Children's Issues / Public News Service

More than 67% of children younger than age 6 have parents in the workforce and more than two million parents report making job changes because of issues with child care, according to the Center for American Progress. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 2, 2024

WV braces for more child care center closures

West Virginia child care advocates said they are bracing for more center closures in the new year. There are more than 60,000 children in the state …

Iowa has an estimated 507,254 children ages 0-12 but has only 177,053 operational child-care slots registered or licensed with the state, according to a report by the Common Sense Iowa Institute. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 2, 2024

Iowa adds hundreds of higher-wage child care providers

A new report says Iowa has created more than 200 new child-care providers in the state, which is among the nation's leaders in working parents who …

During the 2023 legislative session, North Dakota lawmakers approved a large aid package to boost child-care access. Other incentives have been phased in since then, but support groups still see the need for long-term fixes. (Freepik)

Monday, December 2, 2024

ND's child care system gains some ground but calls remain for more action

Whether it's not enough slots or rising monthly costs, many North Dakota parents have felt that child-care is out of reach for them. More than a …

A Cornell University report finds 74% of New Yorkers support implementing universal public child care. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 2, 2024

Group plans to implement universal public child care in NY

A New York organization believes universal public childcare can be implemented in five years. New Yorkers United for Child Care is using its newly …

The Children's Movement, the largest and most diverse children's advocacy network in the country, is gearing up to push California policymakers to prioritize kids in next year's state budget. (Spass/Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 2, 2024

1,000+ organizations demand CA governor prioritize kids in budget

More than 1,000 organizations sent a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom asking for California's children's programs to be shielded from cuts in the 2025-26 …

Rural young people returning to their communities from out-of-home placements may face unique barriers to successful reentry, and rural reentry service providers may face challenges in meeting their needs, according to the National Reentry Resource Center. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, November 29, 2024

In New Year, Medicaid will cover WV youths transitioning out of incarceration

Changes in federal law will permit West Virginia and other states to use Medicaid dollars to pay for health care services for incarcerated youths begi…

Pennsylvania's uninsured rate rose from 4.3% to 5.3% for Black children, from 4.9% to 6% for Hispanic/Latino children, and from 6% to 9.4% for those identifying as some other race, according to a new report from Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Report: Number of PA uninsured children stable, but no progress

Tens of thousands of children in Pennsylvania are still missing out on essential health care coverage, according to a new report. The "State of …

The U.S. Supreme Court hears on average 80 cases per session, out of the thousands of requests it receives. (Adobe Stock)

U.S. Supreme Court ponders review of WI gender-identity case

The U.S. Supreme Court is deciding whether to review a Wisconsin case over the issue of gender identity at school. The case Parents Protecting Our …

Whooping cough is a common, contagious respiratory illness with frequent outbreaks in various settings such as schools, hospitals and large geographic areas, peaking every few years. (Louis-Photo/Adobe Stock)

Whooping cough cases rise in Tennessee, nationwide

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is making a comeback and a Tennessee medical expert stressed the preventable, highly contagious bacterial infection …

Milk is the only food that makes up an entire food group. (magdal3na/Adobe Stock)

Activist: Dairy may not be best way to get your calcium

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration Wh…

In August, the Colorado Department of Education updated guidelines reflecting evidence-based best practices on how returning to school and exercise can improve recovery. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for helping kids recover from concussions

By Kate Ruder for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Service…

According to a National Survey of Children's Health, one in four Hoosier kids aged six to 17 aren't involved in extracurricular activities.

Winter after-school programs foster skills for Hoosier kids

As winter sets in, advocates are spotlighting the need for after-school programs to provide Indiana youth with safe spaces to build skills, stay …

Research shows kids tend to get along with School Resource Officers regardless of the student's ethnic background, according to Iowa State University's Monic Behnken. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa researcher: 'Hardening' schools doesn't stop classroom violence

Researchers say increasing the police presence in schools isn't the best way to address classroom violence. One expert in Iowa says educators would …

In Massachusetts, teachers of color make up nearly 10% of the state's 80,000 K-12 teachers - up from 7% in 2012, according to MassINC. (Adobe Stock)<br />

