October 2, 2023 Center on the Developing Child Releases Report on Role of Racism in Child Development Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child recently released a report on the harmful effects of racism on child development, and possible policy solutions which address the source of structural, cultural, and interpersonal forms of hate. Entitled, “Moving Upstream: Confronting Racism to Open Up Children’s Potential,” the report reveals unique and significant stressors for families raising young children of color and looks at the link between racist interactions and future success. About the Report This report shares a portion of current knowledge on the effects of racism on child development and is based on studies from the social and biological sciences. It is not an complete review of all related research. Report authors took and adapted content from “Early Childhood Adversity, Toxic Stress, and the Impacts of Racism on the Foundations of Health,” by Jack P. Shonkoff, Natalie Slopen, and David R. Williams. Additional research findings, particularly in the biological sciences, are currently the subject of an ongoing inquiry by the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child and will be reported in future Center publications. Key Findings How Racism Affects the Body Please note: There is no evidence that the groups we commonly call “races” have unique, unifying genetic identities. Distinctions by race are empty social creations that change over time with societal influences. Therefore, well-documented “racial disparities” in health outcomes undoubtedly have multiple causes that are not genetically determined. Stress & Allostatic Load The body responds to adverse experiences and exposures by activating the stress response, popularly known as “fight or flight.” When activated at high levels for long periods, it can become what is known as toxic stress or allostatic load, which can have a significant effect on children’s brains and other biological systems. The need to cope continuously with the burdens of structural racism and everyday discrimination can be a potent activator of that kind of regular stress response, which builds up over time. When the stress response is triggered, the immune system responds by sending immune cells to fight off potential infections. This process is called inflammation. Persistently elevated inflammation puts highly activated substances in constant contact with multiple organs, which can disrupt their function over time. For some individuals, this can produce lasting changes in biological systems that increase the risk of later impairments, such as: obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression, and preterm births. Both Black men and women have higher mean allostatic load scores than do White men and women at all ages, equivalent to as much as 10 years of aging. Environmental Threats Additionally, toxic environmental exposures—including air pollution, heavy metals (e.g., cadmium, arsenic, lead), contaminated water, and pesticides—are more prevalent —in neighborhoods populated mostly by people of color with low incomes. As a result, these exposures are experienced at disproportionately higher levels by Black populations. They are associated with increased risk of: poor pregnancy outcomes, poor nutrition, higher rates of obesity and diabetes, and decreased physical activity. How Racism Creates Conditions That Harm the Well-Being of Children and Families Race-based discrimination is deeply embedded within social, political, and economic systems and institutions, such as housing, labor markets, the justice system, immigration policies, education, health care, and the media, among others. This complex web of economic policies, zoning regulations, social misconceptions, and historical legacies results in regular barriers and unequal opportunities that affect the healthy development of children in multiple ways. Segregated Neighborhoods Residential segregation by race—whether through historical housing policies or economic inequalities—continues throughout the United States, with significant differences in: neighborhood quality, living conditions, exposure to environmental toxins, and access to opportunities. Longstanding institutional neglect and disinvestment in poor, segregated communities contribute to low-quality housing, underfunded schools, and weakened community and neighborhood infrastructures that harm interpersonal relationships and trust among neighbors. In the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the United States, almost two-thirds of all White and Asian-American children live in high or very high opportunity neighborhoods, compared to 19% of Black, 23% of Hispanic, and 29% of Native American children. Segregation makes it harder for families to improve their circumstances (and life prospects for their children) by decreasing access to: quality early childhood services, elementary and high school education, after-school services, preparation for higher education, and employment opportunities. Segregation adversely affects both access to medical care and the quality of care received. Medical facilities in largely segregated, lower socioeconomic neighborhoods are more likely to have: less financial stability, less access to diagnostic imaging equipment, and higher barriers to finding and keeping specialty doctors. Interpersonal Discrimination Experiencing racial bias or animosity is often connected to: lower self-esteem, diminished psychological well-being, increased problems related to pregnancy