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Early Learning Programs in Rhode Island: New Issue Brief Released, Media Coverage
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 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT recently released its newest Issue Brief, Improving Access to High-Quality Early Learning Programs in Rhode Island, at a policy roundtable. The policy forum highlighted key strategies to strengthen Rhode Island's early learning system for young children, from birth through kindergarten.
Senior Policy Analyst Leanne Barrett presented the findings, and discussants were Sandra Powell, Director of the RI Department of Human Services; and Deborah Gist, Commissioner of Education.
Early learning programs in Rhode Island have recently been highlighted in The Providence Journal, including: - An article on Rhode Island's State Pre-K Program;
- Coverage on the data and recommendations on Rhode Island KIDS COUNT's newest Issue Brief, Improving Access to High-Quality Learning Programs in Rhode Island; and
- An editorial about Rhode Island KIDS COUNT and the importance of investing in early education
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2013 Factbook Now Available
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Rhode Island KIDS COUNT recently released the 2013 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook. The Factbook reports on 68 indicators of child well-being. View all factbook indicators and data for your city or town.
Use the links below to explore selected indicators from the Factbook:
To order a hard copy of the Factbook, download and mail the Factbook Order Form or call (401) 351-9400. The cost of the Factbook is $21.40 ($20 plus tax); discounts for bulk purchases are available.
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Early Childhood Topics Featured on Rhode Island KIDS COUNT TV Show
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For the April 2013 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT TV Show, Woonsocket Head Start Director Mary Varr and Tri-Town Community Action Agency Head Start Director Rhonda Farrell joined host Elizabeth Burke Bryant to discuss Head Start services and federal budget cuts due to sequestration.
For the May 2013 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT TV Show, State Senator Gayle Goldin and Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Senior Policy Analyst Leanne Barrett joined Elizabeth Burke Bryant. They discussed the bill on paid family leave as part of Temporary Disability Insurance, introduced this session by Senator Goldin and Representative Elaine Coderre.
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| President Obama's Early Childhood Plan |
President Obama has announced an ambitious plan to expand investments in early childhood programs to provide more children with access to high-quality early learning programs, beginning at birth and continuing to age five. The plan includes:
- Establishing a new federal-state partnership to expand high-quality preschool with a goal of reaching all four-year-old children in families under 200% of FPL (Note: 41% of Rhode Island children under age 6 live in families with incomes at or below 200% of FPL).
- Expanding evidence-based home visiting programs to improve outcomes for our most vulnerable children and families.
- Increased federal investments creating an Early Head Start - Child Care partnership to expand the availability of high-quality Early Head Start and child care services for children from birth through age three.
You can join the national Strong Start for Children Campaign to show your support for the President's proposal. |
