Resources for Families

A.P.P.L.E. is a collaboration of Early Childhood Programs–Plaquemines Parish Schools, Plaquemines Parish Head Start, and Plaquemines Parish Type III Centers working together as a network to provide quality early childhood opportunities. You can apply for Head Start, public pre-k or Type III child care centers through A.P.P.L.E. Applications typically open in February for the following school year.

HealthyChildren.org offers research-based information from America’s leading pediatrician’s organization. It offers information on ages and stages, safety, health issues, and more. It even offers a symtom checker to help you assess when (and how quickly) you should seek medical attention for your child’s symptoms.

Art for All offers free museum admission on specific days of the week/month for all Louisiana residents, including the New Orleans Museum of Art, Contemporary Arts Center, Louisiana Children’s Museum, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Visit the Helis Foundation’s web site for details on dates and how to get tickets.

Child Search is a federally-funded program designed to identify, locate, and evaluate children who may be in need of special education services and are not currently enrolled in school. Children ages 3 to 5 can receive special education services through their local school district even if they are not enrolled in public school.

The Assumption Parish Early Childhood department manages public pre-k and Head Start programs in Assumption Parish. Applications usually open in March for the following school year. Visit their web site for more information, including eligibility criteria, deadlines and available options.

Orleans Parish residents can get free tickets to the aquarium, zoo and nature institute through the Audubon Institute’s Community Connect program. If you receive SNAP, you can get up to five tickets at any time (excluding special events). There are also free tickets available through Orleans Parish Appreciation Days and the New Orleans Public Library’s Culture Pass.

Note that Baby Artsplay! is currently being conducted virtually due to COVID-19. Caregivers are invited to learn how to integrate purposeful activities into your children’s daily routine and support their cognitive, physical and social development. Six half-hour programs will be presented on Facebook Live from 10 to 10:30 am on consecutive Saturdays. Visit https://www.ya4la.org/events for upcoming dates.

Families Helping Families is a parent-led organization dedicated to supporting families that include children with disabilities. They can help you navigate all of the support systems for children with special needs. They offer hundreds of trainings and can answer any of your questions about special education and other services related to any disability or special health care need.

New Orleans Breastfeeding Clinic offers free virtual drop-in clinics, as well as after-hours line (text 504.535-4223 between 8 pm and 10 pm every day, and at any time over the weekend). Birthmark Doulas also offers doula servies on a sliding fee scale.

Child Search is a federally-funded program designed to identify, locate, evaluate and serve children who may be in need of special education services and are not currently enrolled in school. Children ages 3 to 5 can receive special education services through their local school district even if they are not enrolled in public school.

The Bogalusa Early Childhood Community Network manages the application process for public pre-k, Head Start and Type III center programs in the City of Bogalusa. Applications open in the spring for the following school year. Visit their web site for more information, including eligibility criteria, deadlines and available options.

The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning offers resources to help you support your child’s social-emotional development, from responding to biting to teaching your child about feelings.

The Children and Youth Behaviorial Health Resources Guide is an inventory of resources on crises service, director treatment providers, school services, and support organizations. The guide is intended for teachers, facutly, parents, residents, and young people to support children and youth access these needed services.

Children’s Bureau provides evidence based counseling services to children and families. They have specialized training to support children and families impacted by a traumatic event, as well as those who have lost a loved one or witnessed and/or been a victim of violence.

Covenant House is a 24 hour facility that provides housing and support services to young people in need at no cost. Core services include shelter, child care, employment, affordable housing, physical and mental support.

The CDC offers tools to help you track your child’s milestones, and helps you know when you should contact your child’s pediatrician about developmental concerns. The “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” campaign offers an easy-to-use app, printable milestones checklists, videos and even books.

EarlySteps is a free program that can assess your infant or toddler (up to 36 months) for delays or disabilities and provide needed services at no cost. If your child is eligible for services, they will ensure that your child receives necessary services (such as physical therapy, assistive technology, vision services and more) in the child’s natural environment, such as the home, child care center or any other community setting. Anyone can make a referral, including a parent, child care provider or doctor.

If you are interested in a free early care and education spot for your young child (birth through four) in a center, Head Start or school, Enroll NOLA can help! Enroll NOLA is the centralized application system for free early care and education seats in New Orleans. Visit the Enroll NOLA web site to learn more about eligibility, your available options, how to apply, and important application deadlines.

