more... > Louisiana Agriculture Magazine > Past Issues > 2005 > Winter 2005 Summer 2005 Spring 2005 Fall 2005      more articles... Developmentally Appropriate Educational Practices in Early Childhood Programs: An Economic Investment for the Future [Image: photo] The effect of early experiences on a child’s later success is well-documented by social scientists. Because young children are increasingly spending more of their early years in a variety of settings, it is critical that they receive high-quality care and education during these formative years. Laird Receives $336,898 Grant The National Science Foundation has awarded a $336,898 grant to Robert Laird through LSU A&M. Laird has a joint appointment with the LSU AgCenter, and the grant will allow him to continue his research on parenting teenagers. Parenting Teens: Investing in Human Capital Experiences during the teenage years play a large role in determining whether teenagers go on to become productive and engaged citizens as adults. Brains Bring Bounty: Louisiana Benefits From LSU AgCenter Intellectual Property In a recent report to the LSU System, an auditor of LSU’s technology transfer activities referred to the LSU AgCenter’s Office of Intellectual Property as the “crown jewel” of the system because of its productivity. Hurricane Recovery Message to 4-H: ‘Don’t Give Up’ [Image: Baton Rouge 4-H'ers Tina Mouch and Katee Craig] “Don’t give up” was the message from North Carolina's 4-H’ers to those in Louisiana who were affected by the recent hurricanes. New Delta Development Program Gets Under Way The LSU AgCenter has added strength to its quest to help organize an economic development strategy in the Northeast Louisiana. The added force is James Barnes, new director of the Delta Rural Development Center in Oak Grove. Bringing Rural Development to the Delta [Image: James N. Barnes] The continuing transformation of U.S. agriculture profoundly affects the economies in rural America. The LSU AgCenter is attempting to bring relief to one of the most impoverished parts of the country through an innovative, economic and rural development educational program. Entrepreneurs Lead Rural Economic Development Rural economic development addresses factors to increase the quality of rural life including the availability of infrastructure. The research and extension activities of the LSU AgCenter have adapted over time to meet the changing structure of our rural economies to promote their growth and well-being. Youth and Money: Building a Financially Literate Workforce [Image: Sheri Fair] Financial security plays a major role in a person’s overall feeling of well-being and satisfaction. The Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy is a partnership comprising representatives from business, industry, government, education and nonprofit groups that seeks to improve the personal financial literacy of young adults. Huffs and Puffs Won’t Blow These Roofs Down [Image: LaHouse construction] Losing the roof on your home to high winds can be an expensive proposition. High winds can literally lift the roof off a house. Then you not only have to take care of the damage to the roof itself but also the damage to the inside of the house.