outcomes, and higher levels of alcohol consumption, depressive symptoms, and obesity. Increased reports of discrimination have been connected with higher rates of preterm delivery and babies with very low birth weight. A study of Black and Latina urban, teen mothers found that everyday discrimination reported during pregnancy predicted greater separation problems and negative emotions in their children at 6 months and one year of age. Discrimination experienced by mothers is connected with increased indicators of inflammation in their children aged 4-9 years. Financial Stress and Loss Among the most common items on typical lists of stressful life events are financial difficulties and the loss of a loved one. The financial strain of poverty is significantly more common among Black (31%), Hispanic (23%), and American Indian (30%) children relative to non-Hispanic, White children (10% ). Relationship losses—and the resulting financial challenges—due to imprisonment are disproportionately felt by families of color compared to White families (see below), as is the death of a loved one due to poorer living and working conditions, earlier onset of disease, and higher rates of early death. Incarceration Significant disparities in surveillance, prosecution, and sentencing have driven a tenfold increase in the risk of incarceration for Black men compared to White men. Considerable evidence shows that adult incarceration affects the health and well-being of children and their families, including: economic instability and adverse influences on prenatal health, infant and child death, obesity, poor self-reported health in childhood and young adulthood, unhealthy behaviors and mental health problems, and poorer school outcomes Mass incarceration of adults has increased racial disparities in children’s behavioral and mental health problems by 15-25% for externalizing problems and 24-46% for internalizing problems. Exposure to high levels of police incidents, which are much higher in neighborhoods with mostly Black families, is also connected with higher rates of preterm births. Cultural Racism & Immigration Policy Negative stereotypes and images of racial groups normalize and support the idea of racial inferiority, and can spark and sustain both institutional and individual discrimination. Cultural racism contributes to bias in how students of color are treated in school, beginning in the early childhood years. Black preschoolers are 3.6 times more likely than their White peers to receive one or more suspensions. Accordingly, although Black children make up 19% of the preschool population, they make up almost half (47%) of the preschoolers suspended one or more times. Anti-immigrant initiatives trigger hostility that can lead to a feeling of vulnerability, threat, and psychological distress among individuals who get targeted directly, as well as those who get affected indirectly, including children. A study of Latinos in 38 U.S. states found higher rates of mental health illnesses in areas with more exclusionary policies. Policy Recommendations Strengthen policies that provide economic support. Invest in place-based interventions. Take steps to reduce cultural racism. Learn More To learn more, read the full report or visit the Center on the Developing Child website. Source Information for this post was taken directly from the Center on the Developing Child’s “Moving Upstream: Confronting Racism to Open Up Children’s Potential.” Some text may have been added, paraphrased, or adapted for readability and comprehension. Resources and Related Content Anti-Racism Tools Anti-Racism Resources for Families Anti-Racism Resources for Adults Resource List: Information on Raising Anti-Racist Children
August 14, 2023 Social Policy Study Reveals Vital Role of SNAP for Children and Families A recent report from the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) has provided new insight on the critical role of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the health and well-being of children and families. About the Report Entitled, “The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): A Vital Resource for Children, Youth, and Families,” the report combined data from existing research with insights from interviews between CSSP staff and SNAP-assisted families to build a complete picture of SNAP’s impact. Key Findings Key findings from the report show: In 2021, SNAP reached 41.5 million people in an average month. SNAP plays a critical role fighting hunger and malnutrition, and promoting economic wellbeing. For families, SNAP can help lift some of the weight off parents and caregivers as they struggle to feed growing children. For youth and young adults, SNAP provides some security and stability as they transition to adulthood and pursue their goals. This support is especially critical for young people who age out of foster care and are disproportionately likely to struggle to afford food, as they often lose access to social services and economic supports when they leave foster care. SNAP can be a critical resource for young people, helping them buy food and meet their needs as they set out on their own, further their education, embark on their careers, and form their own families. CSSP Policy Recommendations Though SNAP provides an enormous, essential benefit to families and youth, CSSP shared in the report that SNAP can do more to help people meet their needs and pursue their goals, offering a number recommendations. They encourage policymakers to: increase benefit levels, repeal the three-month time limit