Note that you will have the best chance of getting the seat you want the most by applying in the “main round,” which normally opens in November and closes in February. Families can apply later in the year through the “open enrollment process.”

If you would like in-person assistance with the enrollment or verification process, visit one of EnrollNOLA’s Family Resource Centers.

Families Helping Families is a parent-led organization dedicated to supporting families that include children with disabilities. They can help you navigate all of the support systems for children with special needs. They offer hundreds of trainings and can answer any of your questions about special education and other services related to any disability or special health care need.

Feeding America can help you find the closest food pantry to you.

Give Your Baby Space offers resources for families and caregivers on preventing SIDS and creating safe sleeping environments for young children.

Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana can help you understand (and compare) your health insurance options, and get assistance applying for and enrolling in Medicaid and Marketplace coverage.

Healthy Start is a community-based program that can help you navigate prenatal/postnatal care, enroll in community assistance programs, and become your baby’s first and most important teacher. As a Healthy Start family, you’ll also be invited to free events and parent workshops each month. Healthy Start Jefferson is open to pregnant people and parents living in Jefferson Parish with a child up to 18 months. They also offer parent support groups, including groups just for dads.

Healthy Start is a community-based program that can help you navigate prenatal/postnatal care, enroll in community assistance programs, and become your baby’s first and most important teacher. They offer workshops, can help connect you to social services (such as WIC or SNAP), clear up your criminal record, and join support groups for parents. Note that your child must be under the age of two to participate.

Child Search is a federally-funded program designed to identify, locate, evaluate and serve children who may be in need of special education services and are not currently enrolled in school. Children ages 3 to 5 can receive special education services through their local school district even if they are not enrolled in public school.

Jefferson Ready Start is a collaborative of child care centers, Head Start and schools in Jefferson Parish that are all working together to help more young children in Jefferson Parish get access to a high-quality early childhood education program. Visit their web site for more information on enrolling your child in free pre-k, Early Head Start, Head Start, Preschool Development Grant (PDG) programs and other free or subsidized child care options. Applications usually open in the spring.

The Louisiana Children’s Health Insurance Program (LaCHIP) provides health coverage to uninsured children up to age 19. It is a no-cost health program that pays for hospital care, doctor visits, prescription drugs, shots and more. Louisiana also offers the LaCHIP Affordable Plan for families that earn too much to qualify for LaCHIP.

The Lafourche Parish Early Childhood department managesthe application process for public pre-k, Head Start and Type III center programs in Lafourche Parish. Applications usually open in January for the following school year. Visit their web site for more information, including eligibility criteria, deadlines and available options.

Child Search is a federally-funded program designed to identify, locate, evaluate and serve children who may be in need of special education services and are not currently enrolled in school. Children ages 3 to 5 can receive special education services through their local school district even if they are not enrolled in public school.

Café au Lait is a FREE breastfeeding support circle for families of color, with locations in New Orleans, Kenner, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Opelousas, Shreveport, and Bossier City. They also offer a Spanish-language breastfeeding support group!

LCM offers general admission to the Museum for a minimal fee of $2 per person (for up to four people) with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and a photo ID.

Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence maintains a directory of domestic violence shelters in every parish in Louisiana.

The Louisiana Department of Health offers information on lead poisoning, including tips on reducing exposure, how to get your child tested for lead and why it’s important for young children to get tested.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission offers information on current Louisiana laws on carseats, a current directory of carseat fitting stations and other resources related to kids and car safety.

Louisiana Parent Line is designed to help parents in moments when they’re feeling especially stressed, overwhelmed, and frustrated. It’s a free, 24/7 helpline staffed by trained professionals. You can call anytime: 1-833-LA-CHILD (1-833-522-4453). You can also reach them via text at 225-424-1533.

LSU-Ag’s SNAP-Ed program provides free nutrition classes for anyone who is eligible for SNAP, as well as recipes, food safety information and even information on gardening! Did you know that SNAP benefits can be used for seeds to grow your own food?

Thanks to recent changes from the American Rescue Plan, health insurance premiums for policies purchased through the marketplace are more affordable than ever before. Some families will even have $0 monthly premiums! If your family has looked into marketplace coverage before, but found it to be too expensive, now is a good time to take another look. There is a special open enrolment period available through August 15, 2021.