MA boosts educator diversity to improve student outcomes

Massachusetts lawmakers are hoping a new teacher certification process will draw more diverse candidates to the classroom. The state recently passed …

Minnesota's foster care entry rate has declined in recent years, along with efforts to bolster the state's adoption policies. (Adobe Stock)

Researchers link better outcomes to MN adoption reforms

CLARIFICATION: We updated language to clarify the timing for when the study's authors began tracking certain outcome measures for children within the …

Only about one in four high school students gets the recommended one hour a day of physical activity, according to the American Heart Association. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Obesity rates skyrocket among KY kids

More than one in three children is now overweight or obese, according to new research published in the Lancet medical journal. The study found while …

The 2024 Kids Count County Data Book focuses on the disproportionate impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Kentucky kids. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Many KY kids lead fragmented and traumatic lives

Nearly one in four Kentucky kids has experienced at least two Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, including abuse, neglect or household …

The holidays can be hard for Texans dealing with loss or depression

The holiday season is not merry and bright for everyone. If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, lost your job or if you're going through a …

An Advocates for Children of New York report finds students living in shelters are three times more likely to drop out of high school than permanently housed students. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: NYC must help homeless student population

A new annual report shows New York City has more than 146,000 homeless students. The Advocates for Children of New York report finds this is an …

Despite a 70% approval rate of all school referendums this year, the state saw a 10% decrease from 2022, making it the lowest passage rate in a midterm or presidential election year in the last decade. (Adobe Stock)

Wisconsinites passed record measures for public school funding

Wisconsinites overwhelmingly voted 'yes' on a record number of school funding measures, according to a new Wisconsin Policy Forum study. The appeals …

Ohio's inadequate family leave policies and systemic gaps contribute to high rates of infant mortality (7.06 per 1,000 births) and maternal mortality (18.8 per 100,000 births) both above the U.S. average). (Best/Adobe Stock)

Report: Paid family leave and what it could mean for Ohio

Ohio is among the many states where a majority of workers lack access to paid family leave. A new report by Groundwork Ohio finds three in four …

After immigrating to the U.S. many immigrants and their families encounter challenges, including low-paying jobs, language barriers and navigating complex systems. (artiom.photo/Adobe Stock)

Immigrant families in northwest AR struggle to make ends meet

By Antoinette Grajeda for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop…

Just under 14% of South Dakota kids are American Indian or Alaska Native, but make up more than 62% of children in the state's foster care system, according to the National Indian Child Welfare Association. (Adobe Stock)

Remembering older kids in foster care on National Adoption Day

This coming Saturday is National Adoption Day and it is a good time to think about children who are older or have special needs and face more difficul…

The proposed Education Freedom Scholarship Act in Tennessee aims to give parents the power to choose the best education for their child and a say in how their taxpayer dollars are used. (BalanceFormCreative/Adobe Stock)

Project 2025's education overhaul could have potential fallout for TN schools

A Tennessee education advocacy group is voicing concerns about Project 2025, which aims to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and transfer …

Studies show nature-based outdoor learning has measurable socio-emotional, academic and physical health benefits for students. (Adobe Stock)<br />

ME counters learning loss with expanded outdoor programs

Maine educators are expanding outdoor learning opportunities to help build the next generation of environmental stewards. The state has unveiled a …

Building generational wealth is the goal behind New Mexico's proposed

Child advocates want NM to eradicate poverty through 'baby bonds'

New Mexico child welfare groups are behind an initiative they plan to introduce in the next legislative session to create a so-called baby bonds progr…

More than 1,500 schools in Washington are offering free school meals in the 2024-25 school year. (vectorfusionart/Adobe Stock)

Free school meals on agenda for 2025 session in WA

Washington lawmakers will consider providing free school meals to all students in the state. Thanks to legislation passed in previous sessions…

The group BIPOC Adoptee Voices sponsors panel presentations, where adoptees can discuss issues like separation, race, identity, loss and reunification. (Talia Mdlungu/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Oregon nonprofit makes space for BIPOC adoptees

November is National Adoption Month and one Oregon nonprofit is making space for Black and Indigenous adoptees to share their stories. Although most …