for adults, restore access to immigrant families, and lift the ban on hot food. Learn More To learn more, read the full report or visit the CSSP website. Source Information for this post was taken directly from the CSSP SNAP report. Some text may have been added, paraphrased, or adapted for readability and comprehension. Related Content & Resources 2023 Food Resources Allegheny County Family Resource Map Highlights Supports for Locals Housing Resources Available for Allegheny County and Pennsylvania Families ELRC Region 5 Now an Infant Formula Bank Updated: Summer Food Programs Offer Free Meals to Children OCDEL Invites Families to Participate in Free Professional Photo Session Clothing Distribution at The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center LDA of PA Offering Free Reading Tutoring to Children in Hill District
July 5, 2023 New Nationwide Report Ranks Pennsylvania 22nd in Child Well-Being The Annie E. Casey Foundation recently released its 2023 KIDS COUNT Data Book on state trends in child well-being. The 50-state report ranks Pennsylvania 22nd overall in child well-being, showing declines in major indicators of child health, safety, education, support, and happiness. About the Kids Count Data Book Since 1990, the Casey Foundation has ranked states annually on overall child well-being using a selection of indicators. Called the KIDS COUNT index, these indicators capture what children and youth need most to thrive in four domains: economic well-being, education, health, and family and community. Each domain has four indicators, for a total of 16. These indicators represent the best available data to measure the status of child well-being at the state and national levels. Indicators include: Economic Well-Being children in poverty children whose parents lack secure employment children living in households with a high housing cost burden teens not in school and not working Education young children (ages 3 and 4) not in school fourth-graders not proficient in reading eighth-graders not proficient in math high school students not graduating on time Health low birth-weight babies children without health insurance children and teen deaths per 100,000 children and teens (ages 10-17) overweight or obese Family and Community children in single-parent families children in families where the household head lacks a high school diploma children living in high-poverty areas teen births per 1,000 This year’s Data Book presents a picture of how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted child well-being in the United States. Foundational Information & Report Context Importance of Child Care According to one estimate, shortcomings of the child care system cost the U.S. economy $122 billion a year through lost earnings, productivity and tax revenue. Access & Barriers to Child Care Despite gains in recent years, the United States is still failing to deliver early childhood education to more than half of its children (54%). The National Survey of Children’s Health reports that 13% of children birth to age 5 (2.8 million) had a family member who faced work challenges due to child care. More than half of working parents with infants or toddlers reported having been late to work or leaving early at least once in the previous three months due to child care problems, and almost a quarter (23%) have, at some point, been fired for it. According to an analysis by the advocacy organization Child Care Aware, the average annual cost of care for one child in America was $10,600 in 2021—one-tenth of a couple’s average income or more than a third (35%) of a single parent’s income. Child Care Aware also has estimated that center-based infant care costs more per year than in-state tuition at a public university in 34 states and the District of Columbia. Child care costs have risen 220% since the publication of the first KIDS COUNT Data Book in 1990, significantly outpacing inflation. Issues & Inequities Within Child Care Of children eligible for subsidies under federal rules, only 1 in 6 receives them. The shortcomings of the child care system disproportionately affect the financial well-being of women, single parents, parents in poverty, families of color, and immigrant families. Parents tend to need child care earlier in their career when lower salaries match their limited experience. Young parents spend an average of 14% of their household income on child care, twice the share the federal government recommends. Researchers estimate women were five to eight times more likely than men to experience negative employment consequences related to caregiving in 2022. Cost of Providing Child Care Labor costs can account for more than 80% of a child care provider’s expenses. Child care workers make less than workers in 98% of our nation’s other professions, despite the vital role they play in preparing the next generation to thrive. The median pay for child care workers, who typically must hold a range of credentials, was $28,520 per year or $13.71 an hour in 2022. That’s less than the median pay for: customer service representatives ($18.16), retail sales positions ($14.26), and restaurant jobs ($14) that don’t require the same level of education. Ninety-four percent of child care workers are women; 14% are Black and 4% are Asian, and across all races, 24% described their ethnicity as Hispanic or Latino. Staffing shortages have left those within the field “more stressed” (85%) and “exhausted/burnt out” (75%). These shortages were a factor for the more than one-third of owners and operators who said