The Louisiana Department of Education convened the Early Childhood Care and Education Advisory Council on July 18, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding training requirements and safety regulations for early childhood education providers.

A significant topic of discussion was the annual mandatory reporter training for child neglect and abuse, which aligns with Act 409. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, all staff members must complete this training annually. Additionally, childcare providers will be required to submit a list of compliant and non-compliant staff to the Louisiana Department of Education by September 30 each year. This change aims to enhance accountability and ensure that all staff are adequately trained to protect children.

The council also addressed the logistics of compliance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accurate records of staff training. Providers were reminded that they must verify compliance for all employees by the September deadline, regardless of their individual training anniversaries. Guidance will be provided to assist in this process, including notifications to remind providers of upcoming deadlines.

Another key update involved safety requirements in early childhood settings. The council discussed the need for effective communication systems in licensed early learning spaces, particularly in schools where dedicated facilities may not be available. This addition aims to ensure that staff can quickly report emergencies.

In response to safety concerns, the council proposed a ban on water beads in classrooms due to incidents where children ingested them, leading to severe health risks. Instead of an outright ban, the council decided to mandate that all toys and learning materials be age-appropriate, addressing broader safety concerns while allowing for flexibility in classroom materials.

The meeting concluded with a focus on ensuring that all updates align with the overarching goal of safeguarding children in educational environments. The council will continue to refine these policies and provide further guidance as necessary.