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Pointe Coupée Early Childhood Coalition
Young children playing together

Get an Early Start for a Great Future!

Pointe Coupée Early Childhood Coalition strives to ensure that all birth to four-year-old children in Pointe Coupée Parish have access to the highest-quality early childhood developmental and educational programs so all are ready for school.

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Ways to give

Give a child in Pointe Coupée a strong start.

Every campaign stays right here in the parish. Pick the one that speaks to you, or see them all.

All campaigns →
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Need help?

The five things families and educators come to us for most.

Our community has a long history of nurturing our babies. In today’s world, we know more than ever before that the foundation for success begins in a child’s earliest years.

PCECC formed as a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization to share information, harvest partners, and produce a workforce to provide the best environment and balance for our youngest children and their families to be happy, healthy, resilient, and successful.

Moments from our parish

Moments from our families, our teachers, and our team across the parish.

From a local teacher

“...when I began the process I didn’t think it was a big deal. Now that I have completed the process and received my certification I realize how important all my efforts were and how it will benefit the children we care for and teach.”

A Pointe Coupée teacher, on earning her CDA certification with support from our coaches.

What we do

Your local Child Care Resource & Referral Agency

Our mission is to ensure that every child has access to the highest quality early childhood education.

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We know…

Five things research and our own families have taught us. Open each one.

A caregiver holding a smiling baby in her lap

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Business owners

Your state taxes can stay in Pointe Coupée.

The Workforce Child Care Tax Credit (WCCTC) lets your business contribute up to $5,000 a year to local early learning and claim every dollar of it back against your state tax.

See what you can claim
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Funders and Partners

Our work is backed by state, university, and community partners. See all partners and Workforce Child Care Tax Credit donors →

About us

Our Story

In today’s world we know more than ever before that the foundation for life’s success begins in a child’s earliest years.

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PCECC formed as a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization to share information, connect partners, and work with the community to provide the best environment for our youngest children (and their families!) to be happy, healthy, resilient and successful.

We leverage a variety of funding streams—private and public, state and federal—to sustain our work. Current funding streams include the Child Care Resource & Referral Agency contract from the Louisiana Department of Education, Workforce Child Care Tax Credit (WCCTC) contributions from businesses, the Capital Area United Way Innovation grant, and private donations from businesses and individuals.

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What we do

The Pointe Coupée Early Childhood Coalition is your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency.

Our Mission is to ensure that every child has access to the highest quality early childhood education.

Our Services

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About us

Our Team

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Reach any of our team at hello@pcearlystart.org or (225) 618-6688.

About us

Our Board

Our board members come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, and are devoted philanthropists and advocates for excellence in early childhood education and related programs for the benefit of both the child and their families. We believe that happy, healthy and resilient children and families are the cornerstone of a sustainable community. Focusing on both our children from prenatal to four and their families—by providing the best early education and related programs—will yield significant, long-term benefits for both the children and their families.

Organization Officers

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Members at Large

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About us

Our Partners

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Thank you to our 2024 Workforce Child Care Tax Credit Donors

{{ donorCount }} businesses and individuals invested in early childhood here through the Workforce Child Care Tax Credit.

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Businesses with a Louisiana Tax ID can contribute up to $5,000 a year through the Workforce Child Care Tax Credit and claim every dollar back. Want to join this list?

Become a WCCTC partner

For families

Parents, we are your first phone call.

Enrollment, screenings, car seats, parenting support, and a resource center in New Roads — open five days a week.

Ongoing programs

Enroll once and these keep going — no event date to catch.

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Get texts built for your child's age

Bright by Text sends free parenting tips, activities, and local resources straight to your phone.

Sign up free ↗

Partner resources

Coaching, training, and a resource center for our workforce.

Need pathways-approved clock hours? Want the highest quality classes? We build the plan with you.

Our approach to supporting teachers is an adult-first model. By equipping our teachers with self-regulation skills, we prepare our adults to teach children the same. For more on our Conscious Discipline work, click here.

Individual Coaching

We provide—at no cost to centers or teachers—individualized classroom coaching for all teachers in Type III centers. Through a partnership with the Early Childhood Education Institute, our coach provides real-world coaching support to teachers in person and through a simple, user-friendly video software that allows a teacher to record her classroom, securely send the video to her coach, and then the coach can review the video and make concrete improvement suggestions.

Individual coaching gives teachers a personalized professional development plan. Teachers and coaches meet regularly to review actionable suggestions in classroom practice. We offer individualized coaching on a variety of topics, including CLASS, Conscious Discipline, Curriculum, and Environment.

