Family

Appropriate Toys for Appropriate Ages It’s critical for child-care providers to choose wisely because the right toy can stimulate child development. Critters Order Form Please use this form to order materials for Character Critters. Program Assists Low-income Families With Child-care Costs The Child Care and Development Fund offers services to families and child-care providers throughout Louisiana. Be Child Care Aware: Children Take Risks, Accidents Happen There is no doubt that children are born risk takers, and that risk-taking characteristic is one of the most frightening aspects of their growth and development, because as children are allowed to take risks, accidents and incidents increase, says LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. Rural Low-income Families Speak: Living in Rural Louisiana (June 2004) After the passage of federal welfare reform legislation in 1996, faculty from land-grant universities organized to conduct a study of the legislation’s impact on rural families. The project began in 1998 and runs through 2008. The intent was to provide policymakers and program directors with up-to-date information about the ability of rural, low-income families to be economically self sufficient. The objectives of this project are included in this publication. (PDF Format Only) Programs Can Help You Make Good Decisions About Child Care Programs exist to help families make better decisions about child care, according to LSU AgCenter child-care associate Cheri Gioe. Known as Child Care Resource and Referral Programs, these local agencies provide free assistance to families who are actively searching for care and need help with making informed decisions about the best care for their children, Gioe explains. more...

Hazards and Threats

Have The Right Answers Before Storm; Take ‘Hurricane Quiz’ Now This game of 20 questions can help you determine whether you and your family will be prepared if a hurricane comes your way, according to LSU AgCenter experts. Disaster Wallet Card If an evacuation or other emergency separates family and friends, you’ll want to find each other. Fill out a card for each close friend and relative. Carry it with you wherever you go. Disaster Information Resources Series These publications are designed to help Louisiana residents recover from floods, storms, extended power outages and other stressful, dangerous events. Rebuilding Our Lives After the Hurricane This workbook was developed in the aftermath of the worst natural disasters to befall Louisiana – hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service of the LSU AgCenter is providing this resource to help families take charge of their lives in a positive way. This program is dedicated to those families who are performing heroic efforts to hold onto hope and rebuild their lives. more...

Home

Flood Recovery Information From this page, you will be able to access information on a variety of issues related to flood recovery. Flood Hazards in Louisiana Louisiana floods - from excess rain and poor drainage; from overflow of rivers, streams and bayous; from drainage channels backing-up; from storm surge; from levee failures. Building Systems: Ways You Can Get Framed in Louisiana Here are brief descriptions of currently available building systems for exterior walls and roofs. Some of their major properties that relate to sustainable development are mentioned. A generalized assessment of how each building system integrates and balances the five criteria for Louisiana conditions. NEW Gulf Region Healthy Homes Training Center LaHouse is now a Gulf Coast Region Healthy Homes Training Center -- a partnership with the National Healthy Homes Training Center that brings together public health and housing professionals to promote practical and cost-effective methods for making homes healthier. Guide for Consumers Use the Registry to find state licensed or registered service providers who wish to work in your parish and who offer the services you need. Guide for Building Industry Professionals Building professionals who are licensed or registered to operate in Louisiana can offer services used in building, remodeling or restoring homes. more...

Personal Finance

How to Handle Checking Account Problems Account verification companies keep track of overdrafts and account closures for banks and credit unions. If you believe there are errors on your record, disputes can be filed with the companies. Time for Taxes: Here are tips to save you money Many taxpayers already have gathered their documents, filled out their forms and sent in their tax return, but many will wait until the last minute. And the tax deadline is looming. But there is good news for most taxpayers. Easy Program Helps Calculate Amount To Save For Retirement Do you know how much money you need to save for retirement? According to the 2005 Retirement Confidence Survey (RCS), only about four in 10 workers surveyed have tried to determine how much they will need to save for a comfortable retirement. Volunteers Can Claim Expenses On Tax Forms A number of tax benefits are available to volunteers. Donors and volunteers can deduct out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the services given to a charitable organization if they itemize deductions on their tax returns. more...