Fighting for Louisiana's Childcare Families
CCAL advocates at the state level for policies that protect, strengthen, and advance early childhood education across Louisiana. Your voice matters — and CCAL amplifies it.
Bulletin 137 Review — Your Input is Needed
BESE is conducting a comprehensive review of Bulletin 137 — Louisiana's Early Learning Center Licensing Regulations. These regulations govern how licensed childcare centers operate across Louisiana. CCAL is calling on all childcare providers, directors, and educators to review the proposed changes and make their voices heard.
Act now. Email s[email protected] with your suggested changes to Bulletin 137.
- How to Take Action
Three Steps to Make Your Voice Heard
Call Your District Office
Find committee members and call their district office to leave a message. Every call counts.
house.louisiana.gov/H_Cmtes/Education
Email All Committee Members
Send a message to all House Education Committee members at once using the committee email address.
Send a Copy to CCAL
Forward your email to CCAL so we can track our collective impact and follow up with legislators.
House Education Committee Meeting
Thursday, April 24, 2026 · 9:00 AM · House Committee Room 1 · Louisiana State Capitol. Show up and speak out — CCAL is calling on childcare business owners, directors, early childhood educators, and support staff to attend.
90%
Brain development by age 5
$1.9B
Annual impact on LA economy
7,000+
Children on CCAP waitlist
3,000+
CCAL members statewide
- Why It Matters
Why Invest in Early Care & Education?
Early childhood education is one of the most critical investments Louisiana can make for its families, workforce, and economic future.
Brain & Cognitive Development
85% of brain development occurs by age 3. 90% by age 4. The first 1,120 days of a child's life are the most formative period for learning and development.
Economic & Workforce Development
Parental absences due to childcare issues cost Louisiana businesses $762 million annually. Thriving childcare services are essential for parents to work or further their education.
Long-Term Benefits
High quality early care reduces incarceration, improves educational attainment, increases employment prospects, and has positive impacts on earning potential and health outcomes.
- CCAP Program
Child Care Assistance Program
The CCAP helps working parents place their children in high quality, safe learning environments while they work or attend school full-time.
State Funding of CCAP
The federal government allocates CCAP funds to states, but federal funding does not meet Louisiana's overwhelming need. For SPY 2024-25, $87.5 million is allocated — but an additional $95 million is needed to fully fund the program for 110,000 children statewide.
Early Childhood Education Fund
The fund incentivizes local investment and fundraising for Early Care by providing a dollar-for-dollar state match for locally-generated funds. CCAL strongly believes this fund needs to be continued.
Types of Licensed Early Care Centers
Type I: Church/Religious Owned Centers
Type II: Centers With No State/Fed Funds (Except USDA Food Program)
Type III: Receives State and/or Fed Funds, Governed by Many State and Federal Regulations
Kindergarten Readiness
Providing more funding for early care will enable thousands of children to begin school with the necessary foundation for learning.
- Policy Areas
Key Policy & Advocacy Areas
CCAL actively monitors and advocates on a range of policy issues that directly impact Louisiana's childcare industry.
Child Care Regulation & Licensing
The Louisiana Department of Education regulates the childcare industry through licensing regulations in Bulletin 137. CCAL works to ensure regulations are fair, practical, and support quality care while reducing unnecessary burden on providers.
Workforce Child Care Tax Credit (formerly known as School Readiness Tax Credit)
The fund incentivizes local investment and fundraising for Early Care by providing a dollar-for-dollar state match for locally-generated funds. CCAL strongly believes this fund needs to be continued.
Criminal Background Checks
CCAL worked with LDOE, the Louisiana Sheriffs Association, and Louisiana State Police to enact sweeping changes ensuring early learning centers can quickly obtain background checks for staff.
Child Care Regulation Reform
Only 50% of children currently enter kindergarten ready to learn. Providing more funding for early care will enable thousands of children to begin school with the necessary foundation for learning.
Need Assistance with Advocacy?
Reach out to CCAL for advocacy support. Contact us at (225) 242-9470 or reach CCAL's Legislative Chairman Jonathan Pearce at (337) 476-1246.
A statewide, professional membership organization comprised of licensed childcare centers, family day home providers, and early childhood educators across Louisiana.