live in East Baton Rouge Parish, only about 30% have access to publicly funded early learning seats, making early application essential.
Why does this matter so much? Because 80% of a child’s brain development happens before age five, and access to high-quality early education helps children enter kindergarten ready to learn, read on grade level, and succeed long-term. It also supports working parents and strengthens the local workforce. Early care and education is the foundation that allows families, businesses, and communities to thrive.
Families can learn more by visiting ebrschools.org and clicking on Early Childhood Programs, or by calling (225) 960-1671.