Early Childhood Education / Public News Service

The Indiana Youth Institute said a strong commitment to evidence-based action can transform early literacy in Indiana with the foundational reading skills essential to the future of our children, workforce and communities. (Adobe stock)

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Indiana sets goal to boost 3rd grade reading proficiency

Indiana's third grade reading scores show progress but gaps remain. The latest IREAD3 results show about 82% of students passed in 2024, up slightly …

Food banks in New Mexico and across the country were informed Wednesday that federal food shipments meant for distribution to needy residents had been suspended. (rrfb.org)

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Federal funding freeze affects NM's food, farms, housing

A federal funding freeze affecting a broad swath of U.S. programs has left many organizations in limbo, with new fallout coming every day. Court …

According to the Wyoming Department of Education, Farm to School programs grew to include 90% of schools in the state last fall. The program has been cut by the Trump administration. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Cuts to local food programs affect WY schools, food banks, producers

Federal programs supporting local food purchasing by food banks and schools have helped feed communities and support farmers but the Trump administrat…

The National School Lunch Program, created in 1946 as part of the National School Lunch Act, provides federal dollars to schools for food purchases. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Co-ops help more KY school districts participate in local produce bidding

School staffing shortages can affect nutrition in Kentucky school districts, as many districts across the state rely on frozen, processed breakfast …

Monday, March 24, 2025

WI nonprofit creates song to interest younger kids in soil science

A local nonprofit with a mission to advance regenerative agriculture is hoping its new video can open up an untapped world of science to a younger aud…

As part of the Trump administration's budget-cutting moves, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has eliminated $1 billion in programs connecting local producers with food banks and school lunch programs. (Adobe Stock)

USDA cuts could halt progress of SD local food scene

South Dakota farmers leading the "locally grown" movement have visions of a dynamic regional food production system but some of it is in doubt with lo…

A proposed $12 billion in cuts to federal school meal funding could impact 75 Montana schools serving more than 10,000 students. (Adobe Stock)

School meal programs on GOP's chopping block

Children's advocates are crying foul after House Republicans called for $12 billion in cuts to school meal programs, including the Community …

PoliChic Engagement Fund says it's critical Texans make sure lawmakers are voting in their public interest. (JHVEPhoto/Adobe Stock)

Texans encouraged to use their voices during current legislative session

Many Texans feel strongly, one way or another, about the proposed school voucher bill before state lawmakers. Gov. Greg Abbott has proposed a plan to …

The U.S. Department of Education's civil rights office is charged with protecting students from discrimination and sexual assault and making sure all Americans have equal access to education. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado takes Trump to court over efforts to abolish Education Department

As the Trump administration makes good on promises to abolish the U.S. Department of Education, educators and parents are raising concerns about the …

Oregon's system for funding early childhood special education was last updated in 2011. House Bill 2682 has garnered strong support from a broad coalition of early childhood advocates and educators. (Wosunan/Adobe Stock)

Bill would revamp OR special ed preschool funding

Legislation to overhaul the way Oregon funds early childhood special education has advanced through the state House with near unanimous support…

Gov. Josh Shapiro's new budget proposal boosts special education funding by $40 million, raising the total to over $1.5 billion to support high-quality services for students with disabilities and special needs. (nimito/AdobeStock)

PA teachers union opposes Trump plan to dismantle U.S. Department of Education

The Trump administration's effort to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education is facing strong opposition from the Pennsylvania State Education …

During a recent American Federation of Teachers-Texas town hall meeting, educators from around the state, including former Department of Education employees, said they are confused by some of the job and spending cuts already made. (ahmed/Adobe Stock AI)

TX educators eye changes at the Department of Education

Educators in Texas are concerned about the Trump administration's plans to dismantle the Department of Education. One of the Department's primary …

Grants and other disbursements from the U.S. Department of Education fund about 40% of the annual budget for students with disabilities in Virginia Public Schools. (Adobe Stock)

Possible closure of US Department of Education 'devastating' for VA

Capitol Hill observers said the Trump administration is moving quickly against the federal Department of Education, potentially leaving Virginia …

Raye Montague was honored with a United States dollar coin released by the United States Mint in January as part of a set honoring innovators and innovations from Arkansas, Michigan, Florida and Texas. (Photo Courtesy UALR)

AR engineer honored with U.S. coin

March is Women's History Month and an Arkansas native has made history by being honored with a $1 coin from the U.S. Mint. The late Raye Montague …

Gov. Mike Braun's budget and the House GOP plan to cut funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which was 0.013% of the state budget. (Indiana Governor's Office)

Push to save Dolly Parton’s Indiana book program grows

Indiana's new budget does not include funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. The program sends free books to children from birth to age 5…

