Louisiana wins 2026 Preschool Development Grant; LDOE outlines birth‑to‑5 strategies

The Louisiana Department of Education said it was among the states awarded the 2026 Preschool Development Grant (PDG) and outlined how it plans to use the funding to create a unified birth‑to‑5 early‑childhood strategy.

Britney Cochran, executive director of the LDOE Office of Early Childhood Care and Education Strategy, told the council the PDG NOFO aims to "help states strengthen and align fragmented early care and education systems" and support development of a shared vision to coordinate policy and funding across programs.

Cochran said the PDG systems‑building grant centers on three critical elements and four outcome strategies. Outcome Strategy 1 focuses on statewide professional learning, coaching and family‑engaged instructional practice to strengthen instructional quality. Outcome Strategy 2 aims to increase family engagement and leadership through family‑centered summits. Outcome Strategy 3 emphasizes workforce pathways, navigation and retention supports. Outcome Strategy 4 targets consistent developmental screening, early identification and coordinated referrals.

The department also described four NOFO "bonus options" it plans to pursue: a governor's‑office leadership component to advance affordability (Tri‑Share/child‑care affordability), evidence‑based early literacy aligned to the science of reading, explicit consideration of children in foster care to improve access, and expansion of nutritional services and participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

Cochran listed planned partners for PDG implementation, including the governor's office, the Louisiana Board of Regents, the Louisiana Department of Health, the Department of Child and Family Services, LA Works, Head Start programs, CCR&Rs, Ready Start Networks and local community organizations. She said the award comes with a short execution and implementation timeline and that the department will ask many partners to engage outside regular meetings.

Council members welcomed the award but noted the grant's tight timeline; Cochran said the department is watching for additional opportunities from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). The meeting record shows no formal actions were taken because a quorum was not present.