Older kids have fewer options to find adoptive families

This coming Saturday is National Adoption Day, but kids who are older or have special needs face more difficulty in finding adoptive parents…

In 17% of Colorado households with children, the children are not eating enough because the family did not earn enough to purchase enough food, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (Adobe Stock)

Hunger Free Colorado celebrates 15th birthday

Colorado's leading advocate for people experiencing hunger turns 15 this year and a new report outlined key advances and persistent challenges facing …

A University of California Berkeley report revealed early educators working only with infants and toddlers are paid about $8,000 less per year than those working exclusively with children age 3-5, not yet in kindergarten. (Mangpor2004/Adobe Stock)

Mississippi child care workers struggle with poverty wages

A new report showed child care workers across the nation, including in Mississippi, are struggling with poverty-level wages. The report revealed the …

Finding shelter for young people who are set to be released from detention can be difficult and take much time. (sakhorn38/Adobe Stock)

WA youth with nowhere to go can spend longer behind bars

Incarcerated young people in Washington state can spend a longer time in detention if they do not have a place to go upon release. Some of the …

Alabama's Summer Adventures in Learning initiative supported 38 programs last summer, including a record nine new additions across 63 locations in 20 counties. (Adobe Stock)

As reading programs dwindle, Alabama's SAIL highlights need, impact

As winter break approaches, Alabama's Summer Adventures in Learning program is encouraging parents to think ahead to summer, particularly as quality …

Almost 50 million people, one in six in the United States, rely on food assistance from charities, according to Feeding America. (Photo courtesy Roadrunner Food Bank)

NM food bank encourages neighbors to help neighbors during holidays

Nearly 390,000 New Mexicans received help from the Roadrunner Food Bank last year, and holidays make the need all the more urgent. One in five …

Approximately 560,000 Arkansas households live below the ALICE threshold of financial survival. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

More AR families struggle with food insecurity

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

School districts in 29 states banned books during the 2023-2024 school year, according to the latest PEN America report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Maryland ties for ninth in book bans

Book bans are on the rise in Maryland, according to a new report from PEN America. The nonprofit that tracks issues of free expression says …

The Santana Family of Shrewsbury adopted their then 19-year-old daughter Marisol last year after she spent about 15 years in the foster care system. Marisol calls her adoption a

MA families encouraged to explore foster care adoption

Advocates for foster children in Massachusetts are encouraging people to open their homes and hearts to adoption. More than 8,000 children in the …

America's schoolteachers report spending nearly 30% of instructional time repeating information because of poor listening skills. (JacobLund/Adobe Stock)

NM's schoolchildren, adults could benefit from 'active listening'

If the election season made one thing clear, it is neither side can hear what the other is saying and one expert believes it is because most of us …

The Too Small to Fail initiative has reached more than 175,000 parents with valuable text message reminders and tips, encouraging them to talk, read and sing with their young children during daily routines. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Literacy initiative to implement 250 new early-education activations in PA

The early childhood development initiative "Too Small to Fail" is expanding in Pennsylvania to boost children's brain and language development…

A report from the University of California-Berkeley found Tennessee has more than 480,000 children ages 0-through-5, but has an early childhood teaching workforce of only 33,800. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Study reveals Tennessee child care workers face poverty wages

Child care workers across the nation, including in Tennessee, are struggling with poverty-level wages according to a new report. It revealed in …

Respite offers post-permanency families much-needed relief, with resources that help alleviate the pressures of parenting special needs children and provide flexible, competent care. (Alexis Scholtz/peopleimages/Adobe Stock) <br /><br /><br />

Adoption partnership aims to boost 'forever families' in Pennsylvania

November is National Adoption Month and In Pennsylvania, more than 3,000 children in foster care are waiting for new families through adoption…

Ind. Dept. of Education ILEARN Spring 2024 test results show reading proficiency for third through eighth grade spanned from 38% to 42%. (Adobe Stock)

Online reading tool boosts IN students' reading abilities

Reading scores for Indiana's grade school students have reflected below average readiness levels on the state's recent achievement tests. Educators …

Some organizations point to low pay, racial bias in school systems and retention challenges as the biggest obstacles to recruiting more Black men into teaching. (RDNE/Pexels)

