Olsson’s Post

🚨 The future of our community's children is at stake! 🚨  Early childhood literacy is a critical issue that needs immediate attention. Recent statistics from the 2024 KIDS COUNT Data Book by the Annie E. Casey Foundation reveal alarming challenges in California, where 69% of fourth graders are not currently reading proficiently. This alarming statistic threatens their academic success and life prospects, with minority and low-income children being hit the hardest. A staggering 82% of fourth graders in California who qualify for free or reduced lunch are currently not meeting reading proficiency standards.   We cannot ignore these stark disparities! When children develop strong literacy skills, they unlock their full potential for academic and lifelong success. United Way of San Diego County is tackling this crisis head-on, but we need your help. Supporting early literacy is a vital investment in our community's future prosperity. By donating to United Way of San Diego County, you help break down barriers and open doors to educational and economic success for all.  Give today and be a champion for educational and economic equity to ensure all our community's children, individuals, and families have a bright future! 🌟📚 https://lnkd.in/gdHwRsGW

More than 146,000 children in NYC are missing out on subsidized, affordable care that they’re qualified to receive as 80% of families across the boroughs can't afford to pay for it — even as the affordability crisis pushes more families to flee the city — the Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York found in a report. While the city has dramatically grown its early childhood education programming in the last few years by making pre-K and 3-K programs universally available, there are still barriers for low-income families trying to access affordable services. Jennifer March, executive director of the Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York, says dried-up outreach efforts by the city, an enrollment system that is confusing for families seeking subsidized programs, and ongoing post-pandemic health and safety fears are partly driving that divide. https://lnkd.in/e8QxE9y2

As we wrap up another week, I’m reflecting on the incredible importance of education as a tool for equity, especially for students facing the challenges of homelessness. Addressing systemic barriers and creating access to opportunity isn’t just a job; it’s a mission that inspires action every day. I came across this insightful article https://lnkd.in/gjkuU-Zz that highlights how Homelessness among families significantly impacts students, leading to lower graduation rates and chronic absenteeism, but innovative programs like Stable Homes Stable Schools demonstrate the power of collaboration. By providing housing support, job training, and school stability, these partnerships improve educational outcomes and break the cycle of homelessness, highlighting the need for broader funding and replication nationwide. It’s a powerful reminder of how we can all contribute to meaningful change, whether through policy, collaboration, or direct support. As leaders, educators, and advocates, we have a collective responsibility to ensure that no student is left behind due to circumstances beyond their control. Let’s continue building pathways to success for all students, together. 💡 What’s inspiring your work this week? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear!

Raise Up Oregon: A Statewide Early Childhood System Plan 2024-2028 is grounded in equity, the science of child development, and a firm understanding that it takes leaders from early care and education, health, higher education and workforce development, housing, human services, and public education—along with families, communities, and the public and private sectors—to work together during this critical period of children’s lives. This plan outlines meaningful actions to better serve the 43,000 children born each year in Oregon and their families. Read the report: https://ow.ly/Tsyo50QHf5s #TeamworkTuesday

All children regardless of race or zip code deserve the opportunity to learn and grow, develop the skills they need to become contributing adults, and achieve the future they envision for themselves.  In our NCYL blog, I dive into a California bill that bolsters diversion programs that keep kids in their communities and out of the juvenile justice system. Learn more about California's Youth Reinvestment Grant and why it's so vital that we build on its progress:  https://lnkd.in/gq9ey-r8

Recent data on pre-K education in #Pennsylvania revealed much work remains to improve investments in pre-K education in the state. In Pennsylvania, about 54% of eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, or about 78,000 kids, do not have access to pre-K. The Pre-K for PA campaign is asking lawmakers to boost funding in the fiscal budget as the June 30 deadline approaches. Kari King, president and CEO of Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, said they support Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposed $33 million increase for pre-K, which would strengthen the sector and expand access to high-quality programs. "The funds would aim to increase rates for providers," King explained. "Pre-K is an area where, like many other sectors, there's a workforce shortage. And so the funds in the state budget will really go to those programs and an effort to make sure that they're sustainable, and they have their doors open to serve kids with high-quality pre-K." The Pre-K for PA campaign also asked the General Assembly to approve a proposed investment of $2.7 million for the Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program to increase the per-child rate and examine it to equal the pre-K Counts rate increase. Disclosure: Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children/KIDS COUNT contributes to our fund for reporting on Children's Issues, Early Childhood Education, Education, and Health Issues.

