Report Highlights Transformative Impact of Prime Time in Northwest Louisiana
A new report highlights Prime Time in Northwest Louisiana as a vital anchor in the region’s expanding educational ecosystem, delivering measurable academic and social benefits to thousands of local families.
An initiative of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Prime Time’s unique two-generational approach— which brings young children and their caregivers together with community facilitators for shared meals, guided story reading, discussion and play-based learning—addresses the home literacy environment, one of the strongest predictors of long-term academic success. Using beautifully illustrated, award-winning children’s books with culturally diverse stories and themes, trained facilitators read aloud and then lead discussions and interactive activities that promote literacy and critical-thinking skills. By reinforcing the bond between caregiver and child through critical thinking, Prime Time acts as a structured bridge between the classroom and the home.
“Literacy is far more than an academic score—it is the foundation for empathy, critical thinking, and lifelong curiosity,” said Miranda Restovic, president and executive director of the LEH and Prime Time, Inc. “This study confirms that when we support the entire family we don’t just raise reading benchmarks, we ignite a joy for reading that strengthens families and communities for generations, while achieving the goal of improving literacy and academic scores as well.”
Since its inception in Northwest Louisiana, Prime Time has served 6,992 families across 548 programs, successfully connecting classroom learning with engaging home reading practices.
The study, funded by the Community Foundation of North Louisiana, utilized family focus groups and surveys collected over a period of five years from families in Caddo and Bossier parishes. It found that Prime Time’s family-centered approach drives tangible behavioral and emotional growth:
- Increased Literacy Behaviors: More than 83 percent of recently participating families demonstrated a clear increase in active home literacy behaviors.
- School ties: Nearly 36 percent of families reported a better relationship with their child’s school following the program.
- Holistic Development: Caregivers reported noticeable gains in children’s empathy, perspective-taking, imagination, and interpersonal relationships with peers and family. Nearly 54 percent reported an increase in critical thinking.
- Inclusive Support: The program enhanced literacy for children regardless of their learning needs, offering critical support to students who struggle in traditional classroom settings.
Prime Time’s achievements align with wider educational growth across the region, including recent literacy and numeracy gains in Caddo Parish schools. Operating alongside local schools, community-based programs, and home supports, Prime Time serves as a cornerstone within a collaborative network dedicated to fostering enthusiastic, lifelong readers.
“Starting as a new teacher piloting Prime Time at Northside Elementary, I fell in love with how deeply the program engages families in literature and conversation. Over the past decade, I’ve seen Prime Time not only bridge the gap between the classroom and the living room, but also create safe, welcoming spaces where every voice matters,” said Kasie Henderson, regional training coordinator and Prime Time family literacy and district literacy content mentor for the Caddo Parish School Board. “I’ll never forget watching a grandmother move from sitting silently in the back to sharing her perspective front and center, because she felt heard, valued, and part of a true community. Through inquiry-based strategies, books like Fanny’s Dream, and the relationships we build, Prime Time fosters a thriving literacy ecosystem across Caddo Parish and Louisiana—one where families are empowered as lifelong learners and community partners.”
When surveyed about areas for improvement, families responded consistently: more Prime Time. They requested more sites and extended hours and days, meetings at every neighborhood library and elementary school, and programming during school vacations.
“Community Foundation of North Louisiana is proud to continue our support for Prime Time in North Louisiana,” said Kristi Gustavson, CEO of CFNLA. “The results of the recent survey demonstrate that Prime Time not only fosters key literacy skills for young learners but also empowers and strengthens families as they learn and achieve together. Through our Early Childhood Education Scholarship Initiative, CFNLA is working to improve kindergarten readiness in North Louisiana by increasing access to high-quality early childhood education opportunities. Our community is fortunate to have LEH’s Prime Time program as part of our educational infrastructure as we work to encourage literacy, improve kindergarten readiness, and prepare all students to perform to their full potential throughout their educational careers.”
Prime Time programs are currently kicking off across Louisiana, including seven programs in Caddo and Bossier parishes. Find a program or view the full study.
Prime Time Spans 25 Parishes This Fall
Forty-four Prime Time programs will reach 25 parishes this fall, bringing in-person Prime Time Family Reading and Prime Time Preschool Reading programs to communities all across Louisiana.
