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According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's annual budget report, the state receives more than $1.10 billion in federal funding outside of funds from the child nutrition and COVID relief programs. (Michael Ireland/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Parents, teachers voice concerns over rejecting federal funds for NC schools

From gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson to Superintendent of Public Instruction hopeful Michele Morrow, some Republicans running for office have …

Public education advocates believe without adequate funding, North Carolina's public schools will continue to face severe challenges, including teacher shortages, lack of support staff and deteriorating facilities. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

NC voucher bill sparks debate over public school funding, equity

Advocates for public education are reacting to the North Carolina House passing legislation to funnel millions of state dollars into private school vo…

In the past two years, the price of school supplies has gone up about 24%, according to a Deloitte analysis. (Adobe Stock)

NC teachers spend big on classroom supplies amid low pay

Classroom supplies are taking a toll on teachers in North Carolina. A new survey showed despite earning around 5% less than they did a decade ago…

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

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…

By age 8, 52% of children have had a cavity in their primary baby teeth. (Adobe Stock)

NC dentists stress importance of children's dental health during summer

As summer kicks into full gear, North Carolina dentists stressed the importance of maintaining children's dental health. Dr. Miranda Kalaskey…

Nationally, the child poverty rate decreased from 17.2% in 2021 to 15.9% in 2022, returning to pre-pandemic levels, according to the Annie. E. Casey Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

NC kids face challenges at school, but rising economic well-being

A new report sheds light on children's well-being in North Carolina, and highlights the need for greater academic support. According to the latest …

Federal researchers found nearly three in four children who were disenrolled during the

Report: NC works to keep kids on Medicaid health coverage

A new report showed North Carolina is one of only a few states taking a cautious approach to removing families with children from Medicaid since the p…

Investigadores federales encontraron que casi tres de cada cuatro ni�os a quienes se les cancel� su inscripci�n durante el proceso de

Informe: NC trabaja para mantener niños con cobertura médica de Medicaid

Un nuevo informe muestra a Carolina del Norte como uno de los pocos estados que ha adoptado un enfoque cauteloso al retirar a las familias con niñ…

A new report says as a result of budget appropriation increases, within a few years, North Carolina taxpayers will be spending more than $520 million per year on private-school tuition. (Adobe Stock)

Report reveals inequities in NC school voucher system

School vouchers in North Carolina were intended to expand educational options for low-income families. However, the report "NC School Vouchers: Using …

According to the CDC, untreated cavities can lead to a severe infection under the gums which can spread to other parts of the body and have serious, and in rare cases fatal, results. (Adobe Stock)

NC dentists raises awareness on childhood tooth decay and prevention

February is Children's Dental Health Month and dentists want to raise awareness about the most common childhood disease and how to prevent it…

In the United States, more than 44 million people, including 13 million children, experience food insecurity. (Adobe Stock)

Farm Bill could help food banks across North Carolina

In a state where nearly 11% of households face food insecurity, North Carolina's food banks are grappling with an urgent problem. The nonprofit …

According to the Prison Policy Initiative, about one in five young people held in juvenile facilities is awaiting trial and has not been found guilty or delinquent. (Adobe Stock)

Fewer NC youths locked up, but more juvenile justice reforms needed

The number of children behind bars in North Carolina has declined significantly in recent years, but their advocates said more work could be done to …

Last year, CCF estimated that as many as 6.7 million children could experience a period of uninsurance as a consequence of the unwinding. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

North Carolina Children at Risk of Losing Health Coverage

Right now, many North Carolina Medicaid participants are up for redetermination - and experts are concerned about the number of North Carolina …

El a�o pasado, el CCF calcul� que hasta 6.7 millones de ni�os podr�an experimentar un periodo de carencia de seguro como consecuencia de la eliminaci�n. (Adobe Stock)

Niños de Carolina del Norte en riesgo de perder cobertura médica

En este momento, muchos participantes de Medicaid de Carolina del Norte están listos para una redeterminación y los expertos están …

Statewide enrollment grew 36% during the pandemic, with more than 797,000 people newly qualifying for coverage from March 2020 until last April. (Adobe Stock)

Medicaid Redetermination in NC: Thousands at Risk of Losing Coverage

North Carolinians face a significant challenge as the federal provision preventing states from removing Medicaid participants from their coverage in t…

The average annual cost of child care in North Carolina is $9,255 for an infant and $7,592 for a 4-year-old. (Adobe Stock)

Report Highlights NC Needs for More & Better Child Care

Families in North Carolina are in critical need of more and better child care options, according to the latest Kids Count Data Book, released today …

According to an Annie E. Casey Foundation report, the number of youths in foster care has declined steadily since 2006. (Adobe Stock)

Report Highlights Need for Extended Transition Services for Older Youths

Teenagers and young adults in the foster care system in North Carolina and throughout the nation are not receiving sufficient services to successfully…

