Early Childhood Education / Public News Service

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)

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

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 …

In Arkansas, more than 400,000 people face hunger, and 138,410 are children, according to Feeding America. (Oksana Kuzmina/AdobeStock)

March is 'School Breakfast Month' in Arkansas

Better health and educational outcomes are being touted as Arkansans recognize March as School Breakfast Month. Research has proven providing …

School social workers, who are trained mental health professionals, say working with younger students often allows more access to families as they try to help develop a more nurturing environment. (Adobe Stock)

MN Applies 'Trauma Layer' to Early-Childhood Intervention Work

This week is National School Social Work Week, and in Minnesota, there are efforts to enhance support for students and families in early-childhood …

It is estimated that some 89,000 Colorado children will grieve the death of a parent or sibling by age 18. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic Funds Brought Grief Care to More Colorado Students

A groundbreaking bereavement service is expanding efforts to reach kids where they are: in schools, churches and other community sites. Emily Napier…

College students who are also parents have high dropout rates, with approximately 52% leaving school within six years without obtaining a degree, according to the Institute of Women's Policy Research. (Ersin/AdobeStock)

NM Community College Boosts Support for Student Parents

In today's higher-education landscape, more than one-in-five college students also are parents - leading one New Mexico college to create a Student …

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…

Hunger-fighting groups say one in six Minnesota school children lives in a household experiencing food insecurity. (Adobe Stock)

MN Looks to Erase Hunger in Schools

Better health and educational outcomes are being touted as the potential benefits as Minnesota lawmakers discuss whether to provide free school meals …

In 2021, the average price of center-based child care for an infant in the United States was more than $13,000. For all children younger than age 6, yearly child-care costs are around $10,600, an increase from 2020, according to Child Care Aware America. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Child-Care Crisis Hindering North Carolina's Economy

The state's unemployment rate for women with children younger than age 6 has reached nearly 4%, and according to a new report, around 400,000 parents …

Child poverty rates worsened nationwide in 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, but improved slightly in New Mexico. (Rawpixel.com/AdobeStock)<br />

Report: NM Child Well-Being Fared Better Than Expected During Pandemic

New Mexico's Voices for Children has released its latest Kids Count Data Book - noting some quality-of-life improvements despite COVID, but also …

About 10% of the child care workforce has left the profession, compared to the numbers at the start of the pandemic. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Child-Care Crisis Squeezes Families, Workers as WA Session Begins

Child care could be a crucial issue for state lawmakers as the session begins in Olympia today. Because of its cost, early childhood education and …

Virtual tutoring for K-12 students has shown mixed results, but New Mexico is counting on it to improve academic performance. (Westock/AdobeStock)

New Mexico Turns to Virtual Tutoring To Boost Student Grades

To boost educational outcomes, New Mexico will start the new year with a free, virtual tutoring program - focused on math, language arts, and science …

Subsidized Child Care Program assists low-income families in Pennsylvania to help with child-care expenses, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. (Lordn/AdobeStock)">

Study: Children in Child Care Don't Exhibit Problematic Behaviors

A new study shows kids in child care are not more likely to exhibit behavior problems than those who don't attend them. The Society for Research in …

Easterseals advises parents to have their child evaluated as early as age 2 for symptoms of autism. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Advocates Say Illinois Families Need More Help for Autistic Children

The rate of autism among American children has grown steadily over the past three decades, but advocates say funding support is not keeping up with …

In a 2018 ruling, a state District Court judge found New Mexico was failing to prepare students equally for college and a career, specifically citing a lack of sufficient education for Native Americans. (AdobeStock/mmg1design)

NM's Boost in Early Education Funds Included in Federal Omnibus Bill

New Mexico voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot question in November to spend more money on early childhood education and public schools, and now …

The Maryland Family Network says parents should ask providers about their teaching philosophies when researching child care.<br />(Adobe Stock)

Study: Kids in Child Care Not More Likely to Exhibit Problematic Behaviors

New research shows kids in child care aren't more likely to exhibit behavior problems than other children. The study, published in the journal …

New Hampshire has the lowest amount of state funding for public higher education, relative to personal income, of any other state. The state government paid an estimated $1.50 for public higher education per every $1,000 in personal income during fiscal year 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Call for Halt to Revisions of NH Public School Standards

Public school advocates in New Hampshire are asking state officials to stop the current revisions being made to public education standards so parents …

The North Dakota Child Care Action Alliance recommends the state commit $150 million in annual funding to supplement the wages of current workers and the anticipated need for additional child-care staff. (Adobe Stock)

