The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Jeanne C. Johnston.
DIGEST
Present law provides for early childhood development and enrichment activity classes (The Cecil
J. Picard LA 4 Early Childhood Program, commonly known as LA 4) for four-year-old children
in public school systems and charter schools.
Present law provides that LA 4 classes shall be made available to every eligible child who meets
certain specified requirements. Provides that such classes shall be provided at no cost, except
applicable lunch costs, for any eligible child who is eligible to receive free or reduced price
meals. Further provides that any other eligible child may be charged tuition for such classes
scaled and imposed according to a student's family income.
Present law provides for universal access to LA 4 classes to be phased in over a five-year period,
beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, based upon family income in relation to the federal
poverty level. Full implementation of universal access for all eligible children, regardless of
income level, was to be achieved by the 2013-2014 school year, provided funding was made
available for such purpose.
Proposed law deletes provisions in present law relative to income requirements and that provide
for phased in universal access over time, subject to availability of funding, and instead provides
that beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, LA 4 classes shall be provided at no cost, except
for the applicable lunch cost, to every eligible child, without regard to income level.
Proposed law provides that each school system shall determine whether it will provide LA 4
classes through the public schools under its jurisdiction or through a collaborative agreement
with non-school system providers who meet state daycare licensing standards and meet the
minimum quality rating prescribed by BESE.
Proposed law provides that the legislature shall annually appropriate sufficient monies to fully
fund the cost of providing universal access to LA 4 classes for every eligible child.
Present law requires the Dept. of Education to provide funding for LA 4 classes based upon the
per pupil amount multiplied by the estimated number of students each year eligible to receive
free or reduced lunch.
Proposed law deletes this provision and instead requires the Dept. of Education to provide
funding for LA 4 classes based upon the per pupil amount multiplied by the estimated number of
students each year eligible to enter public school kindergarten the following year.
Present law allows school systems to participate in the LA 4 program on a partial basis. Proposed law deletes these provisions.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 17:24.10(A), (B), (I)(1)(a)(i) and (J); repeals R.S.17:24.10(E)(2) and (F))