U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, MD, recently visited Beary Cherry Tree Care Center in Metairie in recognition of his support of the Child Care and Development Block Grant.
Louisiana's early care and education programs are almost all federally funded. The grant received an historic increase last year, allowing 4,500 Louisiana children to come off the early care waitlist—which still has over 3,000 children on it. This block grant funds childcare subsidies for low-income families who are working, in school, or in job training.
Pictured, left to right, at the visit to the center are Sen. Cassidy; Paula Polito, chair, Jefferson Chamber Education Committee and Owner of Beary Cheery Tree Care Center; Christy Marino, Jefferson Chamber; Melanie Bronfin, Louisiana Policy Institute for Children; and Charmaine Caccioppi, United Way of Southeast Louisiana.