Mission
Our Mission
The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that is an independent source of data, research, and information for policymakers and stakeholders on issues related to early care and education for young children, birth to four, in Louisiana and their families.
We seek to advance policies to ensure that Louisiana’s young children are ready for success in school and in life.
Core Values
The core values that guide our organization are as follows:
- Child-centered: We are guided first by what is best for the healthy development and education of young children.
- Equity-focused: We seek to identify and close equity gaps — both inside our organization and in the policies and child outcomes we seek to advance.
- Data-driven: We seek to be a credible, nonpartisan, and unbiased organization that produces research and is guided by data on what works, what doesn’t, and why.
- Results-oriented: We work with partners to produce tangible results that improve the lives and life outcomes of young children, which takes dedication and perseverance.
- Visionary: We seek to be innovative and visionary, imagining and creating futures that are not simply reflective of or marginal improvements to the past.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, as a nonpartisan, independent source of data and research, works to ensure that children are afforded equitable access to resources necessary to be successful in school and in life.
Our organization believes equity requires highlighting the diverse experiences of Louisianans in conversations with business leaders and legislators to ensure that policies affecting families work for children of different races, abilities, and geographic locations.
We intentionally collect data to inform and advocate for evidence-based policy and minimize unintended consequences that exacerbate existing disparities impacting Louisiana families.
Founding
The Louisiana Policy Institute was founded in 2014 by Melanie Bronfin, J.D., as an independent source of data and research on early care and education for young children, birth to age four, in Louisiana. Our work is nonpartisan and seeks to advance policies that support Louisiana’s young children. In order to maintain our independence as a policy research and education organization, we do not take public funding.
