What does early childhood have to do with America’s workforce problem? A lot, actually
American business depends on a strong workforce, now and in the future, to compete and succeed globally. But America is facing an unprecedented workforce crisis: a large and growing shortage of skilled workers. From the banks on Wall Street to the shops on Main Street, the world of work is changing — and our strategies for developing tomorrow’s workforce must change with it.
Head Start Smiles for Life
Thanks to the dedicated work of our own Kathy Hunt from Oral Health Kansas and many others, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has taken its first in-depth look at the oral health status of a representative sample of Head Start children throughout the state. Read the Head Start Smiles for Life here. .http://www.kdheks.gov/o…/download/HeadStartSmilesForLife.pdf
1 in 3 Kansas Kids is Covered by Medicaid
The Kaiser Family Foundation has released new Medicaid Fact Sheets with information by state. The information for Kansas is contained in two easy-to-read pages of infographics.
Highlight from KFF Fact Sheet "Medicaid in Kansas"
Region VII Sandbox Call for Submissions
It is time to submit your content for the Summer issue of the R7HSA Head Start Sand Box magazine. Each quarter we assemble a collection of inspiring and informational stories intended to spread the word about the amazing work you do every day, for the children and families you serve. http://www.r7hsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Call-for-Submissions-R7-Sand-Box.pdf
Families Unite for Head Start Rally and Hill Day
From NHSA's Yasmini Vinci:
I am asking you to be a part of a great event in Head Start’s history. Will you help us bring 1,000 parents to Capitol Hill to represent the Head Start advantage before every Member of Congress? Through their participation we will demonstrate the real impact the program has in every Congressional district and every zip code. Many of your colleagues in individual programs and state associations have already made stunning pledges to bring hundreds of parents toward that goal to Washington DC for a Families Unite for Head Start Rally and Hill Day on September 27th! Every parent voice will count, whether you bring one or two or a dozen.
Medicaid Coverage for Women and Children
The Kaiser Family Foundation has released an interactive fact sheet on how women use Medicaid. Roughly two-thirds (67%) of the 25 million adult women on Medicaid are in their reproductive years (19 to 49). Medicaid pays for nearly half of all births in the United States. Moreover, Medicaid covers a wide range of reproductive health care services, including family planning, STI testing and treatment, and pregnancy-related care including prenatal services, childbirth, and postpartum care.
http://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/fact-sheet/medicaids-role-for-women/
2017 KIDS COUNT is here!
Kansas scores 15th among the 50 states for overall child well-being, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2017 “Kids Count” report. #databook
Saving the Children's Initiative Fund (CIF)
Early Childhood Education funding should be a priority for all Kansans. To find out more, read Kansas Action for Children's informational PDF here. (infographics KAC)
http://kac.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/CIF_brief2016_3.2.pdf
Summer is a great time for Reading Aloud
Need some great ideas for summer books? Ask your local librarian for ideas. Library websites often post reading lists by age or have story time sessions for different age groups. Not sure where the nearest library is for you? Check out this great library locator by city. http://www.publiclibraries.com/kansas.htm