New Census Data
New Census data shows that Rhode Island is ranked 2nd for children’s health insurance coverage and 10th in child poverty. In 2022, 2.1% of Rhode Island children did not have health insurance, and 11.7% of Rhode Island’s children lived in poverty. Please see
the full media release here.
Save the Date!
Save the Date for our Celebration of Children's Health and Well-Being & Presentation of Covering Kids and Families Awards! The luncheon will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Providence Marriott (One Orms Street). Registration will be available online soon!
Welcoming Maria Guevara to our team!
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is pleased to welcome Maria Guevara to our team as Finance Director! Maria will be responsible for the internal controls, accounting systems and reports necessary to monitor and maintain the financial position of the organization. Maria may be contacted at
mguevara@rikidscount.org. Prior to joining Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, Maria served as Fiscal Officer at Woonsocket Head Start Child Development Association and Finance Director at Social Enterprise Greenhouse. Maria is originally from Chile where she worked for 5 years in the finance and investment sectors. She has also put her skills to use volunteering for a number of nonprofits related to women and children’s issues, including The Empowerment Factory. Maria has a Bachelor of Science from Universidad de Santiago de Chile with a major in Business. Maria has a strong commitment to equity and justice and is looking forward to being part of a team with the same commitment. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.
2023 Legislative Wrap-Up
We are pleased to share our 2023 Legislative Wrap-Up! This highlights legislative victories for children and summarizes selected laws and budget appropriations in the areas of economic well-being, early learning and development, education, health, and safety that were considered during the 2023 session of the Rhode Island General Assembly. We hope this is a helpful resource as you continue your work on behalf of Rhode Island's children and families. Please see the full Legislative Wrap-Up for a detailed summary of legislation and budget items affecting children and families.
Centering Youth Voice in Juvenile Justice Reform
The juvenile justice system is responsible for ensuring community safety by promoting positive youth development and recognizing that the needs of children and adolescents in the justice system are different than those of adults.
This report summarizes the results of focus groups with youth who had previous contact with the juvenile justice system and highlights their experiences with the police, the courts, detention, and probation. The goal of
this report is to raise up youth voice, so it is central to policy decision making and juvenile justice reform efforts.
Root Causes of Overweight and Obesity: Community-Driven Solutions to Address Racial and Ethnic Disparities in RI
The conditions and environments where children are born, live, learn, work, and play greatly impact their health outcomes. We must understand the root causes of disparities in children’s health outcomes and well-being and listen to the voices of the communities most impacted to create solutions that support the health of all children and youth. Over the past six months, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT partnered with trusted community organizations to gather input on the root causes of childhood overweight and obesity in Central Falls, Pawtucket, and Providence. The community was clear on steps we must take, and the recommendations reflect the vision we see for a healthier future. Please see the release
event presentation,
media release, and
full publication. Please also see our new tool:
Action steps for parents and community advocates (and in Spanish:
Pasos de accion para los padres y los defensores do la comunidad)
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Legislative and Budget Priorities for FY 2024
Our mission is to improve the health, safety, education, economic well-being, and development of Rhode Island's children with a commitment to equity and the elimination of unacceptable disparities by race, ethnicity, disability, zip code, immigration status, neighborhood, and income. We engage in information-based advocacy to achieve equitable public policies and programs for the improvement of children’s lives. Throughout this session, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT has been advocating for legislative and budget priorities that advance this mission and improve the well-being of our state’s children. Please see all of our priorities here.
Now available! The 2023 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook
The annual Factbook charts improvements and declines in the well-being of Rhode Island’s children and families. The Factbook allows us to assess how Rhode Island effectively supports children’s development and where we need to focus increased attention. Please see the full publication here, as well as the media release, Executive Summary, release event photos, and the following media coverage:
Celebrating Elizabeth Burke Bryant
On March 15, 2023, we held absolutely magical event celebrating Elizabeth Burke Bryant's 28 years of leadership, dedication, and joyful advocacy.
New Report: Multilingual Learners in Rhode Island
We released our newest publication,
Multilingual Learners in Rhode Island, on Monday, February 27, 2023.
This report provides an overview of educational outcomes for Rhode Island's MLL students, as well as promising practices and policies to best support their success.
- During the 2020-2021 school year, there were 15,107 Multilingual Learner (MLL) students in Rhode Island, representing 11% of all students in grades Pre-K through 12. In Rhode Island, the number of MLL/EL students nearly doubled from the 2009-2010 to 2020-2021 school year.
- MLL students are best taught through an asset-based approach that supports their linguistic capabilities, celebrates the rich culture they bring to the classroom through materials that reflect their identities and experiences, and creates a culture where their multilingualism is viewed as a strength and educators expect success.
- Please see the release event recording here. La traducción al español para el evento de lanzamiento de 'Estudiantes multilingües en Rhode Island' está disponible. ¡Vea el evento de lanzamiento aquí!