they were considering shutting down. Key Findings Nationwide Data Negative Trends Half of the indicators tracked in the 2023 Data Book worsened since before the pandemic, while four stayed the same, and only four saw improvement. The most recent data available show that fewer parents were economically secure, educational achievement declined, and more children died young than ever before. In 2022, 74% of eighth-graders were not proficient in math, the worst figure in the last two decades. Also, more young children did not attend school, and the percentage of high school students graduating on time stalled. In 2021, the child and teen death rate was 30 deaths per 100,000 children and youths ages 1 to 19, the highest rate seen since 2007, with continued increases in deaths by suicides, homicides, drug overdoses, firearms, and traffic accidents. Positive Trends The number and percentage of children without health insurance improved between 2019 and 2021. Thus, efforts to expand access to stable and affordable coverage helped children and families. Over the last two years, the teen birth rate improved, a smaller percentage of children lived with parents who lacked a high school diploma and there was improvement in the number of children living in high-poverty communities. Racial Inequities in Child Well-Being Data suggest that the United States fails to provide American Indian, Black and Latino children with the opportunities and support they need to thrive, and to remove the obstacles they encounter disproportionately on the road to adulthood. Nearly all index measures show that children with the same potential are experiencing disparate outcomes by race and ethnicity. A few notable exceptions: Black children were more likely than the national average to be in school as young children and to live in families in which the head of the household has at least a high school diploma. American Indian and Latino kids were more likely to be born at a healthy birth weight. Latino children and teens had a lower death rate than the national average. However: Black children were significantly more likely to live in single-parent families and in poverty. American Indian kids were more than twice as likely to lack health insurance and almost three times as likely to live in neighborhoods with more limited resources than the average child. And Latino children were the most likely to be overweight or obese and live with a head of household who lacked a high school diploma. State Data New Hampshire ranks first in overall child well-being, followed by Utah and Massachusetts. Mississippi (at 48th place), Louisiana (49th) and New Mexico (50th) are the three lowest-ranked states. States in Appalachia, as well as the Southeast and Southwest (where families have the lowest levels of household income) populate the bottom of the overall rankings. In fact, except for Alaska, the 15 lowest-ranked states are in these regions. Although they are not ranked against states, children in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico experienced some of the worst outcomes on many of the indicators the Foundation tracks. Pennsylvania Data Negative Trends The number of children whose parents lack secure employment and the number of teens not in school and not working increased over the last two years. Additionally, fewer than half of: young children are in school, fourth-graders are proficient in reading, and eighth-graders are proficient in math. Statistically: 55% (up from 53% in 2016) of 3-4 year olds are not in school. 66% (up from 60% in 2019) of fourth-graders are not proficient at reading. 73% (up from 61% in 2019) of eighth-graders are not proficient in math. More children and teens are: dying, overweight or obese, and in families where the household head lacks a high school diploma. Positive Trends Though Pennsylvania’s rate of uninsured children is 4% and approximately 126,000 children cannot access affordable, quality health care coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), more Pennsylvania children are insured now than in 2019. Additionally, the percentage of low birth-weight babies is down from 2019. Fewer children are: living in households with a high housing cost burden (25% from 27% in 2019), in single-parent families (34% from 35% in 2019), and living in high-poverty areas (9% from 12% in 2016). Also, fewer teenagers are giving birth (12% from 13% in 2019). Despite significant drops in indicators, Pennsylvania outranked most states in education. For more detailed Pennsylvania data, view the KIDS COUNT Data Book state profile. Policy Recommendations The Annie E. Casey Foundation encourages policymakers to take the following actions: Federal, state and local governments should invest more money in child care. Public and private leaders should work together to improve the infrastructure for home-based child care, beginning by increasing access to startup and expansion capital for new providers. To help young parents, Congress should expand the federal Child Care Access Means Parents in School program, which serves student parents. Learn More To learn more, read the full report or visit the Annie E. Casey Foundation website. Source Information for this post was taken directly from the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2023 KIDS COUNT Data Book. Some text may have been added, paraphrased, or adapted for readability and comprehension. Related Content & Resources Support Resources for Families The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center 2023 Food Resources State Departments Asking Child Care Providers to Complete Insurance Survey Allegheny County Family Resource Map Highlights Supports for Locals Housing Resources Available for Allegheny County and Pennsylvania Families Trying Together Shares Advocacy Tools for Families and Child Care Providers ELRC Region 5 Now an Infant Formula Bank
