Collection:LPB

Genre: Panel

Place Covered: Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 2015-10-21

Duration: 00:56:31

Subjects: Filmed panel discussions | Early childhood education | Child Care

Contributors:

• Courtney, Beth Host
• Sanford, Shauna Host
• Gautreaux, Kevin Producer
• Connelly, Kelly Producer
• Jordan, Lois Interviewee
• Bronfin, Melanie Interviewee
• Zeanah, Charles Interviewee
• Milton, Hollis Interviewee
• Kellick, Baylee Interviewee
• Leger, Walt, III Panelist
• Reddick-Givens, Kristi Panelist
• Little, Derek Panelist
• Falgoust, Teresa Panelist
• Gordon, Stewart Panelist
• LeBlanc, Desmond Speaker
• Trahan, Margaret Speaker
• Quezergue, Jennifer Speaker
• Ranges, Lacie Speaker
• Williamson, Michael Speaker
• Parrino, Karen Speaker
• Fennell, Danielle Speaker

This episode of the series “Louisiana Public Square” from October 21, 2015, features Beth Courtney and Shauna Sanford leading a town hall meeting between the audience members and panelists on early childhood education and childcare in Louisiana. This episode was recorded at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. A background report on the topic precedes the discussion. It includes interviews with: Lois Jordan, director of the Prep Center in Bastrop; Melanie Bronfin, the executive director of the Policy Institute for Children; Dr. Charles Zeanah of the Tulane Medical Center; Hollis Milton, the superintendent of the West Feliciana Parish Public Schools; and Baylee Kellick, parent. A panel of experts then joins the audience to answer their questions. The panelists are: State Representative Walt Leger III; Kristi Reddick-Givens, the owner of Kids of Excellence; Derek Little, the deputy director for early childhood education with the Louisiana Department of Education; Teresa Falgoust, the program coordinator for Kids Count with the Agenda for Children; and Dr. Stewart Gordon of Louisiana Healthcare Connections. They discuss: the biggest obstacle to high quality child care in Louisiana; the responsibility of parents; the impact of children not being prepared for school; the role of the business community; the school readiness tax credit; long waiting lists for Head Start programs; the new uniform system for child care centers; prioritizing funding for early childhood education; the earned income tax credit; and the new accountability system. This program is a part of the American Graduate initiative.