To schedule an introductory coaching visit, email pceccprogrammanager@gmail.com.

Group Training

We provide—at no cost to participants—regular monthly training workshops focused on birth to four-year-olds for all early childhood educators, directors, owners, and family care providers. Trainings are all provided by state-approved certified Pathways instructors. Participants receive Pathways credit certificates upon completion. Materials, refreshments, and take-a-ways to use in the classrooms and to share with children's families are included.

To schedule group training or be added to the email list for future trainings, email pceccprogrammanager@gmail.com.

Browse LDOE course catalog ↗

Technical Assistance Program

Need an expert to help you tweak a process, policy, or procedure? The Pointe Coupée Early Childhood Coalition's technical assistance program brings our expertise directly to your child care center. Our staff will visit any Type III child care center to provide individual support for your staff. To schedule technical assistance, email pceccprogrammanager@gmail.com.

For questions regarding the Tulane Infant Mental Health Consultant program (TIKES) please email Kari Stephens at kstephens@fsgbr.org.

News & events

Events and News

Stay informed about the latest news and upcoming events at the Pointe Coupée Early Childhood Coalition. From Resource Roads Shows and Mommy and Me classes to community outreach initiatives and professional development for early childhood educators, we provide opportunities and resources to support young children and their families.

This month

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Highlighted days are what is coming up in the parish.

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Event day National Diaper Need Awareness Week

Coming up

Sep 15 2026 Group training · For early childhood educators CLASS Overview for Teachers Tuesday, September 15, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Free for participants and taught by a state-approved Pathways instructor. You will get a Pathways credit certificate when you finish. To sign up or join the training email list, email pceccprogrammanager@gmail.com. Register on LDOE eCLearn ↗
Sep 17 2026 National Diaper Need Awareness Week · September 14–20 Diaper Bank Open House Thursday, September 17, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm {{ diaperAddress }} Free tours of the diaper bank run every hour on the hour at 10, 11, 12 and 1. Each tour includes a stop at the community impact table, where you can meet partner agencies and find out where the permanent diaper drop-off barrels are around the parish. PCECC will be at the impact table. Come say hello. Contact us for the location →
Sep 17 2026 Group training · For early childhood educators Developmental Milestones Thursday, September 17, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Free for participants and taught by a state-approved Pathways instructor. You will get a Pathways credit certificate when you finish. To sign up or join the training email list, email pceccprogrammanager@gmail.com. Register on LDOE eCLearn ↗
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Our Facebook page is where new events post first — playdates, Mommy and Me classes, and Resource Road Shows.

See what's happening on Facebook ↗

News & events

In The News

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Research briefs

Want to learn more about the research and impact of the Pointe Coupée Early Childhood Coalition? Browse our research briefs, delving into some of the most important issues facing our community.

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Coverage

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Support our mission

Support Our Mission.

Pointe Coupée Early Childhood Coalition, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization and all donations are tax deductible. In addition, Pointe Coupée Early Childhood Coalition has been designated by the state to be the Child Care Resource & Referral Agency for the benefit of Pointe Coupée Parish, and is the agency authorized to collect the donations for Pointe Coupée.

How can I give?

Gifts can be made online or by mail. Make your gift to PCECC by December 31st. We will send the necessary tax documentation to you by mail within 2 weeks of receipt of your gift.

There are two ways to support our missions. Individuals and businesses can make a tax deductible gift for any amount of your choice. Businesses with a Louisiana Tax ID can contribute up to $5,000 a year through the Workforce Child Care Tax Credit (WCCTC) and receive the full amount back as a state tax credit.

Community Investors

Early Education Matters to Pointe Coupée

A teacher who recently achieved her CDA certification made this poignant statement to one of our coaches: “...when I began the process I didn’t think it was a big deal. Now that I have completed the process and received my certification I realize how important all my efforts were and how it will benefit the children we care for and teach.”

We would like to acknowledge the following community members and many more who chose to remain anonymous for their generous investments and commitment to advancing high-quality early care and education for our community. Their commitment and the devoted efforts of our early care workforce is a big deal and will make a positive difference in the future of our community.

Our deepest gratitude extends to the Pointe Coupée General Hospital Board who generously donates our office space on the medical campus at 230 Roberts Drive, Suite A in New Roads.

See our 2024 Workforce Child Care Tax Credit donors →
PCECC donation flyer

Planned giving

Planned giving is a powerful way to make a difference in the lives of children in Pointe Coupée Parish. By including the Pointe Coupée Early Childhood Coalition in your bequest, you can ensure that our programs continue to provide high-quality early childhood education and care for years to come.

