Chalkbeat | Kalyn Belsha, Gabrielle LaMarr LeMee, Larry Fenn, & Annie Ma “Officials estimate that enrollment will drop by 6% in the coming years — a rate nearly double what was predicted before the pandemic. Declining birth rates and rising housing prices that drive families away are big factors… Kindergarten applications are down considerably for…
How Policy Can Maximize Children’s Potential by Addressing Systemic Racism
Education Commission of the States | Al Race “The evidence is clear and growing: structural, cultural, and interpersonal racism impose unique and substantial stressors on the daily lives of families raising young children of color that affect lifelong learning and health.” In a society that improves the well-being of all children and families, new policies…
Opinion: Four Strategies to Make the US the Best Place to Raise A Family
The Hill | Katherine Beckmann “The success of our children and their families has always been foundational to the success of our nation. The pandemic has proven that our nation can come together to support children and families during a crisis.”‘ This opinion from Katherine Beckmann, a program officer at the David and Lucille Packard…
Colorado Launches Safe Child Care Task Force
Chalkbeat Colorado | Ann Schimke Colorado has launched a new task force to recommend reforms to ensure safety in child care settings, as well as provide safety education for both child care providers and parents. Read more from Chalkbeat Colorado.
Despite Predictions, Fewer Colorado Child Care Providers Closed Permanently During the Pandemic — But the Struggle Continues
Chalkbeat Colorado | Ann Schimke “One of the fears now is that child care may not be a field that anyone wants to enter,” said Suzanne Delap of Early Milestones. “It’s become less attractive because of COVID. The issues were exacerbated and I think it’s no longer just attrition… We’re going to have a hard…
Learning Loss: Students In 3 Denver Metro School Districts Had More Failing Grades During Pandemic.
CBS4 Denver | Kati Weis “We do know that students will need extra support as they return to school next fall… We are planning wraparound supports for students that will support their academic endeavors as well as the mental health and social emotional needs.” School districts in the Denver Metro area experienced record failing grades…
Jeffco’s School Board Approves A New Union for Preschool Staff
Chalkbeat Colorado | Yesenia Robles “Preschool staff who lead the unionization efforts said that the group’s priorities included having a voice in plans to reopen schools [and] budgets for preschool classrooms.” A new union of nearly 140 non-licensed preschool educators will now be recognized and added into JESPA, a union for Jefferson County’s school support staff….
3 Hacks for Parenting Through the COVID Recovery Summer.
Working Mother | Rebecca Holmes “This is the perfect time for families to reset and lay the foundation for our ‘new normal.” Rebecca Holmes, CEO of our Recovery Summer partner, the Colorado Education Initiative, discusses ways that parents can use this summer to strengthen relationships with their children. These three tips offer advice that looks…
Counting on Summer School to Catch Kids Up After a Disrupted Year.
The Hechinger Report | Jo Napolitano “Concerned about children falling behind academically and bolstered by additional federal funding, [school districts are] turning to summer school and enrichment programs to shore up students’ skills.” COVID-19 is forcing many programs to play “catch-up” this summer ahead of the 2021-22 school year. However, many education leaders are concerned…
The Pandemic Hit Moms Hard, and That Stress Can Trickle Down to Kids
The Hechinger Report | Jackie Mader “What we find is that when adults report their level of distress is high, we see that children have higher levels of emotional distress.” Mothers have experienced higher levels of emotional distress during the pandemic, such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The emotional burden has also impacted parents’ relationships…
