Early Childhood Education / Public News Service

Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking before the national convention of the American Federation of Teachers in Houston, revved up the crowd by chanting

Friday, July 26, 2024

Harris addresses educators at national convention in Houston

Thousands of teachers, support staff, school nurses and bus drivers heard from Vice President Kamala Harris> on Thursday at their convention in …

The Leandro Plan calls for at least $5.6 billion in new, annual education spending for North Carolina by 2028. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, July 26, 2024

As court decision looms, a push for better NC school funding

As summer winds down and North Carolina students prepare to return to school, the focus shifts to the urgent need for better public education funding…

New York is facing a shortage of 180,000 teachers, which will only grow due to a steep retirement cliff the state faces in the coming years. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

NY teachers union launches pro-public education campaign

New York's United Federation of Teachers union is launching a campaign to bolster public education. It comes as public schools' role as a social …

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten called on members to defend democracy, voting rights and public education in the run-up to the presidential election this November. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

MN educators join national calls for democracy, better working conditions

Politics and education reform are among the major topics at a national convention of more than 3,500 teachers union members this week, including some …

Brian Burton with the Arkansas Food Bank said children experiencing malnourishment have a tougher time learning in the classroom. (fotokitas/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Hunger is another struggle for Arkansas 'ALICE' residents

By Mary Hennigan for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop Rock…

In New Mexico, 12 small family-operated farms have provided food for over 1,000 children at more than 30 preschools. (American Friends Service Committee)

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

NM preschoolers discover purple carrots, plant organic veggies

Like kids everywhere, New Mexico preschoolers balk at eating fresh vegetables. But an educational project has found that with a creative nudge…

More than 3,500 delegates from across the country are attending the American Federation of Teachers national convention. (kasto/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Teachers rally at national convention in Houston

School teachers and staff members, nurses and health care workers from around the nation are meeting in Houston this week for the American Federation …

A JLARC study finds childcare is unaffordable for 85% of Virginia households. (Adobe Stock)

State investments help bolster VA's flailing childcare industry

Virginia is making a financial investment to help tackle the state's childcare shortage. This year's budget allocates more than $1 billion to …

A $1.25 million Department of Education grant will allow Wayne State University to provide 37 scholarships to train adaptive physical educators over the next five years. (Adobe Stock)

Wayne State adapts physical education program for students with disabilities

Wayne State University has received a $1.25 million grant to prepare adapted physical education specialists to serve students with disabilities…

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten will deliver her 'State of the Union' keynote address on Monday, July 22. (dragonstock/Adobe Stock}

Thousands of teachers expected in TX for their annual convention

Thousands of educators from across the nation will be in Houston starting this weekend for the American Federation of Teachers annual convention…

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 …

Using the data and maps, Bastrop County Cares has been convening different stakeholders to identify areas of need to help develop solutions to address the broadband shortage in rural Texas areas. (tippapatt/Adobe Stock)

Retired TX geoscientist uses talent to connect rural community to the web

By Kristi Eaton for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service Service for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collabora…

The Educare Winnebago Center in Winnebago, Neb., can serve up to 191 children from birth through age 5, and usually has a waiting list of 20 to 30 children. (Educare Winnebago)

NE Winnebago Educare promotes children's well being

Nearly 60% of Nebraska three- and four-year-olds are not enrolled in preschool programs, which are associated with increased success in school and …

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families provides subsidies to eligible families to help them pay for child care. (bernardbodo/Adobe Stock)

WA call center provides child care support for families experiencing homelessness

The high cost of child care in Washington can strain family budgets. It can be even harder when families are experiencing homelessness. A statewide …

New Mexico's Save the Children organization has previously engaged kids on summer break from school to help create a 9-foot paint-by-numbers mural. (Photo courtesy of Save the Children)

Helping prevent the summer slide among NM's school-aged kids

Some New Mexico kids hope summer never ends, while others cannot wait to get back in the classroom and both groups are at risk of falling behind in …

Save the Children works in more than 300 of rural America's most impoverished communities, helping kids prepare for kindergarten and reach grade-level goals. (peopleimages.com./Adobe Stock)

Save the Children works to end 'summer slide' for Arkansas students

During the summer months, children can lose up to 40% of the information they learned in school, in a phenomenon called the "summer slide." The …

There are more than 154,000 children under age six living in Utah with parents in the workforce but there are only 54,804 licensed child care spots in 1,367 programs statewide, according to Voices for Utah Children. (Adobe Stock)

Summit County initiative looks to ease childcare cost burden

Utah parents can expect to pay between $800 and $1,200 dollars a month for child care but a new program is expanding its reach into Summit County to h…