A program of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Prime Time programs involve story-sharing around an award-winning children’s book during a weekly session that takes place for six weeks at libraries, schools, churches, community centers and other local sites. Prime Time Family Reading, for ages 6-10, and Prime Time Preschool Reading, for ages 3-5, encourage families to personally connect with literature and each other and think beyond surface considerations of who, what, when, and where – by using open-ended questioning that spurs and encourages rich discussion across generations. For Preschool Reading, hands-on activities are incorporated to keep younger children engaged.
A recent, five-year study found that children who participate in Prime Time Preschool Reading consistently finish preschool significantly ahead of their peers, particularly in early literacy and foundational math while also contributing cognitive skills (such as attention, persistence and problem solving) that contribute to broader school readiness. In practical terms, Prime Time participation is equivalent to moving a child from the 50th percentile to the 70th percentile in core developmental areas.
Prime Time programs are free for families and the partner organizations throughout the state that host them. Families also get to keep the books from the sessions to help build their home libraries.
View a map and list of Louisiana programs to see if there’s one taking place near you. For sites outside of Louisiana, refer to your state council for information about Prime Time.
If you are in a state that doesn’t yet have Prime Time, contact us at [email protected] about how to start that conversation with your state’s humanities council or library system.
Landmark Study Shows Prime Time is Model for Family Engagement, Literacy
In celebration of Louisiana Literacy Day on May 5, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities announced the results of a landmark five-year study proving that Prime Time is a catalyst for improving early literacy and school readiness. The findings validate the Louisiana-born program as a premier, “best-in-class” national model for family engagement.
“Programs like LEH’s Prime Time show what’s possible when we invest not just in our schools, but in our families,“ said Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry. “Strengthening literacy at home is key to setting our children up for success, and efforts like this are helping move Louisiana in the right direction.”
The study, funded by Baptist Community Ministries, analyzed data from nearly 1,000 children participating in the free Prime Time Preschool program using Teaching Strategies GOLD® assessment data. The results are definitive: children who participate in Prime Time consistently finish preschool significantly ahead of their peers, particularly in early literacy and foundational math while also contributing cognitive skills (such as attention, persistence and problem solving) that contribute to broader school readiness. In practical terms, Prime Time participation is equivalent to moving a child from the 50th percentile to the 70th percentile in core developmental areas.
“For decades, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities has been the steward of Louisiana’s stories, but today we are proud to be recognized as a national leader in how those stories are used to transform early education,” said Miranda Restovic, president and executive director of the LEH. “As Louisiana’s pre-K to 12th-grade rankings have risen from 49th to 37th in the nation, Prime Time has served as a vital component of that collective progress. This landmark study confirms that our family-focused approach is a proven blueprint for the entire country.”
Since 1991, Prime Time has grown from a local pilot into a celebrated national affiliate network, with programs now implemented in states including Nebraska, Washington, Kentucky, Georgia, New Jersey, Delaware and Florida. The program was recently selected by the Library of Congress as the 2025 Literacy Awards American Prize recipient for making significant and measurable contributions to increasing literacy levels in the U.S.
The program’s unique methodology— which brings young children and their caregivers together for shared meals, guided story reading, discussion and play-based learning—addresses the home literacy environment, one of the strongest predictors of long-term academic success. Using beautifully illustrated, award-winning books with culturally diverse stories and themes, trained facilitators read aloud and then lead discussions and interactive activities that promote school readiness. By reinforcing the bond between caregiver and child through critical thinking, Prime Time acts as a structured bridge between the classroom and the home.
“Prime Time is delivering real results for children and families. It’s a powerful example of what’s possible when you invest in both children and the adults who support them,” said Erika Wright, Vice President of Grants at BCM. “This is the kind of effort that not only improves outcomes today, but helps communities build stronger, more equitable futures over time.”
- Families interested in participating in a Prime Time program can find one when they are announced on June 1 by checking this website or sign up to be notified. In the meantime, see if Prime Time Boxes are being distributed near you, or if you’re in the Shreveport area sign up for our parent workshop on May 16.