Jacksonville program aims to boost Black male teachers

In a country where Black men make up less than 2% of the teaching workforce, a program in Jacksonville is working to shift the balance by recruiting 1…

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates children ages 0-4 were undercounted in the 2020 census in every state. (Pexels)

Florida's census undercount poses risks to funding for vital services

According to some experts, a significant undercount in Florida's 2020 census may have lasting consequences for the state, jeopardizing vital funding …

The Illinois Department of Health lists witnessing violence in the home or community or having a family member attempt or die by suicide as examples of adverse childhood experiences. (Adobe Stock)

Childhood trauma could harm some IL adults for life, study says

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed 75% of U.S. high school students said they have had at least one adverse …

A poll by Red America Blue America Research shows respondents in Montana are opposed to lower wages for public sector workers, including health care personnel and educators. (Adobe Stock)

Latest poll shows strong support for MT educators, health care workers

Results of a new poll showed likely voters strongly oppose candidates who back cuts to labor law protections and would probably vote in favor of incre…

On average, child care providers make less than people who walk dogs for a living, according to Care for Kids. (Adobe Stock)

Utah child care advocates demand change ahead of Election Day

Utah child care providers, parents and children's advocates say the state's child care crisis is getting worse and they hope voters will take the …

From 2019 to 2020, the percentage of children ages 1 through 17 who had a dental examination or cleaning in the past 12 months decreased from 83.8% to 80.9%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

On National Brush Day, new resources in KY to boost oral health

Today is National Brush Day and experts across Kentucky are reminding residents to brush their teeth twice a day, floss, avoid smoking, and …

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Children's

WV braces for more child care center closures

Iowa adds hundreds of higher-wage child care providers

ND's child care system gains some ground but calls remain for more action

Group plans to implement universal public child care in NY

1,000+ organizations demand CA governor prioritize kids in budget

In New Year, Medicaid will cover WV youths transitioning out of incarceration

Report: Number of PA uninsured children stable, but no progress

U.S. Supreme Court ponders review of WI gender-identity case

Whooping cough cases rise in Tennessee, nationwide

Activist: Dairy may not be best way to get your calcium

Tips for helping kids recover from concussions

Winter after-school programs foster skills for Hoosier kids

Iowa researcher: 'Hardening' schools doesn't stop classroom violence

MA boosts educator diversity to improve student outcomes

Researchers link better outcomes to MN adoption reforms

Study: Obesity rates skyrocket among KY kids

Report: Many KY kids lead fragmented and traumatic lives

The holidays can be hard for Texans dealing with loss or depression

Advocates: NYC must help homeless student population

Wisconsinites passed record measures for public school funding

Report: Paid family leave and what it could mean for Ohio

Immigrant families in northwest AR struggle to make ends meet

Remembering older kids in foster care on National Adoption Day

Project 2025's education overhaul could have potential fallout for TN schools

ME counters learning loss with expanded outdoor programs

Child advocates want NM to eradicate poverty through 'baby bonds'

Free school meals on agenda for 2025 session in WA

Oregon nonprofit makes space for BIPOC adoptees

Older kids have fewer options to find adoptive families

Hunger Free Colorado celebrates 15th birthday

Mississippi child care workers struggle with poverty wages

WA youth with nowhere to go can spend longer behind bars

As reading programs dwindle, Alabama's SAIL highlights need, impact

NM food bank encourages neighbors to help neighbors during holidays

More AR families struggle with food insecurity

Report: Maryland ties for ninth in book bans

MA families encouraged to explore foster care adoption

NM's schoolchildren, adults could benefit from 'active listening'

Literacy initiative to implement 250 new early-education activations in PA

Study reveals Tennessee child care workers face poverty wages

Adoption partnership aims to boost 'forever families' in Pennsylvania

Online reading tool boosts IN students' reading abilities

Jacksonville program aims to boost Black male teachers

Florida's census undercount poses risks to funding for vital services

Childhood trauma could harm some IL adults for life, study says

Latest poll shows strong support for MT educators, health care workers

Utah child care advocates demand change ahead of Election Day

On National Brush Day, new resources in KY to boost oral health