April 25, 2023 Advocacy Organizations Release Report on Rural Early Care and Education Trying Together, in partnership with Start Strong PA and Pre-K for PA, recently released a report on the current state of early child care and education in Pennsylvania’s rural counties. Entitled, “A Snapshot of the Rural Early Care and Education Landscape: Examining data from 13 counties in Pennsylvania,” the report shows that families in rural Pennsylvania communities have limited access to quality care, despite having a higher proportion of parents in the workforce, and a greater prevalence of long and nontraditional hours and commutes. About Rural Counties and the Rural Early Care and Education Report Authors of the report considered counties in which the number of people per square mile amounted to less than 291 (the statewide average), rural. Of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, 72% met this definition, and just over 162,000 children under five live in them. This report highlights data in the following rural counties: Armstrong, Butler, Centre, Clarion, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, and Washington. It also includes data from Lancaster, Westmoreland, and York counties. These counties aren’t classified as rural based on the population, but include pockets of rural communities facing similar challenges. Report Findings Rural families and child care providers have some of the greatest challenges in accessing and providing child care in Pennsylvania. This is due to the unique realities of rural areas, including fewer high-quality options, distance and travel, limited transportation, higher teacher turnover, fewer qualified individuals living in the region, and lower family incomes. Specifically: Working Families Child Care Needs Nearly every rural county in PA shows a majority of all available parents in the labor force. Seven of the counties reviewed have a higher proportion of working parents than does the state. Over 80% of parents in Butler County are in the workforce, as are three quarters of parents in Indiana and Somerset counties. In rural areas, options for evening, overnight, or weekend hours are scarce, with one parent describing them as non-existent. Child Care Provider Capacity The number of Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy-eligible children who need child care exceeds the licensed capacity in every county reviewed, with the exception of Centre. Families are eligible for the CCW subsidy if their incomes are at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level ($60,000 for a family of four). Most rural child care programs are not operating at full capacity because they don’t have enough staffing. Statewide home-based providers make up about 30% of licensed programs, yet home-based providers comprise a much higher proportion in some of the rural counties analyzed. In Greene County, home-based providers account for over 70% of licensed options, and for over half in Franklin County. Indiana County home-based providers make up 48% of licensed options, and in Armstrong and Somerset counties, home-based providers are 42% of licensed child care. Public Funding for Child Care and Pre-K The state only serves a quarter of CCW-eligible infants and toddlers. Unfortunately, this figure is even lower in every rural county reviewed. In rural counties, both subsidized and private pay infant and toddler care is difficult to find and afford. Pre-K children are served at much higher rates than infants and toddlers, given that pre-k investments have been more consistent and sustainable. Clarion, Greene, Indiana, and Lawrence counties are serving more than half of their eligible three- and four- year olds. The Child Care Workforce Pennsylvania is experiencing a dramatic decline in teachers from pre-k to 12th grade, and rural communities have been the most significantly impacted by this decline. No county shows median annual earnings above $26,000, with six counties below $20,000 a year. The median earnings fall well under the cost of living in every county. Providers highlighted the difficulty of training staff, especially with changing requirements and when onboarding new employees. Another challenge that providers raised is the lack of mental and behavioral health and early intervention services. Recommendations Early childhood programs can’t continue to operate with their current budgets and expenses. Additionally, middle class families cannot continue to shoulder the brunt of the cost, while child care teachers subsidize the system through their own low wages. Thus, Trying Together, Start Strong PA, and Pre-K for PA recommend the following: Invest long-term, sustainable funding for early childhood educator wages. Conduct further research on family child care needs and choices in rural communities. Support resources and quality for home-based and relative care providers. Increase infant and toddler contracted slots (grants). Move to an alternative cost methodology for setting subsidy rates. Increase early intervention, mental health, and behavioral health resources, and professionals. Provide more support and resources to help rural providers meet training requirements. Learn More To learn more, read the full report.
