America’s Kids Report Card

Posted by on October 29, 2012

Needs improvement

A new report from First Focus and Save the Children gives the country a letter grade of C- in child well being. The report card assigns national grades in five key domains of a child’s life. Regarding economic security, America got a D, based on the number of children living in poverty, and experiencing food insecurity and unstable housing. For early childhood, the nation received a C-, based on early-learning program availability and enrollment, as well as parental access to childcare. K-12 education got a C-, based on children’s math, reading, and science skill levels, school resources, the number of at-risk youth, and educational attainment. For permanency and stability, the U.S. got a D, based on the well being of children impacted by the child welfare, juvenile justice, and immigration systems. For health and safety, we received a C+, based on health insurance coverage for children, access to health care, as well as preventive services, public health and safety, and environmental health. The report urges Americans to take action to boost children’s chances for success in school and life: Vote in November’s general election for candidates who support investments in children; hold elected officials accountable for commitments to help children succeed; and engage with other local leaders to improve the lives of children in their communities.

See the report: http://www.firstfocus.net/library/reports/americas-report-card-2012-children-in-the-us