About Us
What We Do
The Cecil J. Picard Center for Child Development and Lifelong Learning is a research center comprised of a multidisciplinary group of evaluation and research professionals who focus on early childhood, K-12 education, school-based health, poverty’s effects on families, and lifelong learning. As an integral part of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s research mission, the Center provides high-quality, rigorous evaluations of programs that are implemented to address learning from birth through adulthood. Applied research is continually conducted in all areas of education, health, and well-being to ensure a prosperous and healthy future for all of Louisiana's children.
Learn more about the Picard Center with our fact sheet.
Our Mission
Improve the lives of Louisiana’s children and families by providing high-quality program evaluation, applied research and technical assistance in the areas of education, health, quality of life and workforce, and investigating ways to bring scientifically based research to bear on public policy.
Message from the Executive Director
Read what’s on the mind of Dr. Billy R. Stokes, Executive Director and Cecil J. Picard Endowed Fellow in Child Development.
Our History
Our Center was just a vision until two education champions helped to bring the Picard Center to reality.
Honoring Loyd J. Rockhold and the Special Children’s Foundation
Our Team
From evaluation and research professionals to well-respected education and health care leaders, our staff is ready to help you with your data needs.