Lawmakers estimate providing Arkansas students free breakfast could cost an estimated $14.7 million (WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

All AR students to receive free breakfast in upcoming school year

Workers in the fight against hunger in Arkansas are celebrating the passage and signing of Senate Bill 59. The legislation makes free breakfast …

Gov. Josh Shapiro's Pennsylvania state budget proposal includes $10 million to continue universal free breakfast in schools, to help support children's academic success through better nutrition. (Oksana Kuzmina)

PA budget proposal boosts early childhood education funding

A Pennsylvania nonprofit is praising Gov. Josh Shapiro's new budget proposal, which includes a funding increase for early childhood education…

Continuous glucose monitors are now used by most of the estimated 300,000 people in the United Staates who are younger than age 20 and living with Type 1 diabetes, according to health experts. (Adobe Stock)

Schools struggle to keep up with diabetes tech, leaving parents to fill gaps

By Phil Galewitz for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Serv…

Research shows community involvement is key to decreasing absenteeism. Mayors, employers and other community leaders can help students recover. (AnnaStills/Adobe Stock)

Report: AR students still struggle with COVID-19 learning loss

Arkansas ranks 23rd among states in terms of the change in math achievement between 2019 and 2024, and 19th in reading, according to the Education …

ALICE data from the United Way found between 2019-2022, the median hourly wage for teaching assistants in Connecticut was $23.38. (Adobe Stock)

CT paraeducators organize to get a living wage

Connecticut union organizers are working to get pension plans for paraeducators. In recent years, they have won a flurry of benefits from organizing …

According to the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services, rural children under 5 years old make up 24% of children eligible for child care services in the country, yet 55% of the children live in a child care desert. (Adobe Stock)<br />

In rural east KY, communities find ways to boost kids early learning

Kentucky's Appalachian counties are expanding efforts to help ensure kids are off to the right start educationally. Research shows attending a high-…

The Texas Department of Agriculture hopes to reach children in rural areas who haven't previously participated in Summer Meal Programs because of transportation barriers. Eligible sponsors in those areas can apply to distribute meals outside of the required group settings and meal service times. (chomplearn_2001/Adobe Stock)

Sponsors needed for TX Dept. of Ag summer feeding programs

The Texas Department of Agriculture is accepting sponsor applications for its 2025 Summer Meal Programs. The Summer Food Service Program and the …

A child's brain is 90% developed by age 5, yet low-income children hear 30 million fewer words by age 3 and may start school 18 months behind. Many rural children lack even one book in their household. (Adobe Stock)

Creating adaptive education solutions for kids in rural TN

Education gaps run deep in rural Tennessee, so community leaders there are working to bridge the divide. The challenges include teacher shortages …

As of January 2025, the average hourly pay for a home-based child care provider in Iowa is $12.48, according to the job site ZipRecruiter. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa invests $14 million to expand child care services

Iowa is making $14 million available to take on the critical lack of child care in the state. Many families said both parents want to work and would…

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., offered a resolution to protect public education, which was backed by the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association, the Parent Teacher Association and many others. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Lawmaker: Dismantling Education Dept. would harm OR schools

After introducing a resolution condemning attempts to defund public education, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., was denied access to the U.S. …

According to Save the Children, poverty in rural America impacts more than one in five children. In 39 states, rural children are more likely to grow up in poverty than non-rural kids.(masterstudio/Pixabay)

Mississippi communities find local solutions to rural education challenges

In rural Mississippi, where education disparities run deep, community leaders are stepping up to fill the gaps left by limited resources and …

Community action agencies in Massachusetts are requesting continued funding for programs such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, which helps return millions of dollars to Massachusetts families and their local economies. (Adobe Stock)

MA community action agencies aim to restore antipoverty funds

Community action agencies in Massachusetts are asking state lawmakers to boost antipoverty programs as federal aid remains in limbo. Gov. Maura …

As of last October, 775,000 Washington state students have access to school meals. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Free school meals for all WA students on table this session

Legislation in Olympia would make school meals free for every student. Senate Bill 5352 would ensure every student has access to free breakfast and …

The American Federation of Teachers says schools must be safe havens, welcoming places of learning and free from racism, discrimination and the threat of deportation. (vectorfusionart/Adobe Stock)

TX teachers prepare to protect immigrant students

School districts across Texas are grappling with ways to keep migrant children safe and engaged in class now that the Trump administration has made it…

About 25% percent of children in Illinois are foreign-born or live with at least one parent that is, according to data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

IL schools urged to push back against new immigration policies

As Illinois parents and children continue to be on high alert amid fears of school immigration raids, school officials are publicly advocating for …