The New Orleans Health Department offers information on lead poisoning, including tips on reducing exposure and how to get your child tested for lead. New Orleans residents can call 504-52-WATER (92837) to get your water tested for lead.

The Library has partnered with several cultural institutions throughout New Orleans to offer daily passes for free entry for New Orleans Public Library cardholders who live in Orleans Parish and are 18 and older.

Culture Pass partner institutions include:

• Audubon Nature Institute
• National WWII Museum New Canal Lighthouse Museum
• New Orleans Museum of Art
• Ogden Museum of Southern Art
• The Audubon Nature Institute Culture Pass
• Contemporary Arts Center – Currently Suspended
• Longue Vue House and Gardens – Currently Suspended
• Southern Food & Beverage Museum – Currently Suspended

Visit the NOPL web site for more details about each program. Passes are not valid for those with a temporary Library card or cardholders from Jefferson or St. Bernard Parish.

Child Search is a federally-funded program designed to identify, locate, evaluate and serve children who may be in need of special education services and are not currently enrolled in school. Children ages 3 to 5 can receive special education services through their local school district even if they are not enrolled in public school.

Families Helping Families is a parent-led organization dedicated to supporting families that include children with disabilities. They can help you navigate all of the support systems for children with special needs. They offer hundreds of trainings and can answer any of your questions about special education and other services related to any disability or special health care need.

Families Helping Families is a parent-led organization dedicated to supporting families that include children with disabilities. They can help you navigate all of the support systems for children with special needs. They offer hundreds of trainings and can answer any of your questions about special education and other services related to any disability or special health care need.

PAT pairs families who are expecting a baby or have young children with parent educators who provide support, help families navigate services, and keep babies on track for a healthy life.

Partners for Family Health Louisiana offers tons of helpful information for Louisiana families with young children, from finding free ot low-cost car seats to navigating social services.

Child Search is a federally-funded program designed to identify, locate, evaluate and serve children who may be in need of special education services and are not currently enrolled in school. Children ages 3 to 5 can receive special education services through their local school district even if they are not enrolled in public school.

Poison control provides 24/7 free, confidential information if you suspect your child (or anyone) has been poisoned. Their web site even offers tips on how to identify pills.

Project LAUNCH (Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children’s Health) Louisiana works to help all children ages 0-8 to reach social, emotional, behavioral, physical, and cognitive milestones.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits that help eligible low-income households buy the food they need for good health.

Market Match helps your SNAP benefits go twice as far at farmers’ markets in the Great New Orleans area. Depending on the market, you’ll get a “match” of $1 for every $1 in SNAP benefits you spend at the farmers’ market, or you’ll get half off your order. You can even have fresh food delivered to your door through the farmers’ market partnership with Top Box Foods. Note that the match is unlimited through September 30, 2021, and will be limited top $20 after that date.

Market Match helps your SNAP benefits go twice as far at the German Coast Farmers’ Market. Shoppers with SNAP benefits can bring their EBT card to the Market Welcome Booth where a staff member will swipe their card for the amount they would like to spend. With the Market Match Program, the SNAP customer will be given $1 in Market Match tokens for every $1 spent at the market using their EBT card (up to $20 per market day). Tokens can be used to purchase any SNAP eligible products available at the market and have no expiration.

Child Search is a federally-funded program designed to identify, locate, evaluate and serve children who may be in need of special education services and are not currently enrolled in school. Children ages 3 to 5 can receive special education services through their local school district even if they are not enrolled in public school.

Parents interested in sending their four year old child to a public pre-k program in St. Bernard Parish can apply through the St. Bernards Public School system. Applications normally open in the spring. Visit their web site for more information on eligibility, application processes and important deadlines.

The St. Charles Parish Early Childhood department manages the application process for public pre-k, Head Start and Type III center programs in St. Charles Parish. Applications open in the spring for the following school year. Visit their web site for more information, including eligibility criteria, deadlines and available options.

Child Search is a federally-funded program designed to identify, locate, evaluate and serve children who may be in need of special education services and are not currently enrolled in school. Children ages 3 to 5 can receive special education services through their local school district even if they are not enrolled in public school. St. Charles Parish hosts regular free Saturday clinics to screen children ages 3-5 for possible disabilities.

The St. James Parish Early Childhood department manages the application process for public pre-k, Head Start and Type III center programs in St. James Parish. Applications open in the spring for the following school year. Visit their web site for more information, including eligibility criteria, deadlines and available options.

