Policy Institute Conducting Survey to Gauge Impact of COVID-19 on LA Families’ Child Care Arrangements

Through October 3, 2020, the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children (LPIC) is soliciting responses for the “Louisiana Child Care Parent Poll,” with a goal of better understanding the child care needs of Louisiana families amid the COVID-19 pandemic. LPIC, in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Education and United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Women United, encourages any parent, guardian or caregiver in the state raising children under the age of five to complete the survey.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our organization has seen first-hand how child care providers have been impacted. Now, we need to hear from Louisiana families with young children about their experiences with child care over the past several months,” said Dr. Libbie Sonnier, executive director of LPIC. “As an independent source of research, hearing first-hand how the pandemic is affecting Louisiana families, and your specific child care needs, will help us as we continue on in the fight to save child care in our state.”

Questions range from asking about child care arrangements before and since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, personal child care expenses, comfortability in sending children to child care in light of the public health crisis, family work schedules and more. Through this survey, LPIC and partners, such as Agenda for Children and the Urban League of Louisiana, will be better able to understand and advocate for the child care needs of families with young children across the state.  

“In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to hear from Louisiana families with young children about their experiences with child care over the past several months. By taking the time to share how your child care arrangements have been impacted, organizations like the Policy Institute can more accurately advocate for policies that best assist families like yours and the providers on which you rely,” said Louisiana Department of Education Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Jenna Chiasson.  

The survey takes less than 15 minutes to complete and is available in English, French, Spanish and Vietnamese. Responses will be kept confidential, and participants can answer the survey anonymously. Participants can take the survey online at PolicyInstituteLA.org/ParentPoll.

“The cost of living outpaces wages significantly in Louisiana, with child care making up the largest portion of a family’s basic household survival budget,” said Toya Barnes-Teamer, Ph.D., UWSELA Women United chair. “We need to hear from all Louisiana families, so we can provide access to high-quality, affordable child care to those in need and work toward a more equitable Louisiana for us all.”

If you have any questions about the survey, you may contact info@policyinstitutela.org. For more information on LPIC, please visit: PolicyInstituteLA.org.