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Leaders with North Dakota's Parents Lead initiative say practicing morning routines, like getting ready for the bus, can be helpful in easing your child into another school year. (Adobe Stock)

Back to school blues: ND parents get the lowdown on talking to their child

Many North Dakota districts this week kick off a new school year, and a state initiative has advice for parents if their child is expressing a lot …

Researchers said children who live in poverty lose an additional two months of reading skills over the summer, with a lack of proper nutrition serving as a key factor. (Adobe Stock)

ND encourages more signups for kids' summer meal program

Some North Dakota leaders believe healthy food is part of what is needed to help all kids achieve better outcomes and they hope low-income families si…

According to a 2022 Kids Count report, 20 North Dakota counties meet less than 60% of the child care demand in their counties. (Adobe Stock)

ND launches latest component of child care crisis response

North Dakota officials will highlight a new project today to boost childcare access for parents with nontraditional work hours. A local provider …

If North Dakota were to enact a law that allows parents who had custody of their children removed by a court order to seek restoration of custody rights, officials estimate 33% of kids being held by the state would be eligible for these petitions. (Adobe Stock)

ND weighs restoring parental rights severed by courts

An interim North Dakota legislative committee this week got an update from state leaders on potential moves to reconnect kids in foster care with thei…

North Dakota might top the nation when measuring the economic well-being of kids around state. But when specifically looking at education, it ranks 40th among all states. (Adobe Stock)

Despite positive ranking, ND sees worrisome trends for child well-being

On the surface, North Dakota is performing well in setting the tone for child well-being. However, an annual ranking finds certain indicators going …

Because of their large batteries, electric school buses can be used as backup power sources for utilities when they are not in use during the summer. (Adobe Stock)

'Checking under the hood' of the electric school bus movement

Most school buses on the nation's roadways are still powered by diesel engines but in North Dakota and elsewhere, there is hope about the push to …

When North Dakota lawmakers reconvene in 2025, they're expected to consider ideas from a task force about getting more teachers into classrooms. The panel is just beginning to hold discussions. (Adobe Stock)

ND task force zeroes in on teacher recruitment

This coming Thursday, a new task force will meet to advance discussions about boosting teacher recruitment and retention in North Dakota. The panel …

Policy experts say as it now stands, roughly 19 million children in the U.S. don't benefit from the federal Child Tax Credit because their families' incomes are too low. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Child Tax Credit could see another expansion with new deal in play

Congress is poised to consider renewing the expanded Child Tax Credit and policy analysts said the latest effort could help tens of thousands of North…

According to the advocacy group Kids in Danger, there were 100 children's product recalls in 2022, the highest number since 2013. (Adobe Stock/Generated with AI)

Post-holiday gift research urged for smart toys

The "smart toy" market is now a more than $16 billion industry and is expected to double by 2027. This holiday season, experts are warning parents to …

In a new educator union poll, North Dakota teachers say they don't feel district administrators, school boards and elected officials respect their opinions and experience. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Teacher retention issue in ND not improving

Eighty-eight percent of North Dakota teachers feel that school districts will have a harder time keeping enough staff next school year, according to …

Toy drive organizers say books are a good donation approach for toy drives because a set of three can count as one whole gift as part of the toy limit for each child. (Adobe Stock)

Toy drive tips: items for teens, resist donating used gifts

Christmas is a little more than two weeks away, and toy drives around the country are in full swing. A North Dakota organizer shares some things to …

Between 2019 and 2021, North Dakota saw a decline in high-schoolers using e-cigarette-type products, mirroring national trends. (AdobeStock)

National tobacco use data show mixed results for teens

Cigarettes may not appeal to America's youth like they did in the 1960s, but a significant number still experiment with e-cigarettes. The Centers …

The North Dakota Child Care Action Alliance said the state needs about 10,000 more childcare slots to meet the demand for young children with working parents. (Adobe Stock)

ND childcare crisis: What's the next step during session gap?

North Dakota's special legislative session on budget technicalities did not bring many surprises. Groups wanting to see more action on child care …

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says last year's spike in the nation's child poverty rate is the largest increase for children dating back to 1967. (Adobe Stock)

New Poverty Data Spurs Urgent Calls to Reverse Trends

The U.S. Census Bureau is out with new findings showing that the nation's child poverty rate has more than doubled, to 12%. Policy experts say a key …

While several states adopted new school voucher bills this year, the Brookings Institution says another nine expanded existing programs. (Adobe Stock)

ND Public Schools State Their Case Amid Voucher Debate

New research is sharpening the focus on the debate over public funding for private school vouchers. And with North Dakota kids back in class…

Organizers with the Backpacks for Kids Program in the Bismarck area help ensure kids have access to food when they're away from school during the academic year, so they do not return to class distracted by hunger. (Photo courtesy of Community Action Program)

Starting the School Year Right: Relief Options for Kids in Low Income Settings

The start of a new school year can bring added stress to families, especially those experiencing poverty. In North Dakota, community-level …