Child Search is a federally-funded program designed to identify, locate, evaluate and serve children who may be in need of special education services and are not currently enrolled in school. Children ages 3 to 5 can receive special education services through their local school district even if they are not enrolled in public school.

The St. John the Baptist Parish Early Childhood department manages the application process for public pre-k, Head Start and Type III center programs in St. John Parish. Applications open in the spring for the following school year. Visit their web site for more information, including eligibility criteria, deadlines and available options.

Child Search is a federally-funded program designed to identify, locate, evaluate and serve children who may be in need of special education services and are not currently enrolled in school. Children ages 3 to 5 can receive special education services through their local school district even if they are not enrolled in public school. St. John’s Child Search programs hosts regular screening clinics-contact the department to make an appointment for a free screening.

The St. Tammany Parenting Center offers play groups for young children, parenting classes, specialty classes (ballet, cooking and karate), parent coaching, bootcamps for dads and more.

The St. Tammany Parish Early Childhood Community Network manages the application process for public pre-k, Head Start and Type III center programs in St. Tammany Parish. Applications open in the spring for the following school year. Visit their web site for more information, including eligibility criteria, deadlines and available options.

Child Search is a federally-funded program designed to identify, locate, evaluate and serve children who may be in need of special education services and are not currently enrolled in school. Children ages 3 to 5 can receive special education services through their local school district even if they are not enrolled in public school. For children aged 3-5 not enrolled in public school, parents can call their local office to schedule a screening: Eastern St. Tammany (985) 690-4423 or West St. Tammany (985) 898-3323.

Louisiana offers “Take Charge Plus,” which provides health coverage for family planning (birth control) and related services (such as well care visits related to family planning, STI testing, HPV vaccines and transportation for family planning appointments).

Child Search is a federally-funded program designed to identify, locate, evaluate and serve children who may be in need of special education services and are not currently enrolled in school. Children ages 3 to 5 can receive special education services through their local school district even if they are not enrolled in public school.

Terrebonne Partners in Early Childhood Education (T-PIECE) manages the application process for public pre-k, Head Start and Type III center programs in Terrebonne. Applications open in the spring for the following school year. Visit their web site for more information, including eligibility criteria, deadlines and available options.

The Junior League of New Orleans partners primarily with food banks to offer diapers and period supplies to families in need. Visit the web site for locations and schedules.

NFP pairs first time moms with a registered nurse during their second or third trimester to help guide them through pregnancy and newborn care.

The Parenting Center’s parent educators are available to answer any of your questions about parenting, from infant sleep to managing tween’s behaviors. They also offer parent support groups, parenting workshops, a lending library and a playspace for members.

TrainingGrounds provides a free “WE PLAY” center where caregivers and children under the age of five can enjoy quality playtime with developmentally appropriate toys. They also offer a variety of learning opportunities for caregivers, including workshops and support groups.

Tulane’ TIKES program provides free one-on-one support for caregivers of children ages 0-6 , including parents and teachers. Their team can help you with your child’s behavior and social emotional issues, as well as give you strategies for handling general stress and coping. They can even work with your child’s child care teachers to make sure that every adult in his/her life is on the same page when it comes to addressing challenging behaviors.

Child Find is a federally-funded program designed to identify, locate, evaluate and serve children who may be in need of special education services and are not currently enrolled in school. Children ages 3 to 5 can receive special education services through their local school district even if they are not enrolled in public school.

The Washington Parish Ready Start Early Childhood Network manages the application process for public pre-k, Head Start and Type III center programs in Washington (except for the City of Bogalusa). Applications open in the spring for the following school year. Visit their web site for more information, including eligibility criteria, deadlines and available options.

WIC is healthy food, breastfeeding support, nutrition education and help with keeping YOUR family healthy! It is open to women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have already delivered. Infants and children up to their fifth birthday may also receive benefits. WIC income eligibility requirements are a bit wider than SNAP requirements, so even if you can’t get SNAP benefits, you might qualify for WIC! If you already qualify for SNAP benefits, you probably qualify for WIC as well, so be sure to apply.

Zero to Three has information and articles to support parents of infants and toddlers in understanding their children and promoting their growth and development. Whether you are trying to understand why your two year old is suddenly lying or you want to help your baby sleep through the night, Zero to Three has resources to help you out!