Don’t You Want to Be “In the Know?”

Once in a while it makes sense to put all the news in one place. This week, we did it for you in our biannual ChildWatch newsletter.

Supporting Young Learners

The top story is new research into kids being expelled or “pushed out” of child care and pre-k, with some lifelong impacts.

At least one in ten preschool children is expelled from their early learning programs. “Pushing kids out of care and pre-k is incredibly personal for young children, parents, and providers,” said Dr. Stephanie Blake, Early Childhood Education Operations Manager. “We wanted to uncover what was happening and why, because it’s important to families and the early learning sector that supports them.”

The Fight against Lead Paint Poisoning

With progress stalled at the state level, Children First and the Lead-Free Promise Project have successfully collaborated with local governments to pass lead-free or lead-safe laws. ChildWatch has the latest on what’s working – and why it’s important.

Punishment Too Big for the Crime

In what world does locking up a child as young as ten make sense? Not ours! But that’s happening in Pennsylvania. Learn about our in-depth research that exposes this irresponsible criminal justice policy that charges nearly 2,000 Pennsylvania children between the ages of 10 and 13 each year.

Building Mental Health Connections

Here’s a startling statistic: nearly 70% of youth who die by suicide never received the care that might have saved their lives. In fact, far too few Pennsylvania children even with mild mental health needs can get the support they need when they need it. Read how Children First and the Strong Minds, Bright Futures Partnership are working tirelessly to change that.

Increasing Access to Career-Technical Education

Career and technical education (CTE) in high school prepares students to learn real-world skills and graduate ready to earn a good living, but less than seven percent of Pennsylvania students are enrolled in these practical, hands-on courses. Groundbreaking Children First research explores why – and offers lawmakers solutions so more kids can be ready for success.

Click here to read about all of this and more.

(P.S. If you like what you read, make a donation to support our work!)