Save the Children's mobile units deliver books and other educational resources to rural low-income communities in 11 states, including California. (Save the Children)

Mobile units aim to 'Make Summer Fair' for rural low-income kids

Mobile units are rolling out in rural California communities this summer to help keep kids engaged and combat learning loss. The nonprofit Save the …

Among 3- and 4-year-olds in Texas, 58% are not in school. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

Texas remains near bottom in kids well-being

Texas is near the bottom in this year's annual Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count Data Book, which studies trends in child well-being. The report …

Reading during the summer can help children combat learning loss. (Samuel B./Adobe Stock)

Combating summer learning loss in WA

School is out for the summer but a lack of learning opportunities can leave kids behind when they head back to school next year. The organization …

In 2023, Arkansas' Farm to School Kitchen Equipment Grant Program increased the capacity to process and serve more specialty crops to students through the school cafeteria. (Cheangchai/Adobe Stock)

Arkansas students learn importance of healthy foods through school gardens

School children in Arkansas are learning how to grow their own fruits and vegetables through the Farm to School and Early Childhood Education program …

Rhode Island has one of the nation's highest percentages of students enrolled in early childhood education programs. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Building a brighter future for Rhode Island children

Rhode Island has ranked 12th in the nation for child well-being according to the 2024 Kids Count Data Book by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The …

One in eight undergraduate students at Virginia public colleges is also a parent. (Adobe Stock)

Report: VA public college policies can help student parents

A new report examines how Virginia public colleges can help student parents. The Urban Institute report reviews three policies schools can …

Connecticut's Blue Ribbon Panel on Child Care estimated the state loses around $1.5 billion yearly due to a lack of infant and toddler care. (Adobe Stock)

CT legislation helps reduce child care provider shortage

Legislation in Connecticut could help reduce the ongoing child care workforce shortage Reports show some 40,000 child care positions unfilled…

Fewer than 30% of New Hampshire eighth-graders were proficient in math between 2019 and 2022. Studies show the lag will reduce lifetime earnings by 1.6% for 48million pandemic-era students, for a total of $900 billion in lost income. (Adobe Stock)

NH leads in child well-being but chronic absence rates lower test scores

New Hampshire ranks first in the nation for overall child well-being but trauma and pandemic-related learning loss continue to impact students…

The number of Arkansas children living in poverty remained the same as last year. (bonniemarie/Adobe Stock)

Arkansas receives mixed results in annual Kids Count Data Book

Arkansas is ranked 45th in the 2024 Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The annual report ranks states on the overall condition …

An analysis by the National Bureau of Economic Research found the drop in math scores between 2019 and<br />2022 will reduce lifetime earnings by 1.6% for 48 million pandemic-era students, a total of $900 billion in lost income. (Denis Mamin/Adobe Stock)

Data helps map a brighter future for Missouri's children

Missouri children are making strides in overall health but educational challenges remain, according to the 2024 Kids Count Data Book released by the …

Annual report finds room for improvement for KS kids' lives, education

A report on the condition of America's children ranks Kansas in the bottom half of states for education, with declining reading and math scores among …

Between 2019 and 2022, the number of Nebraska children living in poverty increased from 51,000 to 64,000. (WavebreakMediaMicro/AdobeStock)

NE ranks in top 10 for childhood well-being despite rising poverty rates

Nebraska ranked in the top 10 for children's well-being on the 2024 Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count Data Book. Josh Shirk, research coordinator …

Among teachers surveyed, 32% said digital equity and tech access is the most pressing issue faced by education today, according to a 2023 State of Technology in Education report. (Adobe Stock)

‘Teach camp’ helps SD educators utilize tech in classrooms

Teachers across South Dakota tuned into a virtual training last week to learn new ways to integrate technology in the classroom. More than 400 …

Eligible Pennsylvania children live in families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level. Children with access include those enrolled in high-quality providers using public funds to support their pre-K education. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

PA pre-K advocates back governor's funding boost to expand access

Recent data on pre-K education in Pennsylvania revealed much work remains to improve investments in pre-K education in the state. In Pennsylvania…

The 2024 hurricane season spans from June 1 to Nov. 30. Experts anticipate it will be among the most active seasons ever recorded. (Davivd/Adobe Stock)

Coastal MS child care centers get help preparing for hurricane season

The nonprofit Save the Children is working with child care centers along the Mississippi coast, with plans and tools to help them reopen or resume …

The five states included in the Gulf Coast Resilience Network are Texas, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Child care centers along the TX coast prep for hurricane season

