Caddo Parish Sees Decline in Pre-K Enrollment, Officials Intensify Recruitment Efforts
SHREVEPORT, La. – The enrollment figures for Pre-K programs in Caddo Parish have decreased compared to the previous year, prompting local school officials to implement new strategies aimed at attracting families to fill available classroom spaces. As part of its commitment to early childhood education, the district has established an ambitious goal of enrolling 1,000 children in its Pre-K program by the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. This program is open to children who will reach the age of four before September 30.
Lashonda Marshall, the Pre-K Coordinator for Caddo Parish Public Schools, acknowledged the challenges faced in meeting this enrollment target. “It’s been a little bit of a challenge to get to that number, but we’re getting closer,” she stated, emphasizing the district’s determination to bolster its enrollment figures as families’ familiarity with the program grows.
Officials have identified several factors contributing to the decline in enrollment. Notably, many families have relocated to rural areas, which may limit their access to early educational opportunities. Additionally, financial constraints pose significant barriers for some families, making it difficult for them to consider enrolling their children in early learning programs.
Despite these hurdles, Caddo Parish Public Schools maintains a strong focus on the long-term benefits of early learning. The district’s Pre-K program is designed to provide three full rotations of instruction each day, emphasizing essential skills in language, literacy, and mathematics. Marshall notes, “Children can learn almost anything at this point in their life. They can get to reading sooner, get to counting sooner.”
Historical data reveals that enrollment numbers were higher at this time last year, prompting hope among officials that previous trends can be reinstated. To address the growing need for Pre-K seats, the district has plans to create additional classes at schools including Bethune, Oak Park, 81st Street, and Shreve Island within the next few weeks.
Marshall highlighted the need for increased awareness regarding available resources, particularly among families who may not realize the support offered by the district. “They don’t know that we can help,” she explained. “They try to figure it out for themselves.”
Families interested in enrolling their children in the Pre-K program are encouraged to visit CaddoSmartStart.com to complete an application or visit their local elementary schools, even if their child has not yet reached the age of four. Efforts to engage families early are viewed as crucial in establishing a solid academic foundation for future success in the classroom.
As local districts strive to promote early learning initiatives, the importance of community awareness and support for such programs remains paramount in achieving educational quality and equity.