Let's Be Healthy Grant

LSU Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool Chosen to Participate in Let’s Be Healthy Grant Opportunity

December 14, 2023

BATON ROUGE – The LSU Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool is delighted to announce its selection to participate in the prestigious Let’s Be Healthy grant opportunity, aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle choices through Farm to Early Care and Education (Farm to ECE) and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) implementation.

The Let’s Be Healthy grant is a testament to LSU's commitment to providing a nurturing and health-conscious environment for our young learners. The grant offers an exciting opportunity to further enhance the preschool's existing initiatives and create a lasting impact on the well-being of our students.

As part of the grant, LSU Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool will be participating in orientation sessions to gain valuable insights into the Farm to ECE and CACFP programs. These programs focus on incorporating fresh, locally sourced foods into the preschool's nutrition offerings, promoting healthy eating habits among children from an early age.

In addition to the orientation, the preschool will also be engaging with the Go NAPSACC (Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care) program, which provides resources and support to enhance the overall well-being of children in childcare settings. This initiative aligns seamlessly with LSU's dedication to fostering holistic development among its young learners.

“We are thrilled to be the recipient of this grant.  As early childhood educators, this grant will support our advocacy of healthy eating habits and proper nutrition, as we involve our students in multiple hands-on learning opportunities that this grant provides,” says Kamille Watson, Director of the LSU Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool.

The Let’s Be Healthy grant is an exciting opportunity for LSU Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool to lead the way in creating a healthier future for our community. The preschool is grateful for the support and looks forward to making a positive impact on the lives of its students.

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About the ECELP

The LSU Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool (ECELP) is a Reggio Emilia - inspired research facility within the School of Education and is aligned with undergraduate and graduate programs in Early Childhood Education. The ECELP is NAEYC accredited. 

Embedded within the LSU College of Human Sciences & Education, the ECELP serves as a laboratory for the generation of cutting-edge research in the areas of child development and education. The 15-room laboratory provides hands-on opportunities for students at LSU to observe state-of-the-art practices while receiving mentored support on teaching and research. Based on the philosophy of the world-renowned preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, the ECELP supports children’s natural curiosity, cultivating a lifelong love for learning. Learn more on the ECELP website.

About CHSE

The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of Louisiana State University. The college is comprised of the School of Education, the School of Kinesiology, the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, the School of Library & Information Science, the School of Social Work, and the University Laboratory School. These combined schools offer 8 undergraduate degree programs, 18 graduate programs, and 7 online graduate degree and/or certificate programs, enrolling more than 1,900 undergraduate and 1,120 graduate students. The College is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and is committed to improving quality of life across the lifespan. 

Visit the College of Human Sciences & Education website.

About Early Childhood Education Institute 

The Early Childhood Education Institute (ECEI) at LSU is an umbrella organization to promote research and disseminate recommended practices in early childhood care and education. ECEI is focused holistically on the early years and fills a unique niche by targeting birth through age three. The institute develops expert care practitioners who deliver high-quality early childhood programming, engage in research practices, and advocate for the profession. ECEI focuses on research, education, and outreach and is housed within LSU's College of Human Sciences & Education. 

Visit the Early Childhood Education Institute.