Better Wages Highlight Latest ND Child-Care Plan

When North Dakota lawmakers reconvene next month, they'll have a host of recommendations for improving child care to consider, including a new policy …

Around 21 million American children receive free or reduced-price lunch at school, but only half of them receive free breakfast despite being eligible, according to New Hampshire Hunger Solutions. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates Say Loss of Federal Funds Means NH Kids Go Hungry

Advocates for children say up to 7,000 students in New Hampshire public schools are going hungry following the rejection of a federal program for low-…

There are five types of childcare facilities licensed in Nebraska, although people can care for up to three children in a home setting without being licensed by DHHS. (Adobe Stock)

$66 Million Grant Aims to Reward Nebraska Childcare Workers

As a way to reward those who have stayed in the child care field, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is offering $66 million in …

Since February 2020, more than 88,000 child-care jobs have been lost nationally. (Adobe Stock)

CT United Way Working on Family Child-Care Network Hub

United Way of Connecticut is launching a network hub for family child care providers. The new hub, created in partnership with the Connecticut Office …

A UNH Granite State Poll found 60% of Republicans support school vouchers, compared with 8% of Democrats and 42% of Independents. Only about 28% of

Election Outcome Could Bring Big Changes to NH Public Schools

Republicans in New Hampshire have already submitted bills to expand the eligibility requirements for the state's Education Freedom Accounts Program…

Cambridge parent and Baby University graduate Shirley Elliott learned about her daughter Asira's emotional, physical and cognitive-linguistic growth in the course, setting her up for success in school and later in life. (Elliott)

'Baby University' Offers Life Skills, Community to New Parents in Need

Parenting was challenging even before the COVID pandemic, but a unique program in Cambridge teaches new parents the skills they need to nurture their …

Research from the National Institute on Aging links social isolation and loneliness to higher risks of high blood pressure, depression and cognitive decline. (Citizens for Citizens)

Retired MA Seniors Bring Life Experience, Hugs to Kids at School

A program matching low-income seniors with area schools in need of additional help is providing some retirees with a new outlook on life. The Foster …

The 2022 Kids Count report found 56% of New Mexico three- and four-year-olds are not in preschool, the lowest ranking in the nation. (Susan Warner/savethechildren.org)

NM Voters to Decide Major Funding Shift for Early Childhood Education

In educational performance, New Mexico consistently ranks at or near the bottom among the 50 states, but it could change if an influx of dedicated …

Ohio school districts that implemented free school meals for all have reported a 20% increase in student participation. (USDA)<br />

Ohio Education Leaders Support Free School Meals for All

Education officials in Ohio want state leaders to invest in free school meals for all students. Pandemic-era federal waivers enabling schools to …

'Don't Say Gay' Proves Challenging for FL Students, Teachers

Despite being aimed at children in kindergarten through third grade, Florida teachers say what's often referred to as the "Don't Say Gay" law has …

Kids have been heavily impacted by the pandemic. Advocates are in Washington, D.C., to bring attention to the issues. (Sergey Novikov/Adobe Stock)

Child Advocates Meet with Leaders in DC, Call for Investments in Kids

Advocates for child well-being are in the nation's capital today, calling on lawmakers to invest in children. The Save the Children advocacy summit …

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 …

In a recent survey on children's well-being, Utah ranked highest among the states in the Four Corners region. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Utah Ranks 4th Among States in Survey on Children's Well-Being

An annual report on children's well-being rates Utah among the best in the country, but advocates warn it also pointed to a growing mental-health …

While the number of high school students graduating on time has risen, a new report showed early education is stunted in the state of New York. (Adobe Stock)

Report Urges More Support for NYS Early Education

Early education in New York State needs more support and better resources, according to a new report. The Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count …

The COVID pandemic caused major challenges for families and blunted progress in New Mexico to improve child well-being, according to New Mexico Voices for Children. (DeanMoriarty/Pixaby)

NM Struggles in Child Well-Being Report but Celebrates Positive Trends

Since 2020, New Mexico has been working to create a more cohesive, equitable and effective early-childhood system. But it could be a while before it …

Save the Children staff at an elementary school in Perry County, preparing to distribute bottled water and supplies to residents. (Save the Children)

As Flood Recovery Continues, KY Kids Face Uncertain Start of School Year

Despite numerous challenges, eastern Kentucky schools and advocacy groups are working to make the upcoming school year as normal as possible and get …

A version of last year's Build Back Better proposal included $400 billion for child care and preschool. (oksix/Adobe Stock)

So Far, Child-Care Industry Left Out of Senate Reconciliation Package

Child care advocates say there is a big hole in the reconciliation package being considered by the U.S. Senate. Support for the child care industry …