The advocacy group Save the Children is working with child care providers along the Texas coast ahead of the upcoming hurricane season. The …

Families say they agreed to the settlement with Uvalde because they did not want to bankrupt the city. (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

Remembering the Uvalde mass shooting; two years ago today

Two years ago today, a teenager killed 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. The families of those shot and killed have …

At least half of the $32.8 million to replace lead pipes will be prioritized for areas overburdened by pollution and decades of underinvestment, including communities of color and low-income neighborhoods. (Adobe Stock)

Biden Infrastructure Law brings $32.8 million to Colorado to replace lead pipes

Nearly $33 million from President Joe Biden's bipartisan Infrastructure Law is headed to Colorado to help locate and remove hazardous lead pipes from …

Birth through age five is a critical time for teaching kids how to read. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

OR prepares to fund early literacy efforts

Oregon is poised to distribute funds for early childhood learning and literacy. In 2023, lawmakers passed the Early Literacy Success Initiative…

The newest data for Arkansas Food Bank's 33-county service area highlights disparities and reveals the need for community action. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Food insecurity continues to rise in Arkansas

The Arkansas Food Bank said it's prepared for an increase in food demand as we go into the summer months. The latest "Map the Meal Gap" report from …

Vose Elementary is unique as a 750-student preschool through sixth-grade Spanish dual-immersion school focused on playful inquiry and habits of mind. (Adobe Stock)

OR school approaches early education with bilingual curriculum

The Beaverton School District is blazing a trail in early education through bilingual learning labs, which emphasize playful inquiry and habits of …

Families at Luiseno Elementary School in Corona listen to a recent workshop featuring the Ready, Tech, Go program. (Lifetouch)

Schools partner with PTA, AT&T to teach families online safety

Parents may wonder when is the right time to give a child a cell phone or tablet, or how can they help their kids stay safe online. The National …

A special session of the Missouri Legislature to complete the budget may be needed if it is not finalized by Friday at 6 p.m.(luzitanija/Adobe Stock)

Critical child care funding hangs in balance as Missouri budget nears deadline

Child care advocates are pushing for increased funding as the budget deadline approaches this Friday. Robyn Schelp, director of policy and advocacy …

National Teacher Appreciation Day was celebrated on March 7 until 1984, when it was moved to May. (Perry Correll/Adobe Stock)

It's Teacher Appreciation Week 2024

The first week of May is designated as Teacher Appreciation Week in the United States. The push to honor teachers started in 1953 when First Lady …

Louisiana teachers are concerned private schools using tax dollars for students will not be held to the same academic standards as public schools. (Adobe Stock)

LA teachers fight voucher plan to use public funds for private schools

A plan to use public money to fund vouchers for students to attend private schools is drawing pushback from Louisiana teachers, who say the plan …

Through the SMART apprenticeship program in Michigan, a school psychology graduate student earns $25 per hour for 20 hours a week, for 30 weeks. (Monkey Business)

MI schools seek solutions as pandemic mental health funding ends

Special state funding for mental health staff at Michigan public schools during the pandemic is ending this year, leaving schools scrambling to find …

Montana classrooms have seen a more than 12% increase in the number of special education students, according to the latest data. (Adobe Stock)

MT disability advocates sue to stop school vouchers

Advocates for the rights of people with disabilities have joined the Montana Quality Education Association in a suit to stop a school voucher bill in …

Among his recommendations for the coming legislative session, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is asking lawmakers to make recommendations about school safety and

TX educators react to Lt. Gov. priorities for next legislative session

Texas Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick has released 57 "interim charges," the topics he wants Senate committees to study in preparation for the 89th …

The 2023 Annie E. Casey Foundation Data Book ranked Arkansas 37th in the nation for education, and said 56% of young children were not in preschool programs to help get them ready for school. (Adobe Stock)

Program gives AR early education workers 'Career Pathways'

The need for child care and early learning is critical, especially in rural Arkansas. One nonprofit is working to fill those gaps by giving providers …

In addition to consolidating the power of Iowa's nine Area Education Agencies at the state level, House Bill 2612 creates a new process for agency accreditation. (Adobe Stock)

IA cuts historical rural school groups

Educators and public school advocates are pushing back on a measure which would consolidate state-funded services that have been an important part of …

A typical New Hampshire child care worker earned roughly $32,500 in 2023 while the federal poverty guideline for a family of four last year was $30,000, according to the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Burnout, low wages leave NH child care centers short staffed

A persistent child care worker shortage across New Hampshire is leaving families with few options. The state is currently short more than 7,000 …

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