At Carbo’s Learning Express in New Orleans East, children are thriving -- and behind that success is a powerful partnership with Boys Town Louisiana and Louisiana’s Early Head Start program. We recently sat down with owner Cece Carbo to hear how this collaboration is changing lives, one child and family at a time.
“This is our passion,” Cece said. “This is what we do. And we do it with our hearts.”
A Partnership That Just Clicked
Over the years, Carbo’s Learning Express was approached by several organizations about partnering. But when Boys Town Louisiana walked through the door, Cece says it felt different.
“When I sat down with the ladies from Boys Town Louisiana, it was different,” she said. “We were aligned. We both care about the whole child -- not just early learning through play, but supporting their families, too. It goes beyond the classroom.”
What sets Boys Town Louisiana apart?
Cece said it was Their presence. Their consistency. Their commitment.
“They’re not just talking the talk -- they’re walking the walk,” Cece said. “Whether it’s housing support, job placement or parent education, they’re here. I can call the director or anyone on the team, and they’ll show up -- even on a weekend if I need it.”
Real Impact, Measurable Growth
Since joining forces with Boys Town Louisiana, Carbo’s New Orleans East location has seen real results, most notably an increase in its Louisiana Star Rating from 3 to 5, jumping from “average” to “excellent” in the state’s quality rating system.
“That growth came directly from the coaching and support we received from Boys Town Louisiana staff,” Cece said. “They trained our team, built our capacity and opened doors for our teachers to grow professionally.”
A Story of Transformation
One story Cece shared captures the true power of the partnership.
A baby girl entered the center at just a year old. She was nonverbal and had already experienced abuse. Her mother confided in the Boys Town Louisiana staff, who then worked closely with the Carbo team to get the child the help she needed.
“Because of Boys Town Louisiana, we did early screenings, connected her with Early Steps services and supported both mom and baby from the very beginning,” Cece said. “Now? That little girl is thriving. She talks all day -- sometimes too much!”
Today, the girl’s mother is a dedicated volunteer and advocate for the center. Without early intervention, this family’s story could have had a very different outcome.
Empowering Families, Strengthening Communities
Since partnering with Boys Town Louisiana, Carbo’s has seen a dramatic increase in family engagement.
“I had to open another center because the demand was so high!” Cece said. “Parents are showing up, volunteering, attending classes. That wasn’t happening before Boys Town Louisiana came in.”
Boys Town Louisiana meets families where they are, offering help without judgment, and giving encouragement every step of the way.
“They don’t act as a crutch,” she said. “They offer a first step and then motivate families to keep climbing. That’s what makes all the difference.”
Why It Works
When asked what makes this partnership so effective, Cece didn’t hesitate:
“Continuity of care. You can show up late, out of uniform -- no questions asked. We’re just glad you’re here. We don’t turn families away. We show up, just like Boys Town Louisiana does.”
The Early Head Start team doesn’t just talk the talk. From classroom coaching and parent workshops to crisis response and family advocacy, they’re walking alongside families every step of the way.
We’re proud of this partnership and the lives it continues to impact. Together, we’re proving that when communities come together to support families early, we all win.
“I only wish the program didn’t end at Early Head Start,” Cece said. “If we could keep Boys Town Louisiana with our kids through age five -- or longer -- we would. That’s how much of a difference they make.”
