Early Childhood Education / Public News Service

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 …

Critics of Colorado Amendment 80 warn the move would siphon taxpayer dollars away from already underfunded public schools into private religious schools. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

CO Amendment 80 could prompt private school voucher foothold

Colorado voters will decide whether to change the state's constitution to ensure families have school choice as a fundamental right. Kallie Leyba…

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…

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, up to $31 trillion in U.S. economic activity hinges on helping young people complete learning delayed by the pandemic. (Pixabay)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Palm Beach County schools tackle post-pandemic chronic absenteeism

Palm Beach County schools are working to curb chronic absenteeism, which has surged since the pandemic. Nearly 39% of Palm Beach County students …

More than 20% of Maine students age 6-11 have suffered from two or more adverse childhood experiences, including bullying or living with a parent with a mental illness, according to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Schools' services help ME kids tackle mental health challenges

Mental health experts have released a checklist for parents of students headed back to school in Maine. The state's Department of Health and Human …

Ohio spends about $12,000 per student annually on public education, which is slightly below the national average. (Pixels Hunter/Adobe Stock)

Critical choices: How Ohio’s elections will affect education

In Ohio, the upcoming elections could have a significant effect on public education. Educators are urging voters to consider how the candidates' …

More than 200 child care centers in West Virginia closed between 2018 and 2019, according to ChildCare Aware. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Child care, tax cuts expected focus of upcoming WV special session

West Virginia lawmakers will convene for a Special Session on Sept. 30, with the state's child care crisis, proposed income tax cuts and supplemental …

Beyond additional support for K-12 schools, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill creating a free college tuition program for households earning annual incomes below $80,000. (Adobe Stock)

Former Walz colleagues bring education record into focus

The start of a new year of school in Minnesota has a new twist: intense focus from national media and voters across the U.S. With Gov. Tim Walz …

A program at Montana State University has shown success in reducing the rate of youth suicide by educating students about alternatives. (Adobe Stock)

Experts want more school mental health services

Mental health experts have released a checklist for parents of students headed back to school in Montana. Research shows kids who need services are …

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…

About 530,000 tons of food and 45 million gallons of milk is wasted in U.S. school cafeterias each year, according to the World Wildlife Fund. It translates to roughly $1.7 billion worth of uneaten food. (Adobe Stock)

ME school cafeterias become classrooms in effort to reduce food waste

By Bridget Huber for the Food and Environment Reporting Network.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Maine News Service reporting for the Solutions…

Around 66% of committed electric school buses are located in school districts with the highest shares of low-income households, according to the Electric School Bus Initiative. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates tout electric school buses in Nevada, ask for more resources

Nevada has secured 60 electric school buses to take students to and from school and as the school year kicks off, advocates want to see more of the …

The mental health advocacy organization Inseperable recommended there be one school psychologist for every 500 students. (Adobe Stock)

UT struggles with mental health; school-based services could help

School is back in session across Utah and mental health advocates want to ensure children and parents can access adequate school-based services…

The Parent Institute for Quality Education offers a

Nonprofit works to improve Latino graduation rates in CA

Latinos make up 40% of California's population and more than 56% of K-12 public school students. However, Latino high school graduation rates are …

Texas educators said they want democratic representation and a voice in decision-making as-well-as professional training and development. (shootsroom/Adobe Stock)

TX educators prepare for upcoming legislative session

Texas educators spent the summer in meetings and workshops devising a playbook for the upcoming Texas legislative session. The Educator's Bill of …

The last operational one-room schoolhouse in Sheridan County, Wyoming, the Slack School, was built in the 1880s, burned down in the 1920s and rebuilt in the 1930s. (Ashlee Gorham, Slack School)

School year begins in WY’s few remaining one-room schoolhouses

It is back-to-school season and for 11 students in Sheridan County, Wyoming, it means returning to a one-room schoolhouse. The Slack School was …

The mental health advocacy group Inseparable has published a checklist to promote mental health in schools, advocating annual well-checks for all students. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Delaware schools emphasize mental-health assessments for students

With mental health challenges on the rise among youths, Delaware officials said school-based services have become essential in addressing issues…

Paraprofessionals from 15 districts make up the current cohort of Idaho State University's Paraprofessional to Certified Teacher Program. (Aubi Moon/Idaho State University)

