FoodCorps’ Post

From WFTV: ‘Thousands of Florida Preschools Expected to Close as Wave of Bankruptcies Hits’ "The economics of a daycare and a preschool are unique in that the center cannot increase their profits in the same way other industries can. If a business like an airline doesn’t want to raise its prices, its leaders can find a way to increase capacity, such as by adding more seats. Preschools don’t have that ability due to mandatory ratios, which require one teacher for every six children in the facility’s care. At the same time, families struggling with inflation often cannot afford higher prices, which already run $1,200 to $1,500 per month." Read More: bit.ly/4foOjOa: #EarlyLearning #EarlyChildhood #TheChildrensMovement

Parenting students face unique challenges, from financial burdens to basic needs insecurity. California State University, Fresno's Lil’ Bulldog Boutique and Diapers for Degrees programs provide critical support by offering free diapers, children’s clothing, and even potty-training items. But here’s the catch: 63% of parenting students don’t even know resources like these exist. Programs like Fresno State’s rely on grants (like the recently expired $1.5M CCAMPIS at KU grant) and outside donors. Sustaining these services is vital. How can we all work together to ensure student parents don’t have to choose between their education and their family’s needs? Read the full Inside Higher Ed article here: https://lnkd.in/grMVRa5f #highered #highereducation #studentsuccess #studentparents #educationforall #setupforsuccess #onlinelearning #studentequity #accessibleeducation #studentsupport #educationequity

The value of after-school programs for the future of Michigan is absolutely critical. At DBG, we see every day how much these high-quality programs outside of school hours mean to our students and their families. They provide a safe haven where kids can explore, grow, and pick up vital life skills that they don't necessarily get in the classroom. As we aim to get more people into the workforce, it's essential we don't overlook the importance of childcare and after-school activities. These aren't just a helping hand for working parents; they're building blocks for a stronger, more skilled workforce for the future.

Breakfast is more than just the first meal of the day; for many children, it’s the foundation of their focus, energy, and success in school. A recent article by Schools Week sheds light on the impact of breakfast clubs and offers practical guidance for schools considering or running these initiatives. Key takeaways: • More than food: Breakfast clubs create opportunities for social connection and a calmer start to the day, helping readiness to learn. • Access matters: Early adopters have seen how breakfast clubs can be transformative, particularly in areas with higher levels of food insecurity. • Sustainability challenges: Funding and staffing are often barriers, but creative partnerships with local organisations or leveraging government support can make these programmes viable. • Long-term benefits: Beyond nutrition, these clubs enhance attendance, punctuality, and overall wellbeing, creating a ripple effect across the school community. As teachers, we know how small changes can make a big difference. If breakfast clubs support even one child’s ability to thrive, they’re worth the investment. How are you supporting student wellbeing in your school? Let’s share ideas and solutions to create equitable opportunities for all. #Education #ChildWellbeing #BreakfastClubs #EquityInEducation #SchoolLeadership

In Case You Missed It: Leaders emphasize the importance of after-school programing for Michigan's future. As efforts to increase workforce participation continue, opportunities for childcare and quality out-of-school time programs for school-aged children should be a higher priority for elected officials, policymakers, and business leaders. https://lnkd.in/gE-BaZi9

CHILD CARE, HEALTH, & WEALTH To treat child care as health care is to recognize the short- and long-term effects on the well-being of families both in health and wealth. The existing child care market is failing families by not providing the early child care education that is needed and wanted. We need to acknowledge both the supply and demand for child care, tax credits, and child care subsidies which provide opportunities that benefit children, their parents, and society. Indeed, investing in children is investing in the future. #childcarematters

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

"Making sure that kids aren’t hungry when they’re trying to learn is a core service [of schools], and it’s one that we as a state need to fund."  said  Sen. Jeff Bridges. Colorado lawmakers are standing strong in their commitment to universal free school meals, even in the face of budget shortfalls. Despite the Healthy School Meals for All program exceeding initial costs, leaders like Sen. Bridges and Rep. Shannon Bird recognize that ensuring every child has access to nutritious meals is essential for their education and well-being. This dedication highlights the critical need for sustained funding and innovative solutions to support school meal programs. As costs rise, it's more important than ever to advocate for policies that prioritize children's health and education over budget cuts. At Solving Hunger, we believe that no child should have to choose between learning and eating. We're pushing for legislation that guarantees free, universal school meals across all states, ensuring every student has the fuel they need to succeed. 📢 Take action today! Support our mission to expand free school meal programs and help us create a future where no child goes hungry. Share your support and get involved! #SolvingHunger #ChildhoodHunger #FreeSchoolMeals #Education #FoodSecurity #Advocacy Ann Schimke via KUTV 2News / KMYU at https://lnkd.in/g74rfMGb.

Cop these for outcome metrics! The numbers are in and what’s clear is that Playgroup NSW’s Play Strong Supported Playgroup model kicks goals. Play Strong helps families and children who encounter barriers to attending traditional education and care services, giving these children and families the opportunity to feel supported and to gain access to early education, to get the best start to education they possibly can. As you can see, families are seeing benefits for their children across the board, but let’s zero in on these three lines: 🎯 86.55% of families reported an improved relationship with their child as a result of the Play Strong program. 🎯 87.86% of families felt more confident to provide #EarlyChildhoodEducation opportunities for their child in their homes. 🎯 88.81% of families reported feeling more connected with their communities as a result of the Play Strong program. The thing that smacks me in the face about these outcomes is actually not how good are (although they’re really good!). It’s the realisation that, without Play Strong, there are families who wouldn’t be enjoying their relationship with their child like they could be, would be feeling isolated in their own communities, and wouldn’t feeling confident about what to do to set their child up for life through quality early childhood education. It’s one thing to improve literacy, math and social skills (and the numbers demonstrate that Play Strong does that too), but it’s another thing entirely to strengthen the bonds between families and their children, and families and their communities. If ever there was proof that quality Early Childhood Education programs can shift the world, this is it. Read more about Play Strong (funded by the NSW Department of Education through the Start Strong program) at: https://lnkd.in/g77ZfJMN #First2000Days #ItTakesAVillage #FamilyStrengthening #FoundationalSupports