- Community organizations within Prime Time’s home state of Louisiana are awarded grants to fund the implementation of reading programs in their communities. Sign up for our newsletter to be reminded when applications open on September 15.
- Educators interested in bringing Prime Time programs into the classroom should contact [email protected]. Prime Time is an approved provider of Family Engagement Literacy Support by the Louisiana Department of Education. Learn more
- Foundations or other organizations interested in supporting Prime Time in their communities should contact [email protected]. Prime Time is kept free for families through the generous support of our donors.
New Orleans Declares May 5 Prime Time Literacy Day
Family Workshop Coming to Shreveport
HomeRoom@Home is coming to Shreveport! Join us for a special morning of Prime Time learning, storytelling, and connection for families and caregivers.
This session is designed to help caregivers strengthen their relationships with the children in their lives while embracing their role as their child’s first teacher.
What to expect:
- Interactive learning activities for families
- Dedicated time for both joint and independent learning
- Practical tools to bring the Prime Time reading experience into the home
Each participating family will receive a Prime Time Box to take home that includes a collection of books, a Grown-up Guide, and activity supplies to continue the learning experience. This HomeRoom@Home workshop is supported by the Carolyn W. and Charles T. Beaird Family Foundation.
HomeRoom@Home Workshop
Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m. to noon
Artspace, 708 Texas St., Shreveport, LA 71101
Apply to Attend HomeRoom in Baton Rouge
Join us in inspiring a lifelong love of reading in young learners! We’re inviting early childhood educators in the Baton Rouge area to apply for a day of professional development and lunch with colleagues, where you’ll learn how to bring the Prime Time methodology into your classroom.
Through engaging stories, meaningful conversations, and family connections, this approach helps build strong literacy skills while nurturing a love for books in children. If you’re passionate about youth development and committed to making a difference through literacy, this opportunity is for you. As a thank you for your time and participation, educators will receive a $125 stipend for the day. Come grow, learn, and make an impact with us. Educators working with children 0 to 5 are encouraged to apply. The deadline is April 15.
HomeRoom Workshop for Greater Baton Rouge ECE Educators
Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
BREC, 7711 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Head Start Director Named for North Central Louisiana
Prime Time Inc., the new Head Start grantee for DeSoto, Red River, and Natchitoches Parishes, has appointed Ashlyn Hamilton as the service area’s Head Start Director.
Hamilton’s journey in early childhood education began in 2008 in a Pre-K classroom, where she served as a teacher assistant and discovered a passion for supporting young learners and the educators who serve them. Over the years, that passion has shaped a career spanning multiple leadership roles, culminating in her most recent work as a Child Care Resource and Referral Program Coaching Manager and Master Coach with Volunteers of America South Central Louisiana.
Her work included coaching and mentoring educators, providing professional development, collaborating with Ready Start Networks and lead agencies, family and center-based childcare providers, and Head Start programs to support performance profile growth, and consulting with early childhood professionals at every stage of their careers. She also served as a Child Development instructor for the Northwestern State University Child and Family Network.
“Ashlyn has already proven herself to be a valuable and capable member of our team as we worked to establish services in north central Louisiana,” said Angel Slater, Assistant Vice President of Head Start services for the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and Prime Time, Inc. “We look forward to her leadership as we work toward our goal of positive change for the families and children in DeSoto, Red River, and Natchitoches Parishes.”
Hamilton received her bachelor’s degree in child development and early literacy from Grambling State University, and her master of education in educational leadership from Louisiana State University Shreveport. She is a member of the Louisiana Early Childhood Association.
“It is my belief that educational equity begins early,” Hamilton said. “Our program is committed to meeting children and families where they are, while providing the resources, care, and instruction needed to help children thrive.”
Prime Time is an initiative of the nonprofit Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. Prime Time’s free preschool program uses humanities-based learning to help children build basic skills, develop a love of literacy and hone critical-thinking abilities to set the foundation for lifelong learning while also providing support and services to the entire family.
Applications for the program are now being accepted from families in DeSoto, Red River, and Natchitoches Parishes.