ID program aims to grow teacher numbers across the state

A program is Idaho is aiming to close the teacher shortage gap by training people where they live. Idaho State University's Paraprofessional to …

The recommended ratio of school counselors to students is 250 to 1. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Mental health in focus as MD kids head back to school

As kids head back to school, advocates are calling for expanded access to school-based mental health services in Maryland and nationwide. The …

Ohio public schools have about 100,000 teachers, averaging 16 students per teacher and 220,000 non-teaching staff, averaging seven students per non-teaching position, with nearly all teachers holding a bachelor's degree or higher. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

The quiet preparation: Ohio teachers before the first bell

As Ohio students head back to school, many parents may think the return to the classroom begins when the first bell rings but for educators, the …

School-based mental and behavioral health services help prevent issues and enhance educational achievement and future employment opportunities. (Coyot/Pixabay)

New mental-health checklist aims to support returning Florida students

With mental health challenges on the rise among youths, school-based services have become a critical component in addressing the issues. A new …

According to state data, one in eight Georgia teens suffers from depression. (Adobe Stock)

Back-to-school mental-health checklist aims to support GA students

With students back in classrooms, the mental health of Georgia's youth is a top priority and one group is working to make sure students have access …

Studies show mental health literacy and life skills decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety and help children succeed. (Seventyfour/AdobeStock)

Experts recommends PA educators, parents prioritize student mental health

Experts are advising schools and parents to prioritize student mental health as Pennsylvania children return to learning. A new checklist from the …

According to Every Library Institute, Project 2025 aims to reduce federal oversight protections and spending as well as reallocating responsibilities to states and localities. (Tyler Olson/Adobe Stock)

Report warns of Project 2025 effect on AR libraries

Changes could be coming for libraries and the people who work there if Project 2025 goes into effect. The 900 page document outlines how agencies …

Oregon has been developing a metric on social and emotional care for children on the state's Medicaid program since 2018. (MIA Studio/Adobe Stock)

New metric in OR will make social-emotional health care more accessible

Oregon aims to make social and emotional health care for young children more available with a new metric. The Oregon Health Authority has adopted …

The suicide rate among 15- to-19-year-olds in Wyoming was more than double the U.S. rate in 2019, according to data from the Wyoming Department of Health. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Schools play important role in K-12 mental health

As the school year begins, experts are advising schools on how to preserve students' mental health but politics in states such as Wyoming limit …

According to more than 1,000 parents surveyed nationally, the top challenges in forming classroom connections are: Too much time with technology (50%), bullying (30%) and the social effects of the pandemic (22%). (I/Adobe Stock)

Building belonging: Prioritizing mental health in Ohio schools

As Ohio students prepare for the new school year, mental health experts are highlighting the importance of belonging in the classroom. A national …

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 20% of U.S. children have a developmental, emotional, mental or behavioral disorder. (Bildgigant/Adobe Stock)

Schools enhancing mental-health resources for Rhode Island students

As students in Rhode Island gear up for the new school year, mental health is at the forefront of preparations. To address the growing demand for …

Sixty-two percent of student parents are first-generation college students, according to a study by Child Trends. (Unsplash/ElijahHiett)

NM parents, mostly women, pursue better paying jobs through higher education

Student parents at New Mexico's community colleges represent a significant portion of the postsecondary population. And while the state has taken …

Research shows lower high school graduation rates for children with high absenteeism starting as early as kindergarten. (photo courtesy Max Herman, Chalkbeat)

Family routines, structure boost confidence among school-age kids

Delaware's school children are both eager and anxious as they head back to classrooms this month and there are tried and true tips for a smooth transi…

In August, experts advise parents to pay attention to their child's mood, to spot and help soothe any anxiety from back-to-school jitters. (Adobe Stock)

Back to school time: Easing your child into the routine

Minnesota children will soon head back to school and experts have a few tips to get them back into a routine and make sure they're in good shape…

According to the U.S. Department of Health, 20% of U.S. children have a developmental, emotional, mental or behavioral disorder. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Healthy habits and checkups key to success for Alabama students

As Alabama students settle into the school year, experts highlight the significance of good habits and regular health checkups for academic success…

Mental Health America's 2024 State of Mental Health report found close to 20% (54,000) of Connecticut young people have had at least one major depressive episode. (Adobe Stock)