During Week of the Young Child — and every week — we encourage you to show your support for early childhood education and educators! #WOYC24 High-quality child care is an investment in Arizona's economy, ensuring children can learn and grow, parents can earn a living and support their families, and communities thrive. But the U.S. Chamber Foundation estimates that child care challenges cause a loss of $1.7 billion annually to Arizona's economy. Check out our website for stories highlighting child care providers across the state who improved their facilities and opened new ones so that more families in their communities could access high-quality child care. https://lnkd.in/gPqFW8fN Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children (AzAEYC) FIRST THINGS FIRST .

Thank you to everyone who joined us last week for “Fund Mapping Baltimore: Investing in Baltimore City Youth” to learn more about private and public investments in supports and services for young people ages 14-24 in Baltimore City. What did we learn from this project? 1. A significant portion of the 2022 funds mapped were short-term COVID relief dollars. We must work as a community to fill the gaps their expiration will leave behind. 2. Most funding is earmarked for program-specific costs, but organizations need investment and funding to support infrastructure and operation costs for those same programs. 3. In comparing how funder and youth program priorities align, there is overlap in key areas, such as career readiness and education, but gaps remain. Our 2023 research shows there is a strong need to increase funding in mental health for youth. 4. Grants and direct services were much more likely to serve youth ages 14-18 than ages 19-24 even when the services were open to young people through age 24. 5. Only 6% of dollars mapped were earmarked for specific neighborhoods. These did generally align with neighborhoods with the most need, but not always. 6. Thirty percent of agencies reported no youth feedback engagement strategies despite funding youth programming. More agencies should engage and activate youth in decision-making. Which takeaway strikes you most? #Baltimore #BaltimoreYouth #BmoreFundMap #FundingOurFuture

NURTURING HEARTS INITIATIVE 1. Vision: o   “Nurturing Hearts, Illuminating Lives” §    Our vision is to create a world where every heart is nurtured with compassion, kindness, and hope. Through our initiative, we aim to illuminate the lives of children, especially those who have faced adversity, by providing them with love, support, and opportunities for growth. We envision a future where every child’s heart is a beacon of resilience and possibility. 2. Mission: o   “Transforming Hearts, Empowering Futures” §    Our mission is to transform the hearts of children—orphans, street children, and those in need—by nurturing their emotional well-being, self-worth, and inner strength. We believe that every child deserves a safe haven where they can heal, learn, and thrive. Through holistic care, education, and community support, we empower their futures, ensuring they have the tools to create a brighter tomorrow. 3. Motto: o   “Nurturing Hearts, Lighting Paths” § This motto encapsulates our commitment to nurturing the hearts of vulnerable children. By doing so, we light their paths toward resilience, education, and a life filled with purpose. Together, we create a compassionate world where no child walks alone. § Targets 4. Street Children: o  Provide a safe haven for street children, offering them emotional support, education, and opportunities for growth. o  Help them transition from life on the streets to a more stable and nurturing environment. 5. Orphans: o  Extend care and compassion to orphans who have lost their parents or guardians. o  Address their emotional needs, provide education, and empower them for a brighter future. 6. Vulnerable Children: o  Reach out to children facing adversity, neglect, or challenging circumstances. o  Offer holistic support, including physical, emotional, and educational assistance. NURTURING HEARTS INITIATIVE 7. Community Awareness and Advocacy: o  Raise awareness about the plight of street children and orphans. o  Advocate for policies that protect their rights and improve their well-being. 8. Empowerment and Resilience: o  Empower children with life skills, self-confidence, and a sense of purpose. o  Foster resilience, helping them overcome challenges and build a positive outlook.  A donor here please 🙏 🙏

**23.9% or 1 in 4** 😔 According to the current Australian Early Development Census data (2021), this is the number of children in our local region who are considered to be Developmentally Vulnerable (in the bottom 10th percentile) in 2 or more of Early Childhood Development Domains. Almost DOUBLE the SA average of 12.7% and second highest region in SA after the APY Lands 😢 It is going to need a whole of community approach to improve the future outcomes for our children, young people and ultimately the wider community. #ourchildrensfuture #ourfuturecommunity #australianearlydevelopment