Started in 2021, Geaux Far Louisiana is a movement that specializes in the needs of Louisiana’s children from prenatal to 5 years. Under the leadership of co-chairs Libbie Sonnier, Ph.D., and Rochelle Wilcox, this coalition believes in equitable, unified early childhood systems to ensure families have access to seamless, high-quality early childhood development, health, and educational services.
As Executive Director of the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children since 2019, Dr. Sonnier has led teams in system-wide initiatives for the betterment of children, families, caregivers, and practitioners for over two decades. Rochelle Wilcox, CEO of Wilcox Academy of Early Learning and Co-founder of For Providers By Providers, an early childhood education professional for almost 20 years, Mrs. Wilcox, boasts an impressive educational background, possessing an Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education and a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies focusing on Education in Urban Society.
Geaux Far Louisiana is their brainchild, conceived as a comprehensive effort to engage parents and early childhood health and education providers in leading the transformation of the state’s early childhood systems to better meet the needs of families. With policy accomplishments such as the inclusion of state budget funds for early care and education, doula maternity support, and extended pregnancy coverage for low-income mothers, the Geaux Far Louisiana impact has been felt throughout the state. It intends to only further their gains in the years to come.
By engaging high-quality early childhood providers, parents, business leaders, policymakers, and community members, Geaux Far Louisiana, through the work of Libbie Sonnier, Ph.D., and Rochelle Wilcox and the entire steering committee, aims to shape policies, advocate for change, and improve outcomes for young learners statewide.
Geaux Far Louisiana
P.O. Box 13552, New Orleans // 504-442-0298 // info@geauxfarla.org // geauxfarla.org
