Early Childhood Supports and Services (ECSS)
About The Program
The Early Childhood Supports and Services (ECSS) program offers compassionate, family-centered care for children aged zero to five facing challenges like behavioral issues, trauma, or developmental delays. Through personalized support and evidence-based therapies, ECSS helps families build strong, healthy foundations for lifelong well-being. ECSS is built on the understanding that children develop within the context of their families. From the very first point of contact, a Program Support Specialist or Community Health Worker greets families, explains the program, and ensures caregivers feel heard, supported, and empowered.
Who it serves:
- Children aged 0–5
- Parents and caregivers
- Pregnant women
- Teachers and early childhood educators
- Community members seeking support or resources
Our Approach
ECSS views children within the context of their families. From intake to goal-setting, families are active partners, and caregivers’ strengths, culture, and experiences guide every step. The program addresses barriers that may affect engagement while providing tailored resources and support to promote child and family well-being.
Goals & Benefits
Families participating in ECSS can expect:
- Personalized Family Plans tailored to each child and family, highlighting caregiver strengths and cultural values
- Collaborative goal-setting involving caregivers, Behavioral Health Therapists, Community Health Workers, and Program Support Specialists
- Access to licensed clinicians for mental health support
- Resource navigation connecting families to community supports for housing, transportation, health care, and other needs
- Evidence-based therapies like Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
- Parenting education to strengthen emotional, social, and relational skills
- Support for school readiness and positive early development through a family-centered, strengths-based approach
What sets ECSS apart
- Statewide coverage with a network of local providers
- Collaborative care involving mental health professionals, educators, and community partners
- Holistic, family-centered approach considering both child development and family strengths, culture, and lived experiences
- Trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approaches
- Caregivers are active partners in goal-setting and care planning, supported by Behavioral Health Therapists, Community Health Workers, and Program Support Specialists
- Addresses family-level barriers such as transportation, housing, employment, and mental health, while connecting families to community resources
- Empowerment-focused: Families actively participate in creating and updating their care plans
- No-cost services for eligible families
Download ECSS Resources
Access brochures and materials about Early Childhood Supports and Services for children ages 0 to 5, parents and caregivers, educators, and community partners.
Meet Your ECSS Provider
Kristy Beavers, LPC, is a Mental Health Therapist with Louisiana Early Childhood Support and Services, where she provides compassionate, evidence-based care to young children and their families.
With more than a decade of experience in family therapy and crisis intervention, she specializes in supporting at-risk youth, promoting family stability, and developing individualized treatment plans that foster long-term growth and well-being.
Kristy holds a Master’s in Education and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Southeastern Louisiana University and is recognized for her strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
How to Refer
Effective immediately, referrals to the ECSS Program can be made as follows:
Phone: 225-612-3923
Email: kesmith@shchc.org
Referral process:
- Teachers, childcare providers, or healthcare professionals can refer children.
- Submit a referral by phone
- Families can also self-refer. Participation is voluntary, and caregiver involvement from the first contact is central to developing a personalized plan.
Cost:
- Medicaid accepted where applicable.
- Sliding scale options may be available if additional services are needed.
Confidentiality:
- Our team follows state and federal privacy regulations to keep your family’s information secure.
Support for Parents/Caregivers
Tips & Strategies:
- Emotional Support: Spend regular one-on-one time with your child, listen actively, and validate their feelings.
- Early Intervention: Seek help promptly if you notice delays in speech, social interaction, or emotional regulation.
- Recognizing Signs: Watch for frequent tantrums, difficulty calming down, trouble connecting with peers, or sudden changes in behavior. Early attention can make a big difference.
- Caregiver Engagement: You are an active partner in your child’s care, collaborating with Behavioral Health Therapists, Community Health Workers, and Program Support Specialists to set goals and make decisions.
- Strengths and Culture: Your family’s strengths, values, and lived experiences guide all planning and support strategies.
- Resource Support: ECSS staff can help you access community resources and navigate barriers such as housing, transportation, employment, or mental health needs to support your family’s well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, children can be referred for support even without a formal diagnosis.
Eligibility is generally based on residency; contact us to discuss exceptions.
Yes, eligible families receive services at no cost. Call to see if your family is eligible.
Duration depends on your child’s needs and family goals; we create individualized plans together.
Yes, referrals are welcome from any trusted adult, but families can also self-refer.