There are many different ways to make a planned gift, and our team of experts can help you find the option that best meets your needs and goals. For example, you could:

  • Leave a specific amount of money to the Coalition in your will.
  • Name the Coalition as a beneficiary of your IRA or other retirement plan.
  • Make a gift of appreciated stock or real estate.

No matter how you choose to give, your gift will help us continue to provide the early learning experiences that children in Pointe Coupée Parish need to succeed.

To learn more about planned giving, please contact Pheriche at executivedirector@pcearlystart.org.

Contact Us

Visit

230 Roberts Dr. Suite A
New Roads, LA 70760
P.O. Box 578, New Roads, LA 70760

Call

(225) 618-6688

Open five days a week, Monday through Friday.

Send us a message
Parent and young child playing

Learn the Signs. Act Early

From birth to 5 years, your child should reach milestones in how he plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves. Track your child’s development and act early if you have a concern.

Learn More at CDC.gov ↗

Universal Developmental Screening Initiaitve

The Coalition provides all child care sites, free of charge, an Ages and Stages Questionnaire (3rd edition) kit. Parents can request these from their site, school, or directly from the Coalition

Learn the Signs. Act Early milestones graphic

Ages and Stages 3rd edition (ASQ-3)

ASQ 3 is a set of questionnaires about children’s development. It has been used for more than 20 years to make sure children are developing well. A screening provides a quick look at how children are doing in important areas, such as communication, physical ability, social skills, and problem-solving skills. ASQ-3 can help identify your child’s strengths as well as any areas where your child may need support.

As a parent or caregiver, you are the best source of information about your child. This is why ASQ-3 questionnaires are designed to be filled out by you. You will only need 10–15 minutes. It’s that quick and easy. Here’s how ASQ-3 works:

You will answer each question “yes,” “sometimes,” or “not yet,” based on what your child is able to do now. Your answers help show your child’s strengths and areas where he or she may need practice.
To answer each question, you can try fun and simple activities with your child. These activities encourage your child to play, move around, and practice day-to-day skills.
After you complete the questionnaire, a professional will share the results with you. If your child is developing without concerns, there is nothing more you will need to do.

You may try the next ASQ-3 age level as your child grows and learns new skills. There are 21 questionnaires that you can use with children from 1 month to 5½ years old. If your child has trouble with some skills, your program will help you with next steps. Finding delays or problems as early as possible supports young children’s healthy development.

You are an active partner in your child’s learning and development. By completing ASQ-3 questionnaires, you are making sure your child is off to the best possible start!

Coordinated Enrollment

Ready, Set, GROW!

Early childhood matters because experiences early in life have a lasting impact on later learning, behavior, and health. Starting ahead is better than catching up.

Enrollment

When?

2025-2026 school year

Where?

Type III Centers in Pointe Coupée Parish (see list here)

Who?

Parents of children under age 3 who are looking to enroll their children in preschool, childcare, or CCAP-certified family homes

What to bring?

Enroll your child in quality care! Please bring your child’s birth certificate, social security card, updated immunization records, Parent/Guardian photo ID, 2 proof of resident documents (receipt for gas, water, cable, rent, etc.) and proof of income (4 sequential pay stubs, W-2s, SNAP, SSI verification, foster care placement, child support, etc.)

Selecting the right early child care center is the first step on the path of your child’s lifelong happiness and success. 100% of publicly-funded early care and education sites in Pointe Coupée received proficient or higher performance profiles for the 2022-2023 school year. You can have confidence that your child is being cared for in a safe, nurturing environment.

Search for early care centers on what matters most to you at Louisiana School Finder. Here you will find detailed information about each site’s offerings and academic performance.

Complete an enrollment packet and return eligibility documents to the Coalition by emailing hello@pcearlystart.org

How can I enroll?

Enrolling your child in quality early care in education is a great first step in your child’s educational journey. Do you have a child in foster care? Your child is categorically eligible for a seat! To enroll in any of our Type III child care, go to louisianaschools.com to find your site’s contact information and schedule a tour. To apply for the child care assistance program, go to the Child Care Assistance Program page.

If your family needs help with food, taxes, rental assistance, utility payments, or other social services, please dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211.