In its most recent session, the North Dakota Legislature advanced nearly a dozen bills deemed hostile towards the LGBTQ community, including several new laws that advocates say unfairly target transgender students. (Adobe Stock)

ND Schools Prep for Laws Targeting Transgender Students

North Dakota school districts are making final preparations for the new academic year. But there are questions about what the environment will be …

Native American advocates say this week's Supreme Court decision to uphold the Indian Child Welfare Act ultimately protects tribal culture and heritage by ensuring there will be continued efforts to keep Native children in their community environments if they're considered for adoption or foster care. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal Advocates Feel 'Relief' After SCOTUS ICWA Ruling

Tribal advocates are cheering a U.S. Supreme Court decision Thursday which allows a landmark law dealing with child welfare cases to stand. It …

Findings compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation give North Dakota high marks in some areas when it comes to child well-being, including kids' overall health. (Adobe Stock)

Policy Experts 'Look Under the Hood' for Child Well-Being in ND

An annual report measuring child well-being in the U.S. said several benchmarks have worsened. States like North Dakota fared better in the overall …

Supporters of providing no-cost school meals to all students argue that it helps them learn better, reduces stigma, and provides financial relief to working families. (Adobe Stock)

ND Lawmaker: Still Hope for Expanding School Meals

This week, the North Dakota Senate rejected a plan to expand eligibility for free school meals, but the idea has support from many agencies and …

A North Dakota coalition says the state needs about 10,000 more childcare slots to meet the demand for young children with working parents. (Adobe Stock)

Funding Levels Focus of ND Childcare Debate

As anticipated, improving childcare access is getting attention at the North Dakota Capitol this year. One emerging bill deals with funding support…

Last fall, the American Library Association said the number of attempts to ban or restrict library resources in schools, universities and public libraries was on track to exceed record counts from 2021. (Adobe Stock)

ND Enters Fray Surrounding Content Ban for Libraries

North Dakota is expected to see continued debate in the coming weeks over a plan to ban certain items from public libraries. While the plan has its …

About 1 in 44 children has been identified as being on the autism spectrum, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

ND's Autism Task Force Seeks Input

North Dakota has a new survey online seeking information on how to better address the needs of people with autism. Right now, state officials admit …

Supporters of boosting wages for childcare workers in North Dakota say low pay is fueling the lack of available care. They say some families report traveling 80 miles roundtrip to bring their children to a provider. (Adobe Stock)

Guarded Optimism Surrounds ND Child Care Plan

Advocates for expanding child care in North Dakota are responding to the governor's proposal to improve access across the state. They said it is a …

North Dakota has nearly 20 counties that are considered child-care deserts. (Adobe Stock)

ND Rolls Out Incentives for Child-Care Workers

North Dakota is looking at ways to stabilize its child-care workforce as parents struggle to find openings. Part of that involves a new initiative …

Policy analysts say mental health disparities among kids result from generations of discriminatory policies that create barriers to accessing health care and other economic opportunities for families of color. (Adobe Stock)

ND Child Well-Being Summary Highlights Mental Health Concerns

Despite its high ranking, an annual child well-being report said children of color in North Dakota are still being left behind. The findings also …

In a new Minneapolis Fed survey, 24% of workers in North Dakota and Minnesota said the need for skills is a major factor in considering a job change. (Adobe Stock)

Regional Survey: Barriers Restrict Labor Mobility

The so-called "great resignation" isn't playing out for all workers. A new survey covering North Dakota and Minnesota shows people on the lower end …

Researchers looking at disparities in children's well-being in North Dakota say the issues play out into adulthood. People of color with a bachelor's degree or higher earn $4 less in median hourly wage than their white peers. (Adobe Stock)

Report Examines Needs, Well-being of BIPOC Youth in ND

North Dakota is seeing more diversity within its youth population, but researchers say they face a tougher road in securing a brighter future…

As teens and adolescents report feeling more stress and anxiety during the pandemic, those who feel supported in places such as schools were less likely to feel sad and hopeless, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

ND Provider: Teen Mental-Health Needs Are Visible

As the school year winds down, mental-health providers say they recognize many students still feel the weight of the pandemic, and in North Dakota…

A new report says the United States needs to change its methodology in measuring youth detention in the juvenile justice system, fearing there is an undercount. (Adobe Stock)

ND Still Hopeful About Juvenile-Justice Reforms

The U.S. has made progress in reducing youth incarceration, but a new national report found there are still issues with confinement. In North Dakota…

Those calling for permanent universal free school meals say research has linked them to better academic outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

Supporters of Universal School Meals: Don't Stop Now

This summer, a key initiative to boost school meal access during the pandemic will expire. In North Dakota, those working at the community level say …

In the past decade, schools around the United States have implemented enhanced nutritional standards set forth by the federal government. But there have been various efforts to relax standards for school lunches. (Adobe Stock)