In 2020, children of color made up the majority of the total child population in 20 states. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Declining Child Population a Concern for NC’s Future

North Carolina is among the states where the child population has increased, but nationwide numbers suggest a decline in children, which could …

From July 2019 to June 2020, North Carolina authorities investigated reports of possible neglect or abuse involving 117,268 children. (William/Adobe Stock)

Fayetteville Center Calls for Vigilance in Reporting Child Abuse

North Carolinians are being asked this month to remember their crucial duty as mandated reporters of suspected child abuse. Last year, as a grim …

Children aged 5 to 19 from low-income families are twice as likely to have cavities, compared with children from higher-income households, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Children’s Dental Health Month: Tooth Decay Warning Signs Explained

More than 20% of U.S. children 2 to 5 years old, and 52% of children 6 to 8 have dental cavities - according to a report published last year in the …

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 …

More than one-fifth of all college students are student parents, according to the National Center for Education Statistics and Education Trust. (Adobe Stock)

NC Colleges Boost Support for Black, Native Student Parents

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is boosting support for its student parents - with plans to increase access to childcare an…

It's estimated 23% of U.S. children 2 to 5 years of age and 52% of children 6 to 8 years of age have dental cavities, according to a <a href=

December 2022 report published in the journal Pediatrics. (Adobe Stock)">

Kids' 'COVID Cavities' Lingering Effect of Pandemic

Young kids and teens have gotten out of regular teeth brushing and flossing, and dentists say "COVID cavities" are a lingering effect of the pandemic…

Research shows that for every dollar spent on Family Centered Treatment, states saved $2.29 in residential placement costs. (Adobe Stock)

In Durham, A Push for Social Services Reforms Away from Foster Care

There's a nationwide effort to reform child welfare systems, and in North Carolina, Durham advocates said the retirement of the county's longtime …

The average American consumes an estimated eight pounds of candy annually, with children eating even more, according to 2015 research published in the journal Advances in Nutrition. (Adobe Stock)<br />

NC Dentists: Avoid Sticky Candy to Trick Cavities this Halloween

The Bureau of Labor Statistics said the cost of candy is up 13% due to inflation, but North Carolina households are still expected to consume enough …

Elementary schoolers should get at least nine hours of sleep per night, according to pediatricians at the Cleveland Clinic. (Adobe Stock)

Healthy Habits for NC Kids Can Start with Back-to-School

Experts say there are a few steps North Carolina families can take to help young children feel prepared and ready to begin the new school year…

The Four Leaf Clover Program is a small group making a big difference in Benson, N.C., where its volunteers organize summer day trips and provide lunches for local children. (Cleo McKinnon)<br />

Grassroots Group Offers Rural NC Kids Access to Summer Activities, Meals

Many rural North Carolina kids lack access to summer camps and consistent meals when school is out, but an organization in Benson is working to …

Among young people referred to court, detention has grown even more common for Black, Latinx and Asian/Pacific Islander youth, while holding steady for white and Tribal youth, reveals a recent report from The Sentencing Project. (Adobe Stock)

NC Governor’s Use of Clemency Spotlights Juvenile Life Sentencing

Gov. Roy Cooper has used his clemency power to end life sentences for three people sent to prison as children. His decision last month followed the …

Research shows that traumatic events are known to have a detrimental long-term impact on both mental and physical health over a lifetime. (Adobe Stock)

Program Aims to Infuse Trauma-Informed Practices in Rural NC

Beginning this month, a leadership program in Rural North Carolina is helping local organizations implement trauma-informed practices. Organizers of …

The American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends children receive a regular dental cleaning and exam every six months, starting when their first tooth comes in. (Adobe Stock)<br />

NC Pediatric Dentists See Uptick in Cavities

February is Children's Dental Health Month, and some pediatric dentists say cavities appear to be on the rise in North Carolina kids. If left …

Healthcare provisions in The Build Back Better Act would increase Medicaid and CHIP coverage for people after a pregnancy, from 60 days to one year postpartum. (Adobe Stock)

Report: 'Build Back Better' Could Shrink NC Health Coverage Gap

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Many low-income North Carolinians without health insurance would quality for 'zero-dollar' out-of-pocket health coverage under a new …

More than 25% of high school students in a recent Kaiser Family Foundation study reported worsening emotional and cognitive health. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for Meeting Kids' Social, Emotional Needs This Fall

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The school year is fast approaching, and many North Carolina students will be headed back to the classroom for the first time in a …

The number of moms with health coverage participating in the Magnolia Mother's Trust, a guaranteed-income program, went up by a quarter during the program. (Sarah Stripp/Springboard to Opportunities)

A Push for Permanent Policies to Support Lower-Income Families

MS. MAGAZINE COLLABORATION By Katie Fleischer for Ms. Magazine Broadcast version by Lily Böhlke for North Carolina News Service/Public News …