January 19, 2023 Thriving PA Releases Report on WIC Participants and Access to Benefits Thriving PA has released a report on the results of focus group sessions with Pennsylvania Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program participants. Entitled, “WIC Participants Encourage Improvements to Remove Barriers to Access,” the report reveals value in key elements of the WIC program and a need to increase program accessibility. About Thriving PA partnered with eight community-based organizations, including Trying Together, to recruit and facilitate focus group sessions. The results in the report are part of a continuous feedback loop with these organizations and session participants. Summary of Findings WIC Program Strengths Participants valued information on nutrition and health education provided at WIC clinics during appointments. Information on the breastfeeding program proved especially important. Participants are hopeful the increased monthly produce benefits (resulting from a congressional response to the COVID-19 pandemic) will continue even when the public health emergency ends. Participants considered the ability to use vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables at farmer’s markets as a significant strength of the program. Barriers to WIC Program Benefits Participants expressed difficulty getting to WIC offices during clinic hours. They included distance, gas prices, and inability to obtain child care as barriers to attending appointments. Because participants must visit WIC clinics to get their EBT benefits reloaded every three months, they describe in-person requirements are challenging. Participants feel the length of certification is too short and annual recertification is too frequent. Participants shared frustrations with the food options that are eligible for WIC, including sizing and diversity restrictions. Participants identified a need for an updated package that meets current nutritional standards. Participants had trouble determining what items were WIC approved in stores and said item identification and checkout need to be addressed to ensure smoother transactions. Participants expressed a desire for improvement in staff interactions at WIC clinics, as well as improved communication. Participants said they felt deterred by the stigma and shame associated with participation in WIC, especially during the checkout process. Thriving PA Recommendations Make permanent the flexibilities given to the program during the COVID-19 pandemic, which have allowed WIC agencies to adapt to families’ needs, and modernize current technology to provide the best user experience. Advance the transition to an online system as quickly as is feasible. Create a state-specific mobile app that would allow specific benefit information to be open to participants. Integrate WIC into COMPASS, which will allow eligibility and enrollment processes to be much more straightforward and easy for eligible individuals to access benefits. Explore more modern methods for outreach to capture more eligible WIC participants and educate community-based organizations, health care professionals, home visitors, and other service providers about the WIC program. Make significant vendor improvements, including care coordination, support for workforce development, federal food package updates, federal eligibility expansion, and federal relaxation of the physical presence requirement. Learn More Read the full report to learn more.
July 16, 2020 FDA Warning: Hand Sanitizers Containing Methanol About On July 2, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that there has been a sharp increase in hand sanitizer products labeled to contain ethanol (a.k.a. ethyl alcohol) but have tested positive for methanol contamination. Methanol, or wood alcohol, is a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin and toxic or life-threatening when ingested. Understanding the Risk Methanol is not an acceptable active ingredient for hand sanitizers and must not be used due to its toxic side effects. The FDA is aware of instances where adults and children ingested contaminated hand sanitizers that have led to blindness, hospitalization, and death. The FDA’s investigation of methanol in certain hand sanitizers is still ongoing. Risks are especially high for young children who accidentally ingest these products and adolescents and adults who drink these products as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute. Please do not ingest any type of hand sanitizer, regardless of whether or not it is contaminated with methanol. Receiving Medical Attention Individuals exposed to hand sanitizers containing methanol who are experiencing symptoms should seek immediate treatment for potential methanol poisoning. Substantial exposure to methanol can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system, or death. If you need to report adverse events or quality problems experienced with the use of hand sanitizers, contact the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or through a printable form that can be submitted via fax at 1.800.332.0178. More Information A list of hand sanitizer products to avoid can be found on the FDA website. For more information, see the full update.
