​The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana has partnered with Monroe City Schools and Downsville Community Charter School to offer more seats in local Pre-K programs. Early education is critical to the development of mental, social, and emotional skills in young children. Because Monroe City Schools’ Pre-K programs often fill up very early, The Children’s Coalition is working to offer more Pre-K seats at more locations. Students in the Pre-K Expansion program receive the same lessons as students in the primary program, with fully accredited certified teachers running the Pre-K Expansion classes. One of the Pre-K Expansion classes is held at a childcare center, Little Flower Academy, but The Children’s Coalition Pre-K Expansion Coordinator Karla Parker wants to reassure parents that the quality of education is the same. “Your kids are getting the same curriculum used in Monroe City Schools and are being taught by a Monroe City School Teacher,” Parker said. Applicants to the Pre-K Expansion program are reviewed in the same manner as the primary program, ensuring that the additional seats go to families and children that need them. Currently, The Children’s Coalition’s Pre-K Expansion program is responsible for an additional 20 Pre-K seats in Monroe and 20 Pre-K seats in Downsville, but The Children’s Coalition will keep working to grow this program and bring early education to even more of the children in Monroe and Union Parish!

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