According to the nonprofit Feeding Texas, one in six households in the state are food insecure. (Stella/Adobe Stock)

$450 million available to feed Texas kids this summer

The final deadline is approaching for members of the Texas Legislature to decide on participating in the Summer EBT program, which provides grocery …

On average in Montana, full-time child care costs between $9,100 and $11,700 per year per child, according to Montana Advocates for Children. (Adobe Stock)

Montana groups bring unique solutions to child care problems

Child care is expensive and in high demand but groups in Montana are taking creative approaches to help. Child care services in Montana currently …

Among Wyoming Republican voters surveyed, 86% believe state funding should be provided to public school systems to prevent cuts in services to existing students and to prevent tax increases to local taxpayers, according to a poll from the Wyoming Education Association. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: 68% of Wyoming Republicans oppose universal school vouchers

A Wyoming bill to expand a school voucher program passed the House last week, despite a new survey showing most Republican voters in the state oppose …

Community action agencies are celebrating 50 years of the Earned Income Tax Credit. On average, eligible taxpayers received $2,743 from the credit in tax year 2023, according to the Internal Revenue Service. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Expanded tax credits, free tax service help MA families get ahead

Community action agencies in Massachusetts called the state's expanded tax credits "powerful antipoverty tools" and they are offering free tax prep se…

In its 2024-25 budget, Pennsylvania boosted its commitment to equitable education with a $100 million increase in special education funding, aiming to enhance resources and support for students with disabilities. (Adobe Stock)

PA Democrats push school funding, new revenue sources

Pennsylvania lawmakers return to Harrisburg on Monday, facing renewed pressure to address long-standing issues, including improving the economy and …

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey warned any freeze of federal funding would be

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MA educators cite chaos, fear following Trump’s directives

Massachusetts educators say President Donald Trump's threat to pause all federal grant programs has created instability for schools and their students…

In Pennsylvania, charter schools and cyber charter schools are required to operate as public, nonprofit organizations. (Adobe Stock)

Is AI curriculum the future of education in PA 'cyber charters?'

A new virtual charter school offering two hours of artificial intelligence-based learning wants to expand into Pennsylvania. The Unbound Academy …

Free lunch, breakfast could soon come to all VA students

Free school lunch and breakfast may soon be the law in the Commonwealth. House Bill 1958 would require local school boards to participate in federal …

The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates two components of federal retirement policy: the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. (sveta/Adobe Stock)

Texas educators celebrate signing of Social Security Fairness Act

Members of the teacher's union, the Texas branch of the American Federation of Teachers, are celebrating the signing of the Social Security Fairness …

Reports find enrollment in free preschool varies across New York State. There's far less access and local investment outside of New York City. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: NYS needs real solutions to improve child care

Advocates for working families in New York say they want less talk and more action to improve child care in the state. Gov. Kathy Hochul has …

Millions of families across the U.S. depend on home-based child care, with over 750,000 children enrolled in these programs, often because parents consider them more flexible than traditional child care centers. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama joins national effort to expand pre-K access

Alabama is part of a national program aimed at diversifying early childhood education. The Enriching Public Pre-K Through Inclusion of Family Child …

Durham takes part in national effort to expand pre-K access

A North Carolina city is part of a national program aimed at diversifying early childhood education. The Enriching Public Pre-K Through Inclusion of …

Alabama spends less per pupil than the national average but allocates a similar percentage of taxpayers' personal income to K-12 education. The state ranks 39th in education funding and 41st in per-student spending. (Adobe Stock) <br /><br />

Advocates push to modernize Alabama’s school funding formula

Alabama is one of six states still using The Foundation Program to calculate aid to schools, which uses a formula focused on the number of students …

Five years ago, a video shocked the nation of 6-year-old Kaia Rolle being arrested at her Orlando, Fla., school because she had thrown a tantrum earlier in the morning. (Adobe Stock)

From classroom to courtroom: The human cost of school-to-prison pipeline

When a 6-year-old girl in Florida had a temper tantrum in class, it seemed like a typical childhood moment. But instead of calming the situation…

New York State is allocating $35.3 billion in total school aid, an $825 million increase from 2024. It also includes a $507 million increase in foundation aid. (Adobe Stock)

Study charts updates needed for NYS school funding formula

A new study provides New York State with an outline of necessary updates to its school funding formula. The Rockefeller Institute study called for …

Research on the effects of a school voucher program in Louisiana show academic performance decreased among kids who use vouchers to attend private schools. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Gov. sets aside 2026 SD funds for new education savings accounts

In this week's 2026 budget address, Gov. Kristi Noem proposed establishing education savings accounts for K-12 students in South Dakota. Opponents …

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)

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)

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 …

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