Parenting and family resources

Our public, private, and parochial early care and development center teachers in Pointe Coupée are using the Frog Street™ curriculum for infants, toddlers, and pre-k children. This is a research-based curriculum approved by the LA Department of Education. “Parents as Partners” is a component of the weekly lesson plan for learning and development lesson plans. Also, a key component of your young child’s learning and development with Frog Street™ is the Conscious Discipline® piece. Through Conscious Discipline® your young children are learning invaluable life skills such as self-regulation and mindful social-emotional skills that will prepare them for school and life.

To learn more about all the resources and standards for birth to four, visit Louisiana Department of Education — Early Childhood.

More for parents
Adult comforting a young child

Creating positive communities where children, staff, and families can thrive

Are you experiencing kids who are melting down? Are you yourself having difficulty focusing? Are you and your team dealing with anxiety and mental health struggles? We’re here to help!

Conscious Discipline

PCECC is undergoing a multi-year effort to integrate the curriculum of Conscious Discipline into schools, churches, child care centers and families who are encountering children ages 0-5. Conscious Discipline is one of the most comprehensive and evidence-based programs available to enhance the well-being of children by first working with adults. When we help adults build self awareness and self-regulation skills this results in children feeling safe, connected and better able to regulate their emotions and behavior.

To reach our Conscious Discipline coaching manager, email toni.bankston@gmail.com

What we offer

  • 1:1 sessions, small groups, or Communities of Practice
  • 20-25 minutes mini-sessions
  • Hour-long lunch-n-learn sessions
  • 90 minute to 1/2 day training session
  • Community training events for 1-2 days
  • Informal parent and caregiver sessions with tools to connect them to the process

Flexibility and convenience

We know that every setting is unique and will help you to come up with a plan for professional development and learning that fits your needs! We will support you at every step of your journey.

  • On-demand, flexible scheduling
  • Convenient times chosen by you
  • Naptime, lunch, and evening sessions available.
  • Text message, zoom, email support and follow-up every step of your journey.

Topics we cover

  • The Brain States and Neuroscience of Early Learners
  • The Powers, Skills and Structures of Conscious Discipline
  • Building a Safe and Supportive School Family
  • Understanding and Responding to Child Crisis and Adversity
  • Team-Building and Staff Well-being
  • And much more!

Why it matters

Most behavioral problems arise from unlearned skills, unmet needs or reactions to stress and adversity. Parents, teachers and staff make a huge impact. Our trainings will equip caregivers with concrete tools to handle stressful situations.

Request support today

For families

Car Seats

Car seat safety guidance from the Coalition. Tap either flyer to view it full size, or call us and we will walk you through it.

Call (225) 618-6688 Email us

Workforce Child Care Tax Credit (WCCTC)

Turn your Louisiana tax bill into local child care.

Through the Workforce Child Care Tax Credit (WCCTC), a Louisiana business can contribute up to $5,000 a year to early childhood education here and receive the full amount back as a state tax credit. PCECC is the agency authorized to receive these contributions for Pointe Coupée Parish.

Dollar for dollar, back to you

The WCCTC is not a deduction. Every dollar your business contributes returns to you as a credit against what you owe the state, so the money moves from your tax bill to classrooms in this parish.

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The $5,000 figure above is the annual limit for contributions to a Child Care Resource and Referral Agency such as PCECC. The state also offers separate credits for businesses that pay a child care center directly, buy slots, or fund equipment, and those carry their own limits. Confirm details with the Louisiana Department of Revenue or your accountant.

How it works

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Free tax filing help for families

The credits are not only for businesses. Through our VITA partnership, PCECC offers free tax preparation to local families — over 100 families have used it to claim credits they were owed and get on stronger financial footing.

Want to help out?

Volunteer at a VITA site ↗

Capital Area United Way trains volunteers — no tax experience required.

Businesses that contributed last year are listed on our partners page. Our deepest gratitude extends to every one of them.
Parent and young child playing

Partner resources

Learn the Signs. Act Early

From birth to 5 years, your child should reach milestones in how he plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves. Track your child’s development and act early if you have a concern.

Learn More ↗

Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3)

Many teachers and parents are concerned about the impacts of prolonged social distancing and pandemic restrictions on child development. Data demonstrate that many children are struggling; the early identification of developmental delays is key to helping these children thrive.

The Pointe Coupée Early Childhood Coalition has a received the Young Children with Disabilities Grant from the Louisiana Department of Education to support child care centers to identify, support, and remediate developmental delays.

ASQ screening materials

What is the Ages and Stages 3rd edition (ASQ-3)

ASQ 3 is a set of questionnaires about children’s development. It has been used for more than 20 years to make sure children are developing well. A screening provides a quick look at how children are doing in important areas, such as communication, physical ability, social skills, and problem-solving skills. ASQ-3 can help identify your child’s strengths as well as any areas where your child may need support.