CT doctors advise best back-to-school health practices

With Connecticut schools starting soon, doctors said healthy practices can help children heading back to the classroom. In the transition from …

Getting your kiddo in tip-top shape for school

Wisconsin children will soon head back to school and experts have a few tips to get them back into a routine and make sure they're in good shape…

A recent Vanderbilt University poll found nearly one in three Tennessee children have had a mental health diagnosis, including 17% diagnosed with anxiety and 10% with depression. (Adobe Stock)

Experts offer health tips for TN kids back in classroom

With Tennessee children back in school, health experts have advice on how parents can prioritize their children's well-being. Medical professionals …

A recent report found about 40% of Virginia's kindergarteners still need to build literacy, math and/or social skills. (Parilov/Adobe Stock)

New poll: Voters remain concerned about cost of child care

A new poll found voters remain concerned about the high cost of living and want the government to do more to lower their expenses. More than nine in …

Infant child care in Washington state costs an average of $14,554 per year. (Maria Vitkovska/Adobe Stock)

With costs already high, WA initiative could cut child care budget

The cost of childcare is on the minds of Washington state voters going into November, especially because of an initiative that could upend funding …

Physicals are important for students who are playing sports during the school year. (rocketclips/Adobe Stock)

Doctor visits important as WA kids head back to school

As children head back to school, doctors said there are a few ways parents can prepare for the transition. One important item on the checklist is …

A recent poll by the Save the Children Action Network shows 90% of swing-state voters want the government to help struggling families afford food, groceries and child care. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Address child hunger in next Farm Bill

Results of a poll by the Save the Children Action Network show voters of all backgrounds are struggling with the cost of living and want the governmen…

Parents are encouraged to schedule appointments soon, as doctor's offices may be busier than normal. (Adobe Stock)

NJ parents reminded to schedule back-to-school checkups

As summer comes to a close, New Jersey educators and health professionals are encouraging parents to get students an annual health checkup. In …

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services reported a child care staff vacancy rate of 26% in 2023, forcing some facilities to reduce capacity or close classrooms. (Adobe Stock)

NH voters find common ground on need for affordable child care

A majority of New Hampshire voters want elected officials to do more to fix the growing child care crisis, according to a new survey. More than 80% …

The latest data show 1 in 3 young females report symptoms of a mental health disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Doctors: Prioritize mental health for Montana school kids

Montana's 166,000 students are headed back to the classroom soon. Beyond the typical school supplies like pencils, notebooks and backpacks, doctors …

There are more than 800,000 students enrolled in Maryland's 24 local school systems. (Adobe Stock)

Experts remind MD parents to schedule checkups for back to school

As summer winds down, experts are reminding parents about an often-overlooked aspect of back-to-school readiness: an annual health checkup for …

Research about daily routines shows that each ritual�including family dinners and reading and storytelling�was linked to a 47% increase in children�s good social-emotional health, according to Reuters. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Routines help kids settle into school year

It is time for families to prep kids for the school year and Wyoming experts said sleep and social media hygiene are key. Children's health experts …

The American Psychological Association said a new school year can be stressful for children and encourages parents to talk with them about any fears and or worries they may have. (Adobe Stock)

Healthy routines, well-child checks good for NE back-to-school

Many Nebraska children have already started school and others will do so within the next week or so. Parents can play a big role in making sure …

Doctors advised a well-child visit is an opportunity to understand your child's health needs better.<br />(Evgeniy Kalinovskiy/Adobe Stock)

Doctor visits should be part of back-to-school prep for AR students

Arkansas families have a lot of things on their "to-do" list as they prepare for the start of school. In addition to buying school supplies and new …

In 2021, more than four in 10 students said they felt persistently sad or hopeless, and nearly one-third experienced poor mental health, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for success as Utah kids head back to classrooms

Utah kids will be heading back to the classroom this month and experts are sharing tips to ensure a smooth transition from summer to school year…

Policies proposed in Project 2025 would undermine already enacted environmental and climate policies related to fossil-fuel production, climate action and environmental justice. (newmexico.org)

Project 2025 alarms NM's teachers, human rights advocates, conservationists

From education to the environment and immigration, proposals in the "Project 2025" document alarm many New Mexicans promoting a more equal society…

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