Louisiana’s first cohort of Ready Start Networks provide seven case studies in how communities can build more coordinated, higher quality ECE systems. This report and the accompanying profiles are the first in a set that aim to learn from these seven exemplary networks: Iberville, Jefferson, Lafayette, Orleans, Rapides, St. Mary, and Washington. Based on interviews with network leaders, they describe these networks’ experiences in the years prior to Ready Start, highlighting the common challenges network leaders faced and the successful strategies they used when responding to Act 3 and working to increase quality, access, and coordination. The report and profiles summarize key lessons and perspectives from the network leaders that may aid other communities—in Louisiana and across the country—in their efforts to build stronger local ECE systems. (author abstract)