Spring Programs Will Reach 20 Parishes
Prime Time is excited to partner with 43 organizations across 20 parishes this spring to bring in-person Prime Time Family Reading and Prime Time Preschool Reading programs to communities all across Louisiana.
Prime Time programming is free to participating families and organizations. Schools, libraries, and other community-oriented organizations will host Prime Time programs between February and May. They’ll be inviting hundreds of families to dine, read, and converse (featuring open-ended questions) with our well-trained teams of scholars, storytellers, and facilitators.
You can view a map of Louisiana programs to see if there’s one taking place near you. For sites outside of Louisiana, refer to your state council for information about Prime TIme.
If you are in a state that doesn’t yet have Prime Time, contact us at [email protected] about how to start that conversation with your state’s humanities council or library system.
Head Start Opens New Center in Lafayette
Prime Time Head Start officially cut the ribbon on its newest center located at Holy Rosary Institute on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
Prime Time, an initiative of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, added four classrooms at Holy Rosary Institute at the beginning of the school year, expanding its classroom capacity to serve more 3- and 4-year-olds while also helping to bring life back to the historic campus. Located less than a mile from Prime Time’s Lafayette campus at Immaculate Heart of Mary, the location allows Prime Time to leverage the family services and other resources on the IHM campus at the Holy Rosary satellite site as well.
“We’re thrilled to open our Holy Rosary campus, welcoming 56 children and their families as an extension of our Immaculate Heart of Mary site,” said Dena Thomas, Head Start Director for Prime Time Acadiana. “This opening holds special significance, as Holy Rosary is a cherished historic location deeply rooted in the hearts of many within our community.”
Several community leaders were in attendance, including Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet, state Sen. Gerald Boudreaux, state Rep. Tehmi Chassion, Parish Council members, and Holy Rosary Redevelopment Corporation Board President Dustin Cravins, who spoke about the significance of having young people back at the site.
During the ceremony, Chassion showed off a shirt he had made as a Head Start student, crediting the program with giving him the foundation he needed to be successful as a doctor and legislator.
Prime Time Head Start provides free preschool services to children six weeks to five years old at four locations in Lafayette and Iberia parishes. Last year, it expanded its classroom space at its Immaculate Heart of Mary campus in Lafayette to increase enrollment at that site to around 300 students.
Founded in 1913, Holy Rosary Institute began as an early vocational and technical school for African American females. In 1947, it began admitting males and provided an education to the Black community which would not otherwise have been available during that time. The main school closed in 1993 and efforts soon began to revitalize the campus. The Holy Rosary Redevelopment Corporation was created in 2010 with the goal of restoring the 40-acre site and returning it to a place of prominence in the community as a center for educational, economic, social, cultural and spiritual development.
In addition to Prime Time Head Start, a library and economic development center are currently planned for the site.
Prime Time Receives Award for National Impact on Literacy
The Library of Congress has selected Prime Time as its 2025 Literacy Awards American Prize recipient.
The American Prize is awarded to an organization based in the United States for making a significant and measurable contribution to increasing literacy levels in the U.S. or the national awareness of the importance of literacy. Started in 1991 by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Prime Time’s core programs bring families together for reading and discussion sessions based on award-winning children’s books that promote literacy and critical thinking and equip parents and caregivers with the skills they need to continue to use books as a learning tool at home.
By working with local schools, libraries, and community organizations, Prime Time impacts more than 2,000 families across Louisiana each year. A national affiliate network furthers the program’s reach, bringing families together across the U.S. in Nebraska, Washington, Kentucky, Georgia, New Jersey, Delaware and Florida.
The Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program recognizes organizations in the United States and abroad that provide exemplary, innovative, sustainable, and replicable strategies to promote literacy and reading. The program was established by the Library of Congress in 2013 and is generously supported by philanthropist David M. Rubenstein since 2013, and by the Kislak Family Foundation since 2023. The American Prize includes a $50,000 award to strengthen involvement in literacy and reading promotion and to encourage collaboration with like-minded organizations.
In addition to its family reading programs, Prime Time offers parent workshops, teacher professional developments, take-home boxes of books and learning activities for families, and a podcast.
Prime Time will be recognized by the Library of Congress at an event in Washington, D.C., in October.
