Partnering with Families for Success
At the Louisiana Department of Education, we believe that parents are the primary influence in shaping a child’s future. Early childhood providers and educators play a valuable role in supporting families by fostering development and learning in the crucial early years. We are here to equip you with the tools and resources to enhance that support, helping to ensure that every child receives the strong start they need. Explore our resources to strengthen your work in partnership with families and create positive outcomes for Louisiana’s youngest learners.
Contact Us
- General Early Childhood Support at earlychildhood@la.gov
- Child Care Assistance Program Support at ldeccap@la.gov
- Child Care Center Licensing Support at ldelicensing@la.gov
- Early Childhood Child Care Provider Certification at providercertification@la.gov
Early Childhood Educators
2025 Early Learning Development Standards (ELDS)2025 Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS) (Standards Only)Continuing Professional DevelopmentEarly Childhood ConferenceEarly Childhood Educators and ClassroomsEdLink TrainingLELA InitiativePerformance ProfilesPreparing and Certifying TeachersYoung Children with Disabilities
The LDOE Empowers Early Childhood Educators
Quality Providers: Act 3 (2012) called for the establishment of the Louisiana Early Childhood Care and Education Network to unify the state’s early childhood education programs. This statewide network is comprised of 65 local early childhood community networks that include every publicly-funded Pre-K, child care, and Head Start program within the state.
Classroom Supports: Early Childhood Community Networks improve family access to high-quality early learning experiences for children and increase support for programs.
Lead Agencies: Every Early Childhood Community Network has a lead agency that facilitates the coordinated leadership functions for the community. Lead Agencies coordinate local CLASS™ observations for publicly-funded sites, facilitate the coordinated enrollment process, conduct community meetings, and distribute communication from the Department.
Parents, schools, service providers, and the public can learn more at lagator.la.gov
BATON ROUGE, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has unveiled new resources to support the public in understanding and accessing the state’s first education scholarship account (ESA) program. The Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) Scholarship Program is set to open student applications by March 1 for the 2025-2026 school year. To assist families, schools, and service providers, the program now features a dedicated webpage, call center, and email help desk.
The public can access these new LA GATOR communications supports at:
- Webpage: lagator.la.gov
- Call Center: 225-422-1538
- Email Help Desk: help.la@withodyssey.com
Explore the LA GATOR Program Online
Housed on the LDOE’s newly redesigned website, the LA GATOR Scholarship Program page serves as a central hub for information about Louisiana’s latest school choice initiative. The site includes:
- Eligibility requirements and prioritization guidelines
- Potential scholarship award amounts
- Specific sections for families, schools, and service providers
- An email sign-up feature for updates
LDOE Partners with Odyssey for Enhanced Support
The LDOE has partnered with Odyssey to manage the program’s application process and marketplace. Odyssey will provide families, schools, and service providers with assistance on applications, account management, and navigating the marketplace once it launches on March 1. Odyssey is operating the program’s call center and email help desk, and it has added a virtual chat option on its dedicated LA GATOR support page to further assist users.
Transition from the Louisiana Scholarship Program
Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, the LA GATOR Scholarship Program will replace the Louisiana Scholarship Program (LSP). LSP students will receive priority access to LA GATOR but must submit an application when the portal opens on March 1. To ensure a smooth transition, the LDOE will provide additional resources for LSP families, including a dedicated webinar and application guidance materials.
Families currently participating in LSP who have not been receiving updates about LA GATOR from their school and the LDOE are encouraged to contact the call center or email help desk.
About the LA GATOR Scholarship Program
The LA GATOR Scholarship Program is Louisiana’s first ESA, providing scholarship accounts to eligible students. Parents can use these funds for approved educational services, such as:
- Nonpublic school tuition and fees
- Tutoring and educational therapies
- Textbooks and curricula
- Dual enrollment courses
- Uniforms
Signed into law by Governor Landry, the LA GATOR Scholarship Program represents a significant step in expanding educational freedom in Louisiana. It complements the state’s diverse school choice offerings, which include traditional public schools, public charter schools, nonpublic schools, and home study programs.
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