W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Post

A recent analysis by our grantee IFF (CDFI), has highlighted a critical shortage of early childhood education services in Kent County. Over 20,000 child care spots are needed to meet local demand, leaving nearly 36,000 children without access to quality early care and education. This gap is especially severe for children under two and those reliant on subsidized care. Despite a 28% increase in child care spots in Grand Rapids since 2018, affordability and accessibility remain major challenges, particularly in urban areas like Wyoming, Kentwood, and Cedar Springs. Historical redlining has also left lasting impacts, disproportionately affecting families of color. To address this, we must prioritize improving access to quality early care and support for child care providers. Initiatives like MI Tri-Share and community-based provider networks can help bridge the gap, ensuring all children have the opportunity to thrive. Read more about this pressing issue and the steps being taken to create a brighter future for Kent County's children: https://wkkf.co/u1ax

Where are early childhood and childcare providers cutting corners to save money? #childcare #earlychildhood #earlychildhooddevelopment #daycare #preschool #headstart #earlyheadstart #cost #wages

While we wait, let’s stay powerful and hopeful 🌅 Hoping we can expand this to other counties and states! In the meantime: 1. Take community action - Contact your local leaders and tell them your story. Let them know there are options like what’s happening in Park City. Bravely ask for change. 2. Take inner action - Foster hope through gratitude and reflecting on your ultimate WHY. Remembering the reason you do what you do will give you fuel to keep moving forward even in the face of challenge⛰️ “Everything is figureoutable” 💛 How are YOU staying powerful and hopeful 👇 comment below 👇

As of September 30, the critical $24 billion in child care stabilization funding from the American Rescue Plan has expired. We’re asking Congress to support President Biden’s supplemental budget request of $16 billion in funding to offer quality programs that support families and our nation's economy. Without congressional support, child care programs face uncertainty, directly impacting the well-being of the children and families we serve. What can you do? Take action! contact your representatives and urge them to support the $16 billion funding request. & Read the insightful Newsweek article by Suzanne McCormick, President and CEO of YMCA of the USA (National Resource Office), to understand this crucial need: https://lnkd.in/eAn3j-3s Let's continue supporting the futures of the children, families and employers who depend on us and our early learning, afterschool and summer programming. #ChildCareFunding #SupportFamilies #YMCA #CongressAction

The front line for supporting families is people in communities. Yet, many well-intentioned programs and supports operate independently and don’t make the critical connections families need to address their complex challenges. This reality has created new urgency toward pursuing a bold, shared vision – a nation where all babies are born into communities of opportunity that provide them with what they need, where they need it, and when they need it. That's why four national early childhood models came together to develop Hand in Hand, a silo-busting, trust-building framework for community collaboration that achieves positive, equitable outcomes for all young children and their families.

Exciting News for Early Childhood Development in Colorado! 🌟 The Colorado Department of Early Childhood is making significant strides with the support of the Preschool Development Grant (PDG). A recent report prepared by CHI shines a light on the needs of the state's youngest citizens and their families, offering critical insights for future initiatives. 🚀 Since its launch in 2022, the Department has been actively assessing and strategizing to meet the needs of children from birth to age 5. This marks a pivotal moment for Colorado families and the dedicated professionals serving them. 💡 The report transcends typical governmental communication by distilling complex ideas into plain language, empowering families and early childhood professionals to understand and advocate for a better system. 🤝 Through collaboration with CHI, the Family Voice Council, and the Early Childhood Leadership Commission, key areas of focus have been identified: -Family Engagement -Sustainability -Workforce Development -Availability of Services -Ensuring Quality 🔍 The department is delving deep into the heart of early childhood services, examining: -Mental health programs -Family strengthening initiatives -Early care and education -Early Intervention Colorado 🌐 The report addresses diverse family circumstances, supporting: Non-English speaking, culturally diverse, and immigrant families Children with chronic health conditions Families in rural or high-poverty areas, and those experiencing homelessness The youngest members of our community, with a focus on infants and toddlers 📈 Each section concludes with 'Planning for Improvement,' offering actionable recommendations to enhance the early childhood system. 📚 The full report, a treasure trove of information, is available on the Department of Early Childhood’s website in both English and Spanish. Join the journey to enrich the lives of Colorado's children and families. Together, we can make a lasting impact! https://lnkd.in/gUSBzD3W

⚠️ CHILD CARE CLIFF: Federal funding that helped to stabilize the early care and education (ECE) sector during the COVID-19 pandemic is set to end this weekend. This steep drop-off in investment puts roughly 3.2 million children across the country at risk of losing their spots at early learning centers. This will have a ripple effect on our workforce and economy. Sustainable funding sources for early care and education are essential. Here’s what you need to know about the ECE cliff: https://lnkd.in/eMUJ8t8R

Investing in early education is crucial for our nation's economy and families. High child care costs hinder workforce participation, impacting businesses. Temporary relief funds have helped, but long-term stability is essential for sustained progress. Prioritizing early education is key for a brighter future. #EarlyChildhoodEducation https://ow.ly/1GMP50QFWF2

Exciting Update for Early Childhood Development in NC! In February 2019, the North Carolina Early Childhood Action Plan (ECAP) was launched, laying out a vision and road map with 10 essential goals to ensure that every child in North Carolina has a healthy start and can reach their full potential within safe and nurturing environments. The 2024 Update highlights significant activities and local initiatives in four goal areas, including the implementation of a trauma-informed child welfare practice model across all state agencies. At One Place, we are deeply committed to fostering a trauma-informed community. Through programs like Foundations for Resilience and by integrating a trauma-informed approach into all our services, we align our efforts with the goals of ECAP. Together, we are creating a supportive environment where children and families can thrive. Read more about the updates at the link below. https://lnkd.in/e6znzd7 #EarlyChildhood #TraumaInformedCare #CommunitySupport #ChildWelfare #OnePlace #Resilience #ECAP2024