Webster Ready Start, a local early childhood education program, is intensifying its fundraising campaign to meet a critical January 30 deadline for matching funds from the state. The initiative seeks to provide scholarships for children aged 0-3, enabling families to afford high-quality early childhood education while allowing parents to return to work or school.
“Access to affordable childcare is essential for families in Webster Parish,” said Olivia Sebald, a representative for Webster Ready Start. “This program not only helps children receive quality early education but also supports parents in pursuing their careers or education.”
Childcare costs often rival or exceed the cost of college tuition, but unlike higher education, grants and scholarships are not widely available to offset these expenses. In Webster Parish, the need is particularly pressing. The state’s childcare assistance program has maintained a waitlist since 2022, with 50 local children currently waiting for services—some for up to two years. Additionally, the federally funded Early Head Start program in the area is full, with a separate waitlist of 20 children.
Webster Ready Start hopes to address this gap through Louisiana’s Early Childhood Education Fund, which offers a dollar-for-dollar matching program to create local scholarships. Every donation made before the January 30 deadline will be doubled, significantly increasing its impact.
- A $500 donation becomes $1,000, covering two months of early education.
- A $3,500 donation becomes $7,000, funding an entire year of early education.
“By contributing to this campaign, local businesses and community members can directly impact families in Webster Parish,” Sebald said. “This could include your employees or neighbors who are struggling with the high cost of childcare.”
The program’s goal is to raise funds by Thursday, January 30, to qualify for the state match. Community members and businesses interested in contributing can visit the Webster Ready Start website for more information at websterreadystart.com or donate directly to the initiative. Donations are tax deductible.
For families and employers alike, the success of this fundraising effort promises to bring significant relief and opportunities to the local community.