December 10, 2019 PDE Releases New Family Engagement Framework The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has released the Pennsylvania Family Engagement Birth through College, Career, Community Ready Framework. About The PDE Family Engagement Framework As a collaborative initiative between PDE’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE), the Pennsylvania Family Engagement Birth through College, Career, and Community Ready Framework is a tool to guide learning communities in the implementation of effective practices, use of shared language, and application of a family engagement continuum for families across their child’s educational lifespan. With this, the framework includes Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)-aligned Family Engagement resources and information for local education agencies (LEAs). Beginning with early learning programs through K-12, effective family engagement is critical to supporting a child’s learning and development. In fact, research has demonstrated that regardless of socioeconomic background, when schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning, children perform better academically, enjoy school more, remain in school longer, and have better long-term outcomes such as higher graduation rates, improved post-secondary educational attainment, and increased career readiness. By establishing this framework, PDE seeks to foster a clear path by identifying a set of common standards of how learning communities can plan and implement family engagement practices. Members of Pennsylvania’s learning communities can employ this framework, with communities including programs and schools to which PDE provides funding, guidance, and monitoring. More Information For more information on the framework, visit the PDE’s website. *Information provided by the Pennsylvania Key
December 7, 2019 PA DHS Releases 2019-2022 Strategic Plan The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) released its 2019-2022 Strategic Plan outlining methods to assist Pennsylvanians in achieving “safe, healthy, and productive lives while being an accountable steward of commonwealth resources.” About In an opening message from PA DHS Secretary Teresa Miller, Miller highlights the core values and mission of PA DHS, stating: “We strive every day to make sure…that every Pennsylvanian can be secure in the knowledge that they have somewhere to turn on that nearly inevitable day when they find themselves or a friend or family member struggling, perhaps with a physical or intellectual disability, addiction, cancer, abuse, mental illness, or any number of circumstances. DHS exists to protect and advocate for some of our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, and we are steadfastly committed to that work.” With this, the plan highlights DHS’ Strategic Priorities to continue improving and streamlining its programs to fulfill its mission to “assist Pennsylvanians in achieving safe, healthy, and productive lives” and protect Pennsylvanians under the care of licensed providers. DHS Strategic Priorities The PA DHS Strategic Plan priorities include: providing every child with a strong foundation for physical and behavioral well-being; bending the health cost curve; enhancing access to health care and services that help Pennsylvanians lead healthy, productive lives; promoting accountable and transparent government. More Information For more information on DHS’ 2019-2022 Priorities, read the full Strategic Plan. To learn more about Trying Together, visit our Home page.
October 23, 2019 Children’s Fund Working Group Presents Report to County Executive In October 2019, the Allegheny County Children’s Fund Working Group formally presented County Executive Rich Fitzgerald with a report for his review and consideration. In it, the Group recommends the creation of a new county department dedicated to children, as well as an annual investment of up to $20 million to support high-quality learning and out-of-school-time programs. About Officially launched in May 2019, the Allegheny Children’s Fund initiative is a citizen-led effort that seeks to “change the way we fund the efforts that are proven to ensure the health and well-being of our kids across the county: early learning, after school programs, and good nutrition.” In November 2018, the Group successfully qualified a question for the General Election ballot, asking voters: “Shall the Allegheny County Home Rule Charter be amended to establish the Allegheny County Children’s Fund, funded by Allegheny County levying and collecting an additional 0.25 mills, the equivalent of $25 on each $100,000 of assessed value, on all taxable real estate, beginning January 1, 2019 and thereafter, to be used to improve the well-being of children through the provision of services throughout the County including early childhood learning, after school programs, and nutritious meals?” While the group exceeded their goal of collecting more than 40,000 petition signatures from community members and stakeholders, the effort fell short as 48.4% of voters answered “YES” on the ballot. A majority (>50%) “YES” vote was needed. While the question did not receive a majority “YES” vote, community members and stakeholders still agreed that unmet needs remained. With this, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald announced that a 26-member working group had been convened to begin to look at the potential creation of a Children’s Fund to provide resources to early childhood learning and out-of-school-time programs across Allegheny County. Allegheny County Children’s Fund Tasks County Executive Fitgerald charged the working group with the following tasks: review available data to assess the state of children and children’s programming in Allegheny County; gather information from providers, parents, and experts across the county, especially regarding programming demand and supply gaps; gather input from the larger community; review state and federal policies and their impact on children’s programming in the county; design the operations of a possible children’s fund; provide concept budgets for operations within budgets of $5 million, $10 million, and $20 million annually; provide sample allocation models and scenarios; and report findings to the County Executive. Overview of the Report The working group found that there are significant gaps in equitable access and recommends that a focus on improving the quality of the system would provide significant benefit to the community. The report proposed a mission and vision for a Children’s Fund and identified four core principles: equity, access, quality, and accountability. With this, the group’s annual goal is to ensure that more children in Allegheny County can access high-quality programming. As a long-term goal, the group hopes for systemic improvements for children in Allegheny County. “An investment of this level is a commitment that focuses on quality and equity for youth in our community,” said Trisha M. Gadson, Ph.D., Co-Chair of the Children’s Fund Working Group. “It can further support the economic viability of our region.” During its six months of work, the group sought to engage as many voices as possible to receive input and feedback from the community. This process included six public meetings, two focus groups, an online survey (in English and Spanish), and a meeting-in-a-box kit to receive input from teens. In addition to its final report, the group issued a Public Engagement Summary as a companion piece, outlining input from the public on the creation of a Children’s Fund at the county level. County Executive Fitzgerald thanked the group for their diligent attention, stating, “This issue is important to me and it is important to this community. Nothing could be more impactful to the residents of Allegheny County than investing in our children and their future. While I’ve just begun to dive into this report and its recommendations, it is clear that it calls for a systemic change to be dedicated to children’s success. I’m grateful to the leaders of our community who gave of their time and talents to provide us with a plan to consider and will be continuing this conversation with them as we consider what options make sense for our county moving forward.” “The importance of the County Executive’s leadership is vital to the success of our children and our region,” said Michelle Figlar, Co-Chair of the Children’s Fund Working Group. “The addition of local leadership and revenue is essential to the success of early learning and out-of-school programs, and Allegheny County has the opportunity to lead in this effort.” Read the Full Report To read the full report, visit the Allegheny County website. Next Steps The work of the Allegheny County Children’s Fund Working Group is now complete. Follow what happens next with the Working Group’s recommendations at the County Executive’s website or by contacting your member of the Allegheny County Council. More Information For more information, visit the Children’s Fund website. Read the full release. *Information provided by the Office of County Executive Rich Fitzgerald
March 29, 2019 Lunch & Learn: Navigating the Future of Learning Join Remake Learning on April 25th to explore KnowledgeWork’s most recent forecast on the future of learning, “Navigating the Future of Learning.” Context Engaged citizens and civic organizations are seeking to rebalance power. Artificial intelligence and algorithms are automating many aspects of our lives. People have increasing access to tools and insights that are reshaping our brains in intended and unintended ways. Outdated and misaligned systems and metrics of success are contributing to chronic health issues. Communities are working to remake themselves in the face of deep transitions. How these forces combine and interact will present a new context for education and a new landscape of choices for transforming teaching and learning. About the Event As always, this is free, open gathering designed to forge and develop relationships between the educators, innovators, and change agents that make up the Remake Learning Network. Join to discuss your craft, address issues, share opportunities, and connect to resources. Learn more at remakelearning.org/meetups Lunch will be provided with a vegetarian option. Please help reduce food waste by letting them know if you need to cancel your registration. The cut-off date for special food requests is April 21. Registration To register, visit Remake Learning’s event page. Questions & Concerns For any questions or concerns, email Ani at ani@remakelearning.org.