Nearly all students have experienced some challenges to their mental health and well-being during the pandemic and many have lost access to school-based services and supports, according to federal data. (Adobe Stock)

In Rural NC, Push for Mental-Health Resources as Kids Head Back to School

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Across the state, teachers and staff expect more kids will need mental-health resources as they return to in-person school…

Casi todos los estudiantes han experimentado algunos desaf�os a su salud mental y bienestar durante la pandemia y muchos han perdido el acceso a los servicios y apoyos escolares, seg�n datos federales. (Adobe Stock)

En zonas rurales de NC, presión por ayuda mental mientras niños regresan a escuela

ASHEVILLE, NC - Maestros y personal de todo el estado esperan que más niños necesiten recursos de salud mental a medida que regresan a la …

Research increasingly points to early childhood, the period from birth through age seven, as the most critical time in a child's life. (Adobe Stock)<br />

NC Grants Focus on Easing Racial Disparities in Early Learning

RALEIGH, N.C. - In some North Carolina counties, high poverty levels mean kids and parents lack access to quality pre-K learning. Some groups are …

T�tulo gr�fico: Las investigaciones apuntan cada vez m�s a la primera infancia, el per�odo desde el nacimiento hasta los siete a�os, como el momento m�s cr�tico en la vida de un ni�o. (Adobe Stock)

Carolina del Norte enfoca subvenciones en disparidades en nivel preescolar

RALEIGH, NC - En algunos condados de Carolina del Norte, los altos niveles de pobreza significan que los niños y los padres no tienen acceso a …

According to the CDC, vaccine-preventable diseases have a costly impact, resulting in doctor's visits, hospitalizations and premature deaths, all of which could be avoided. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: Missed Well Visits Put Kids at Risk for Communicable Diseases

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Parents should catch their kids up on missed doctor visits, and in some cases, vaccinations, to protect themselves and their …

North Carolina ranks 34th among states for children's well-being in the 2021 Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, although the state improved on many individual measures in the report. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic-Relief Measures Can Help More NC Kids

RALEIGH, N.C. -- New survey data offer a clear picture of how North Carolina kids and families are faring, both before and after the pandemic…

WIC brinda apoyo para la lactancia materna, alimentos nutritivos, informaci�n sobre alimentaci�n saludable y derivaciones al cuidado de la salud para mujeres embarazadas y aquellas con ni�os peque�os. (Estudio de pa�ales)

Informe: Cambios de COVID en programa de nutrición benefician a madres y niños de NC

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Las barreras para acceder a un programa federal de nutrición para mamás y bebés persisten en Carolina del Norte…

More than 30 million workers nationwide, including 67% of low-wage workers, do not have access to a single paid sick day from their employers. (Adobe Stock)

More NC Employers See Public Health Benefits of Paid Leave

RALEIGH, N.C. -- More North Carolina employers have changed their "time off" policies to include sick leave related to COVID-19, but low-income …

A team of community-based organizations across North Carolina recently interviewed dozens of parents of young children for their views about the state's social-emotional health ecosystem. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Survey: Resources Scarce for NC Parents of Young Kids

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A new survey of more than 200 North Carolina parents of young children finds a lot of concern - and at times, panic and even …

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 4 million children lack health insurance coverage nationwide. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Without Action from Lawmakers, NC’s Child Uninsured Rate Expected to Rise

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The number of uninsured children is swelling in North Carolina and a dozen other states that have not opted to expand their Medicaid …

According to the CDC, populations disproportionately affected by the coronavirus are also at higher risk for dental problems and oral disease. (Adobe Stock)

Dentists: Pandemic Schedules May Make Kids More Cavity-Prone

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children, and as families postpone preventive dental care due to the pandemic…

Fewer than 1 in 10 North Carolina families receive any type of subsidized childcare from their employer, according to the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Affordable Childcare Crisis Could Cost NC Billions

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Fewer than 1 in 3 parents of young children has access to quality, affordable childcare during the pandemic, according to a new …

Around 21% of adults with children in North Carolina say they felt down, hopeless or depressed this year, says census survey data. (Adobe stock)

NC Families “Left on Their Own” to Meet Basic Needs Amid Pandemic

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The coronavirus has surpassed heart disease as the number-one killer of Americans, and a new report finds children are especially …

The national food bank network Feeding America estimates this year food insecurity will affect nearly one in five North Carolina residents, around 19%. (Adobe Stock)

Congress Stalls on SNAP Benefits as More NC Families Go Hungry

ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- More North Carolina families are struggling to buy food, yet Congress continues to stall on another round of House-passed …

Children with access to healthcare are more likely to succeed in school, graduate from high school, attend college, earn higher wages, and become healthy adults. (Adobe Stock)

Spike in Number of Uninsured NC Children Among Highest in Nation

RALEIGH, N.C. -- An estimated 142,000 North Carolina children were uninsured last year, according to a new report released by the Georgetown …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - September 19, 2024

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NC: Children's