ND Organizers: Keep School Lunches Healthy

First in a two-part series this week on access to healthy school meals. The pandemic has put a spotlight on food insecurity, including access to …

North Dakota has seven community action agencies spread across the state. They offer a number of programs, including Head Start. (Adobe Stock)

ND Head Start Programs Encounter Enrollment Issues

FARGO, N.D. - As North Dakota families navigate the latest phase of the pandemic, community action agencies worry the crisis is affecting parents' …

Child-care advocates say if North Dakota doesn't boost funding for the system, more families might pull out of the workforce because of access issues. (Adobe Stock)

ND Leaders Urged to Think Big on Child-Care Spending

BISMARCK, N.D. - A portion of American Rescue Plan funding sent to North Dakota has yet to be divvied up. Groups that want to improve the child-care …

More than 64,000 North Dakotans are children younger than age 6. More than 70% have parents in the workforce. (Adobe Stock)

Report: ND Should Think of Child Care as Infrastructure

JAMESTOWN, N.D. -- A new report showed affordable and accessible child care remains an issue for North Dakota families. It is prompting calls for …

An annual well-being report said roughly 15,000 North Dakota children lacked health-care coverage leading up to the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

ND Children's Report Looks Good on Surface, But Concerns Lurk Beneath

FARGO, N.D. -- North Dakota ranks first in the U.S. when it comes to economic stability for children, according to an annual report measuring child …

Over the past year, a North Dakota program has helped nearly 3,000 families cover child-care costs. (Adobe Stock)

Looking for a Job? ND Has Child-Care Aid for Parents on The Hunt

BISMARCK, N.D. - As many parts of society return to pre-pandemic life, North Dakota officials are trying to help families displaced by the crisis…

At the North Dakota capitol this year, the transgender sports bill is among legislation that saw the most spirited debate. (Adobe Stock)

Pressure on Burgum to Veto Transgender Sports Bill

BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota's governor faces growing calls to reject legislation that would bar transgender student athletes from playing on …

Advocates for providing free lunches to all students say it's time to remove any stigma associated with meal-assistance programs. (Adobe Stock)

ND Lawmakers Hear Plan for No-Cost Lunch for All Students

BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota families facing hardships could see some relief from state lawmakers, with a bill that calls on the state to cover …

According to a new national report, one-third of Americans face the likelihood of having to leave their current home as a result of economic fallout from the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

ND Households with Kids Share Their Struggles in New Report

FARGO, N.D. - A new report confirms that vulnerable families in North Dakota are experiencing more struggles as the pandemic drags on. Households …

To avoid an undercount of young children in the 2020 Census, North Dakota created a Complete Count Task Force, formed through an executive order by Gov. Doug Burgum. The task force includes a tribal subcommittee. (Adobe Stock)

ND Officials Aim to Ensure American Indian Kids Counted in Census

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Making sure all children are counted is a common theme for the 2020 Census. The number of young children missed in previous …

North Dakota health officials say parents should talk to their children about COVID-19 using a calm, factual approach that minimizes anxiety or fear. (Adobe Stock)

ND Health Officials Offer Tips for Talking to Kids about COVID-19

BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota parents have a lot on their plates as the coronavirus crisis unfolds, including job concerns and keeping their …

In addition to the 11 public school districts already approved, three more North Dakota districts have applied for a four-day-a-week schedule. (Adobe Stock)

More ND School Districts Testing 4-Day Weeks

BISMARCK, N.D. -- The number of North Dakota school districts moving to a four-day academic week has doubled in the past year - and more districts …

A 12-member panel in North Dakota examining ways to improve services for children includes lawmakers, agency officials, parents and community partners. (Adobe Stock)

New ND Children's Cabinet Gets its Feet Wet

BISMARCK, N.D. -- A new panel looking at issues facing North Dakota children meets today for only the second time since being formed last year…

The group Lunch Aid says $58 million is the potential price tag for universal lunches in North Dakota's K-12 schools. (Africa Studio/Adobe Stock)

Legacy Fund Could Provide Lunches for All ND Kids

Bismarck, N.D. – North Dakota's Legacy Fund has topped $6.3 billion – and one suggestion is that a fraction of that money could provide …

A persistent lack of sleep can lead to long-term physical health problems. (reewungjunerr/Adobe Stock)

Doctors' Advice: Put Phone Down for Good Night's Sleep

BISMARCK, N.D. – With school back in session, doctors are saying, “Well, your mom is right – time to turn the phone off and get to …

About 9% of North Dakota households experienced food insecurity between 2015 and 2017. (kuarmungadd/Adobe Stock)

Groups Fear More Hunger in ND from Proposed SNAP Change

BISMARCK, N.D. – Anti-hunger groups in North Dakota fear that a proposed change to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will lead to …

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is hosting the seventh Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival. (nps.gov)

Preserving Dark Skies Paramount at Annual ND Stargazing Festival

MEDORA, N.D. – To enjoy the stars, a dark night far from light pollution is key. And that's just what Theodore Roosevelt National Park in …

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