Early Childhood Education / Public News Service

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 />

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

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 …

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 …

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)

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 …

Massachusetts workers lose roughly $2.7 billion in earnings each year because of inadequate child care, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Federal investments help bolster MA workforce training programs

Federal investments are helping the city of Boston develop greater workforce training programs. The city received $23 million in 2022 to develop …

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

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 …

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 …

One Arkansas teacher said he does not think about the future because of the constraints of the cost of living. (NanSan/Adobe Stock)

Northwest AR development leads to housing crisis for educators

By Jordan P. Hickey for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop …

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 …

West Virginia communities rely on more than 600 elementary and secondary schools statewide, according to the state's Department of Education. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Survey: WV voters support investing in local public schools, teachers

A new postelection survey found voters across the political spectrum said they support investing in public schools and teachers. The findings from …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

One in six Iowa children faces hunger. The Save Our Children Action Network said it wants to see candidates in the upcoming election support increases in SNAP benefits. (Adobe Stock)

Critical Iowa kids' issues hang in election balance

The Save the Children Action Network is asking Iowans to support candidates in the upcoming election who invest time and political muscle in solving c…

The 2022 National Survey of Children's Health revealed 44% of children in Kentucky had experienced one or more adverse childhood experiences. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Most high school students say they have had a traumatic experience

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show three of every four high school students nationwide said they have experienced at le…

The State of Early Care and Education report from Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children suggests providing additional opportunities for professional development and career advancement for Pennsylvania's child care and early education workforce. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

Report makes recommendations to solve PA's 'historic' child care crisis

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

The average yearly salary of a New York State childcare worker is around $38,000, But the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Living Wage Calculator showed the living wage salary for a single person in the state is more than $55,000. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NY still has immense barriers to accessing child care

New York families are still dealing with child care barriers despite improvements. A new report found more than half the state is a child care …

More than 35% of Massachusetts families with young children could not afford enough diapers during the pandemic, even with federal stimulus payouts, according to a 2022 Health Equity study. (Adobe Stock) <br /><br />

Federal funds expand successful MA diaper distribution program

A federal pilot program distributing diapers to Massachusetts families in need is expanding. The program has already distributed more than two …

High prices and a high turnover rate of child care providers are not only affecting families but the state's economy. Census data show more than 15,000 people are not employed because they're caring for a child at home. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Child care, early education top NH voters' concerns

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

The ratio of early childhood educators in Wyoming to children ages 0-5 is nearly 12 to 1. (Adobe Stock)

WY child care programs lack support, close 'almost weekly'

Pandemic-era federal aid for early childhood educators expired last month and Wyoming lawmakers this year failed to pass a bill which could have helpe…

Nearly 67,000 schools participate in Farm-to-School programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Ohio schools bring local farms to lunch trays with USDA funding

This October, Ohio schools are celebrating National Farm to School Month by serving local produce in their meals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture …

The first $500 million collected from Washington state's capital gains tax goes toward child care and education. (BGStock72/Adobe Stock)

WA voters to decide on future of funding source for child care, education

Washington voters are deciding on the fate of the state's capital gains tax this election. The tax supports child care and schools. If passed…

During the 2022-2023 school year, 289 charter schools opened in the U.S. and in the same time period, 163 closed. (Adobe Stock)

Charter school longevity in WI isn't making the grade, report finds

Wisconsin has one of the higher closure rates in the U.S. for charter schools, according to a new report, which lays out the challenges of staying …

The Hazleton Area School District received a grant for more than $99,000 to implement a sustainable agriculture program in its career center, providing local, nutritious food to students and addressing health disparities in its community. (Adobe Stock)

Program builds bridge between PA's local farms, school cafeterias

Schools in Pennsylvania are recognizing October's National Farm to School Month by serving local produce in their meals. The U.S. Department of …

Even as families are forced to pay high prices for childcare, those dollars are not reaching early childhood educators who do not earn a living wage in any U.S. state. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Colorado child care workers earn poverty wages

Workers responsible for nurturing and educating young children during their most critical years of development struggle with poverty-level wages…

Nearly 67,000 schools participate in Farm-to-School programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Michael Chamberlin/Adobe Stock)

Program helps build bridge between local farms, school cafeterias

This October, schools in Georgia are celebrating National Farm to School Month by serving local produce in their meals. The U.S. Department of …

During the 2022-2023 school year, 289 charter schools opened in the U.S. and in the same school year, 163 closed. Michigan's charter school closure rate ranges from 35% to 44%. (Adobe Stock)

Report: 1 in 3 Michigan charter schools fails

A new report analyzing nationwide school closures shows in Michigan, about one in three charter schools fails. Michigan has the largest number of …

The Idaho Child Care Program serves families with children under age 13, or older if the child has a disability. (shangarey/Adobe Stock)

In hit to families, ID child care assistance program halts enrollment

Idaho has suspended enrollment in a child-care benefits program, and families are expected to feel the squeeze. The Department of Health and Welfare …

According to a report for the state, wages for Wyoming teachers in May 2023 were about 81% of those in comparable occupations including management, health care, computers, legal professions and more. (Henryk Sadura/Adobe Stock)

WY lawmakers urge returning public school funding to constitutional minimum

A Wyoming committee has recommended a temporary bump in funding for public schools, while educators await a judge's decision on the state's broader …

If postpartum depression symptoms last longer than a few weeks, mothers are encouraged to talk to their doctor. (sementsova321/Adobe Stock)

TX postpartum expert: 'reach out for help'

About 20% of new mothers experience postpartum depression after giving birth. What's typically known as the "baby blues" usually lasts around three …

The Fair collaborated with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and other local organizations to devise ways to make Sensory-Friendly Mornings beneficial and fun. (State Fair of Texas)

State Fair of TX hosts Sensory Sensitive Mornings

Big Tex is up and the Ferris wheel is spinning at the 138th State Fair of Texas. And again, this year the Fair is making special accommodations for …

Revenue above $500 million collected from Washington state's capital gains tax goes toward school construction. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

Repeal of WA's capital gains tax would hurt families, opponents say

The election is less than six weeks away and Washingtonians will be deciding on a slate of initiatives, including one measure affecting funding in …

Last year, nearly 20,000 teens turned 18 or 21 and aged out of foster care without a permanent home. <br />(Rido/Adobe Stock)

Almost 30,000 TX children remain in foster care system

It's a week to celebrate kids, with National Daughters Day today and National Sons Day on Saturday. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is …

One in six K-12 teachers nationally works in a district touched by gun violence since the 2019-2020 school year, according to research from RAND. (Adobe Stock)

AZ struggles to foster teacher morale in charged social, political climate

Research shows 86% of public schools nationwide report challenges in hiring teachers and the state of Arizona is no stranger to the struggle…

The odds of an active shooting are about three times higher where guns are allowed than in a gun-free zone, according to research published this month in The Lancet. (Adobe Stock)

WY lawmakers consider concealed weapons in public schools, state facilities

Wyoming lawmakers are discussing gun legislation, after Gov. Mark Gordon vetoed a bill which would have repealed "gun free zones" this spring…

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)

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)

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)

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)

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…

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