As a parent or caregiver, you are the best source of information about your child. This is why ASQ-3 questionnaires are designed to be filled out by you. You will only need 10–15 minutes. It’s that quick and easy. Here’s how ASQ-3 works:

You will answer each question “yes,” “sometimes,” or “not yet,” based on what your child is able to do now. Your answers help show your child’s strengths and areas where he or she may need practice.
To answer each question, you can try fun and simple activities with your child. These activities encourage your child to play, move around, and practice day-to-day skills.
After you complete the questionnaire, a professional will share the results with you. If your child is developing without concerns, there is nothing more you will need to do.

You may try the next ASQ-3 age level as your child grows and learns new skills. There are 21 questionnaires that you can use with children from 1 month to 5½ years old. If your child has trouble with some skills, your program will help you with next steps. Finding delays or problems as early as possible supports young children’s healthy development.

Partner resources

Family Child Care

Training, coaching, and technical assistance for family child care providers across Pointe Coupée Parish — at no cost to you.

GROUP TRAINING

We provide—at no cost to participants—regular monthly training workshops focused on birth to four-year-olds for all early childhood educators, directors, owners and family care providers. Trainings are all provided by state-approved certified Pathways instructors. Participants receive Pathways credit certificates upon completion. Materials, refreshments and take-a-ways to use in the classrooms and to share with children’s families are included. Register on LDOE eCLearn ↗

To schedule group training or be added to the email list for future trainings, email pceccprogrammanager@gmail.com.

COACHING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Pointe Coupé Early Childhood Coalition's coaching technical assistance program brings our expertise directly to your child care center. Our staff will visit and provide individual coaching for your staff in person or remotely. To schedule, email pceccprogrammanager@gmail.com.

Sign up

Partner resources

Ready Start Network

PCECC serves as the Community Network Lead Agency for Pointe Coupée Parish. Planning documents for our network partners live here.

Child count template

The template network partners use to report their child counts.

Please use this template ↗

Coordinated Enrollment Plan

Our parish-wide plan for coordinated enrollment, open for partner review.

Please view our draft here ↗
Coordinated Enrollment for families Educator resources

For families

Newsletters

Our annual look back at the year, plus free updates sent straight to your phone.

Latest edition

Annual Newsletter

Our year in review: the families we served, the teachers we coached, and the community members who invested in early childhood here.

Read the Annual Newsletter ↗

Get updates on your phone instead

Bright by Text sends free parenting tips, activities, and local resources matched to your child's age.

Sign up free ↗
Follow us on Facebook ↗ Email us to join the list

For community members

Early education matters to Pointe Coupée.

Neighbors, businesses, and civic groups have carried this work from the start. Here is how you can join them.

Businesses: give and get it back

Through the Workforce Child Care Tax Credit, a Louisiana business can contribute up to $5,000 a year and claim every dollar back as a state tax credit. Pointe Coupée leads the state per capita for business investment in school readiness.

See how the credit works

Individuals: make a gift

PCECC is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit and every gift is tax deductible. Gifts of any size go directly to coaching our teachers and putting resources in the hands of local families.

Ways to give

Run a drive

Regions Bank in New Roads collected over 1,325 diapers for local families through a drive at their branch. Super 1 Foods funded our free tax clinic. Your workplace or congregation can do the same.

Start a conversation

Free tax filing help, open to the community

Through our VITA partnership, PCECC offers free tax preparation to local families. Over 100 families have used it to claim credits they were owed and get on stronger financial footing.

Call (225) 618-6688

Community investors

We would like to acknowledge the community members and many more who chose to remain anonymous for their generous investments and commitment to advancing high-quality early care and education for our community. Their commitment and the devoted efforts of our early care workforce is a big deal and will make a positive difference in the future of our community.

Our deepest gratitude extends to the Pointe Coupée General Hospital Board who generously donates our office space on the medical campus at 230 Roberts Drive, Suite A in New Roads.

See all our investors

Campaigns

Choose where your gift goes.

Every campaign below is run by the Pointe Coupée Early Childhood Coalition, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit. Giving is handled securely through Givebutter, and every dollar stays in Pointe Coupée Parish.

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Other ways to support us

Businesses with a Louisiana Tax ID can contribute through the Workforce Child Care Tax Credit and receive a dollar for dollar credit on their state taxes. Gifts by mail and planned giving are welcome as well.

 ♥ Give Now