Policy Institute launches annual Parent Poll to gather input from families of young children

Written By Alicia Vial

Annual survey collects data on child care and family needs in Louisiana

Baton Rouge, LA – The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children (LPIC) recently announced the opening of the survey window for the 2025 Parent Poll. This survey, conducted in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Education and the Agenda for Children, invites parents, guardians and caregivers with children under the age of five in their care to share their experiences with early childhood education in the state, regardless of their child care arrangement.

In recent years, the Parent Poll has highlighted key issues, including the rising cost of child care, concerns about affordability and the lack of access to quality child care services. This year’s survey will continue to explore these topics and capture real-time insights into the experiences of Louisiana families.

“This annual parent poll gives families across Louisiana a voice in shaping the policies that shape their daily lives,” said Libbie Sonnier, Ph.D., chief executive officer at LPIC. “Each response helps us depict a clear picture of what’s working and where families still need more support, so that we can work together to create a stronger early childhood education system.”

Available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese, the Parent Poll aims to capture a wide variety of family experiences throughout the state. LPIC has conducted this critical survey since 2020, using the data to inform policymakers about the most pressing needs and challenges facing families with young children.

“The feedback from this survey is vital for the Department to continue making informed policy decisions that truly address the needs of young children in the state,” said Barry Carter, assistant superintendent at the Louisiana Department of Education. “By understanding real experiences, we can strengthen early childhood programs and ensure that policies are responsive to the evolving needs of Louisiana’s youngest learners.”

The survey can be found here. The survey will be open until October 29. Questions range from asking about a family’s child care choices, concerns for the future and more. For more information on LPIC, please visit PolicyInstituteLA.org.

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About Louisiana Policy Institute for Children:
Louisiana Policy Institute for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that Louisiana's young children, from birth to age four, are best prepared for success in school and in life. The Policy Institute develops policy proposals informed by data, research, best practices, and the experiences of other states to improve the outcomes of Louisiana’s youngest citizens, and further provides educational and outreach activities based on recommended policy solutions. The organization works to ensure children are safe, healthy, and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. For more information, visit www.policyinstitutela.org and follow the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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