In a survey of educators this summer, more than seven in 10 said they're dissatisfied with their current working conditions and would not recommend teaching as a profession. (GerdAltmann/PIxabay)

Texas Schools Warn of Teacher Shortage

A teacher shortage is expected in many parts of the country this fall, and Texas is no exception. The Texas chapter of the American Federation of …

The Department of Education is collecting backpacks for Granite Staters in need until Aug. 12. (Mark/Adobe Stock)

NH Education Department Holds Backpack Drive for Students In Need

The New Hampshire Department of Education is collecting new backpacks for students whose families may need some help this year getting those back-to-s…

Free school meal waivers passed by Congress during the pandemic reduced childhood hunger, supported academic achievement and improved student behavior. (Adobe Stock)

Clock Ticking Down on School Meal Waivers

Time is running out for Congress to extend school meal waivers passed during the COVID public health emergency to help cafeterias find creative ways t…

A 2019 report from the Economic Policy Institute found teacher shortages were especially acute in higher-poverty schools. (Adobe Stock)

Union Leaders Push for More Support for Students', Teachers' Mental Health

As the nation processes the horrific shooting in Uvalde, where 19 children and two teachers were killed, teachers' unions across Illinois and America …

Of 62 large districts surveyed, 98% identified challenges with supply-chain disruptions and labor shortages, and said providing school meals would be even greater if not for USDA child-nutrition waivers. (Adobe Stock)

Report: School Meal Waivers a Game Changer During Pandemic

During the COVID health emergency, Congress removed a lot of red tape in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) school meals programs, and a new …

Parts of Oregon are considered child-care deserts because of the lack of access to care. (Irina Schmidt/Adobe Stock)

Crisis of Child Care Affordability Affects OR Voters

Oregonians are casting their ballots for Tuesday's primary election. One issue affecting many voters is access to child care. Courtney Helstein…

A child reads during one of Save the Children's after-school programs in Central Valley California. (Tamar Levine/Save the Children)

Literacy Programs Work to Mitigate Learning Loss from Pandemic Disruption

Literacy programs are making headway against the learning loss associated with pandemic school disruptions, which put many students four to five …

The nonprofit Save the Children says the digital divide is one reason children lagged behind in schoolwork during the pandemic. Four in 10 West Virginia families don't have reliable internet service. (Adobe Stock)

Post-Pandemic, WV Kids Still Catching Up at School

During the COVID pandemic, West Virginia's elementary school enrollment dropped and saw rankings near the bottom among states for some education …

Save the Children's elementary school-age literacy programs reached more than 12,500 children across rural America, including in Washington state. (Save the Children)

Ed Program Helps WA Kids Falling Behind from School Disruptions

School disruptions from the pandemic have threatened to leave Washington students behind, but there are efforts to ensure they stay on track…

According to research from the Center for American Progress, 44% of Connecticut residents live in a

Children's Trust Fund Proposal an Investment in CT Families

A proposal in Connecticut would create a Children's Trust Fund, to support a state Child Tax Credit and early child care initiatives. Advocates said …

An estimated 814,000 Ohio kids would be enrolled in an after school program if these activities were available to them. (Adobe Stock)

New Afterschool Program Dollars Available for Ohio Families

Nearly six in 10 parents in a recent poll said they are more worried about their child's emotional well-being than they were before the pandemic…

Pennsylvania's per capita spending on pre-K education is $1,103, far less than neighboring New Jersey, which spends nearly $4,000 per capita. (Adobe Stock)

Report: PA Funding Can Boost Academic Success Starting in Pre-K

With negotiations for Pennsylvania's budget under way, a new report unpacks the state's investment in early-childhood education. Advocates hope it …

Inability to pay was the most cited reason for educational disruptions, according to an analysis by the Latino Politics and Policy Initiative at UCLA. (Adobe Stock)

For Some in UT, College Dreams Cut Short by Pandemic

Low-income families in Utah may have shifted funds from education to pay for pandemic-related costs, a trend in line with findings showing Black and …

Children from low-income families, kids in foster care, homeless children and those in families receiving public assistance are eligible for Head Start or Early Head Start. (Teran/Adobe Stock)

Program Aims to Provide Trauma-Informed Care Training for Early Educators

A program in Massachusetts aims to provide training on trauma-informed care for early educators. It's called Readying Educators and Developing Young …

According to data from the Food Research and Action Center, more than 14 million kids received breakfast during the 2020-2021 school year. (Adobe Stock)

Statewide Push to Update Laws, Remove “Barriers to Breakfast” for KY Kids

Senate lawmakers are considering updating existing legislation to allow kids to eat breakfast at school 15 minutes after the bell. During National …

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