IN THE NEWS

Idaho KIDS COUNT sets theme for 2009

Idaho KIDS COUNT has adopted the theme “Small Faces in a BIG Recession” to guide research and policy discussion for 2009. Under this theme studies and policy cafes will examine: 1) The Economic Recovery Act and Omnibus Appropriations Act and the opportunities they hold for early care and education; 2) The Economic Recovery Act and the Omnibus Appropriations Act and the opportunities they hold for youth and young adult development; and 3) the impact the recession is having on Idaho children, youth and young adults.

Click here for more information.

Idaho KIDS COUNT launches new e-Forum

Idaho KIDS COUNT wants to hear your views about the status of children and families in Idaho and the policies that make a difference in their lives. Join our new e-Forum by clicking on this link, www.idahokidscount.org/forum, and engage in an online discussion. Your opinion matters and can be a catalyst for change.

Idaho KIDS COUNT hosts policy café on "Making Use of Economic Recovery Funds: Child Care and Early Education Options for Idaho" Held in Boise on March 27th, this policy café featured Judy Brown, Director of the Idaho Center for Budget and Tax Policy. She presented findings from her study which included:

an overview of the budget and economic situation in Idaho.
What is available in the American Recovery Act and Reinvestment Act and Omnibus Appropriations Act for early care and education.
What is available in these acts for Idaho and how can they e used to improve and expand the early care and education system.

New KIDS COUNT Data &

Policy Reports

New Policy Brief:

"Making Use of Economic Recovery Funds: Child Care and Early Education Options for Idaho"

This policy brief, produced by Idaho KIDS COUNT, examines the Economic Recovery Act and Omnibus Appropriations Act and how funds can be used to improve the early care and education system in Idaho. It explains why spending on early care and education fits in the stimulus package and provides examples of possible uses such as the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCBG), Head Start and Early Head Start and others. It also takes a very preliminary look at funding decisions in Idaho. Click here to read the entire report.

What's Coming Up?

Idaho KIDS COUNT Annual Data Report

Look for the 2009 Annual KIDS COUNT Data Report, which will be released later this month.

Research study on "Making Use of Economic Recovery Funds: Youth and Young Adult Options for Idaho."

This study will culminate in a policy brief and policy café to take place in late June.

Research study on how the recession is affecting the lives of children, youth, and young adults in Idaho

Findings from this study will be presented at the first annual Idaho KIDS COUNT Academy scheduled for this September.

Legislative Wrap-up Report

Look for the Idaho Voices for Children Legislative Wrap-Up Report which will overview and provide commentary on how the Idaho Legislature performed for children. This document will be released in late June.

New Other Source Data & Policy Reports

Policy for Results

The Center for the Study of Social Policy has launched a new website that offers policymakers an array of proven resources, tools and strategies for making a difference in children's lives. PolicyForResults.org is a one-stop-shop for information on the most effective approaches states and localities can use to help families succeed.

Wikichild

Wikichild is a new online source for child well-being research and data that is currently under development. It draws inspiration from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and will serve as an information hub for the community engaged in the development of analysis and research on child well-being in developed as well as developing countries. The plan is to launch Wikichild in November 2009 at the International Society of Child Indicators conference. Click here to read more about Wikichild.

Report: "The Science of Early Childhood Development: Closing the Gap Between What We Know and What We Do" - National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University.

This paper is designed to provide a framework to promote an understanding of the basic science of early childhood development, including its underlying neurobiology, to inform both public and private sector investment in young children and their families. Click here to view the report, or click here to visit www.developingchild.net.

Visit us on the web at