Mary Beth Hughes-Derrickson from the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) discussed the importance of early childhood education. She highlighted that many Louisiana children enter kindergarten unprepared, which impacts both future workforce readiness and current workforce participation, as parents struggle to find affordable childcare. Louisiana loses $1.3 billion annually due to parents staying home instead of working.
Hughes-Derrickson emphasized the need for increased and sustained funding for early childhood education. She noted that the business community is advocating for this cause, recognizing its economic impact. LABI is working with the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children and the Early Childhood Commission to address these issues.
She also mentioned the importance of educating lawmakers about the significance of early childhood education and exploring funding options, such as expanding the school readiness tax credit. Hughes-Derrickson pointed to successful models in other states, like Michigan’s tri-share model, where childcare costs are split between the employer, the family, and the state.
Overall, Hughes-Derrickson stressed the need for a collaborative effort to improve early childhood education in Louisiana, benefiting both the current and future workforce.