Despite a handful of concerning results for child well-being in Minnesota, one policy expert says the state is well positioned to make structural improvements to shore up its overall high ranking.

This week's new Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation places Minnesota fifth in the nation for child well-being. But issues in education, such as low test scores, stood out, both at the state and national level.

Deb Fitzpatrick, director of policy and research with Children's Defense Fund, said investments by last year's Legislature, such as universal lunches and new funding for early education, haven't shown up yet in these metrics.

"And I would expect that those numbers are going to start to reflect those huge investments and that incredible focus on making Minnesota the best place to be a kid, " she explained.

Fitzpatrick acknowledged some districts still face major budget constraints, despite the big boosts in state aid. But she noted in this year's session, lawmakers did follow up with additional support to help implement strategies from 2023, including one that requires "evidence-based" reading instruction to boost literacy scores.

Some housing-related policies failed to advance this year, after big investments from last year. Like education, Fitzpatrick hopes the 2023 moves will prove to be helpful for families with children who lack housing stability.

"We know when kids have to move a lot - you know, when you're a renter, often you end up in a situation where you have to move a lot - and we know every time those moves happen, it can set kids back as well," she continued.

A new statewide rental voucher program and increased support for first-time home buyers are among the things Children's Defense Fund is monitoring. Fitzpatrick suggested all these wraparound issues tie together in giving kids who are falling behind a level playing field as their futures take shape.

Today is National Brush Day and experts across Kentucky are reminding residents to brush their teeth twice a day, floss, avoid smoking, and especially for pregnant women and children, make an appointment for a cleaning and checkup with a dentist.

Julie Smith, registered dental hygienist and director of dental services for Cumberland Family Medical Center, which provides preventive and restorative oral health for more than a dozen school districts in the region, said without the program, most children would go the entire school year without seeing a dentist.

"It is not uncommon for us to see students who tell us they've never had a toothbrush or they've never had a toothbrush of their own because their entire family shares a toothbrush," Smith explained. "It's not uncommon to meet a child who says, 'When I am at one parent's house I have a toothbrush, but I don't have a toothbrush at the other parent's house.'"

The Kentucky Oral Health Coalition has launched a new series of free oral health materials for communities, dental offices, schools, libraries and other locations.

Dr. Jill Keaton, professor and dean of the Tanner College of Dental Medicine at the University of Pikeville and a member of the Kentucky Oral Health Coalition, said the new resources include information on dental insurance, and oral health tips for pregnancy, children, older adults, and people with substance use disorders.

"I love the fact that these resources are free and something that dentists or dental hygienists, dental assistants can print on their own and then distribute to patients or even other stakeholders," Keaton emphasized.

Smith advised as children have bags full of Halloween candy, it's important not to let them keep it in their rooms or have constant access to sugar, which causes tooth decay.

"Instead, keep it somewhere that maybe they get a couple of treats at meal time after their meal when it's going to do a lot less damage," Smith recommended. "Make the candy last."

According to a 2023 report by the University of Kentucky's Center for Excellence in Rural Health, the Commonwealth ranks ninth among states for oral cancer rates, and fifth in the percentage of adults with tooth extractions.


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Pennsylvania is facing what children's advocacy groups call a historic child care crisis, leaving thousands of young children without access to early learning programs.

A new report estimates Pennsylvania loses $6.65 billion annually when families do not have child care and preschool options.

Kari King, president and CEO of Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, said the report examines the policies on child care and pre-K, and highlights workforce challenges affecting many families with young children.

"Both in terms of parents and families in the workforce, and the need for child care to be able for parents to work," King outlined. "We know in the report, just over 70% of families with children currently have both parents or caregivers in the workforce."

In his latest budget proposal, Gov. Josh Shapiro addresses some of the workforce challenges with a $17.7 million boost to early childhood education. $15 million is proposed for Pre-K Counts and $2.7 million for Head Start Supplemental Assistance, investments he said are crucial for working parents' economic stability.

King pointed out Pennsylvania child care workers earn just over $15 an hour, or less than many retail jobs, and half of pre-K programs are delivered through child care centers. But some centers struggle to attract and keep qualified staff.

King observed the wage gap leaves some centers with not enough revenue to pay competitive salaries and keep care affordable.

"That's where we've seen there's been quite an impact since the pandemic, with quite a few programs that have actually closed their doors," King noted. "Over 600 child care providers have been lost since right before the pandemic. So, I think you're seeing a lot of those businesses again in that untenable situation."

The report pointed out pre-K teachers in Pennsylvania earn annual salaries about half those of kindergarten teachers. One recommendation is to provide pay for pre-K teachers on a par with elementary school educators.

Advocates for children in New Hampshire said the state needs elected officials who will put kids' futures first.

With biennial budget negotiations to begin next year, they said access to quality early education, school meals and services are all on the line this election.

Megan Brabec, New Hampshire state manager for the Save the Children Action Network, said children cannot vote but they are on the ballot.

"It's really important that we have Senators and representatives that are aware of these issues," Brabec stressed. "That are prioritizing these issues and recognize the role for government in addressing these issues."

Brabec pointed out with child care for two children younger than five now topping $30,000 a year, too many children are forced to go without the early education known to improve their long-term outcomes.

A bipartisan mix of candidates is offering solutions, including the establishment of universal Pre-K to ensure all kids start kindergarten on the same footing. Others want to simplify eligibility for free or reduced-price meals using Medicaid data or create a state fund to finance early educator recruitment and retention.

Ella Bender, a child advocate and student at the University of New Hampshire, has been registering voters and encouraging them to think of future generations.

"We want students to know that the power is in their hands to vote for officials in the state of New Hampshire that are going to put children's needs first," Bender emphasized.

Bender argued every child in New Hampshire deserves a quality education and to have their basic needs met.

A recent Save the Children Action Network survey found a majority of likely voters across the United States feel more favorable about a political candidate who supports greater investments in child care or programs to relieve food insecurity.