Analysis of the Governor's Proposed Fiscal Year 2024 Budget
Governor Dan McKee’s proposed Fiscal Year 2024 $13.75 billion budget includes many items that will affect the well-being of Rhode Island’s children, youth, and families. Our Budget Analysis breaks down these items across our issue areas of Early Learning and Development, Economic Well-Being, Education, Health, and Safety.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Maternal, Infant, and Young Children’s Health in Rhode Island
Pregnancy is the beginning of development for a child. Maternal health before, during, and after pregnancy impacts the overall health and well-being of a child in both the short and long-term. Currently, there is a maternal health crisis both nationally and in Rhode Island. Beyond that, there are unacceptable and persistent disparities in maternal, infant, and child health outcomes by race and ethnicity that disproportionally impact Black, Indigenous, People of Color women and children. Addressing these disparities will require a focus on the important connection between birthing parents and their babies and focus on the health and well-being of both individuals. Our
new Issue Brief clearly outlines where disparities exist, the root causes of these disparities, and the steps we need to take to address this legacy of inequity. Please see the
media release,
full publication, and
release event recording; as well as coverage on
NBC 10,
The Public's Radio,
Uprise RI,
RI News Today, and
Providence Business News.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in K-16 Education in RI
The diversity of Rhode Island is an asset; however, there are wide, persistent, and unacceptable disparities in education by race and ethnicity.
Our new Issue Brief outlines the root causes of racial and ethnic disparities in education, and incorporates Rhode Island data across educational indicators and outcomes. Policy and community solutions to address these persistent racial and ethnic disparities are presented. Please see the
media release and
full publication, as well as coverage in
Providence Business News,
Boston Globe, and
NBC 10.
Welcoming Jessica Vega!
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is pleased to welcome Jessica Vega to our team as Senior Policy Analyst! Jessica will be responsible for policy analysis, advocacy, research, and project management in areas related to education and economic well-being. Prior to joining Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, Jessica served as Dunamis Synergy Initiative Director at West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation, Program Director at Social Enterprise Greenhouse, and Skill Development Manager at Foster Forward. She also served as High School Advisor at College Crusade, Case Manager at Tides Family Services, and Home Health Case Manager at The Providence Center. Jessica served on the Central Falls City Council and was most recently City Council President. Jessica also co-developed and facilitated Rhode Island’s first-ever participatory budgeting initiative, which provides a tangible way for the Central Falls community to engage in the democratic process for allocating how a pool of funds will be used. She also serves as Chair of the Central Falls Juvenile Hearing Board. Jessica has a Bachelor of Arts from Rhode Island College and a Master of Arts from Roger Williams University. Jessica has a strong commitment to race equity and is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Centering Youth Voice in Juvenile Justice Reform
We released our newest publication,
Centering Youth Voice in Juvenile Justice Reform, on Friday, December 9, 2022. This report summarizes the results of focus groups with youth who had previous contact with the juvenile justice system and highlights their experiences with the police, the courts, detention, and probation. The goal of this report is to raise up youth voice, so it is central to policy decision making and juvenile justice reform efforts. Please see the
media release and
event recording.
Celebration of Children's Health
More than 200 community leaders, elected officials, and health care advocates gathered on November 21, 2022 for the annual Celebration of Children’s Health Luncheon to reflect on the progress that Rhode Island has made in achieving positive health outcomes for children — including the fact that Rhode Island is ranked fourth best in the nation for children’s health coverage. The event also highlighted policy measures to keep children healthy – Cover All Kids and the Trauma-Informed Schools Act passed this legislative session. Please see the media release, data presentation, event pictures, and event recording.
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Announces Paige Clausius-Parks as Next Executive Director
We are thrilled to announce that Paige Clausius-Parks has been named Executive Director of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, effective December 1st. Paige is a dynamic leader with a deep commitment to children, youth and their families and ensuring that all children and youth have the opportunity to thrive. She has a stellar reputation in the state for her dynamic leadership and convening skills, her strategic work with community-based and government partners to move equitable policies forward, and her ability to form effective partnerships. Please see the full announcement here.
Children's Mental Health in Rhode Island
Mental health in childhood and adolescence is defined as reaching expected developmental, cognitive, social, and emotional milestones and the ability to use effective coping skills. Mental health influences children’s physical health as well as their behavior at home, in school, and in the community. Mental health conditions can impair daily functioning, prevent or affect academic achievement, increase involvement with the juvenile justice and child welfare systems, result in high treatment costs, diminish family incomes, and increase the risk for suicide. This publication discusses the data and research about children's mental health, and offers recommendations for improving the behavioral care system and supporting families. Please see our new Policy Brief: Children's Mental Health in Rhode Island, the accompanying media release, Providence Business News coverage, WPRI coverage, WJAR coverage, data presentation, and the release event recording.
Elizabeth Burke Bryant Stepping Down by End of Year After 28 Years as Executive Director of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT
The Board of Directors of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is announcing that Elizabeth Burke Bryant will step down from her position as Executive Director by the end of the year, after 28 years of service. During her tenure, Elizabeth has been one of Rhode Island’s most influential leaders and greatest champions for the well-being of children and their families. We are so very grateful for her dedication and leadership.
Please click here for more information. (Please note: Elizabeth will always be a child advocate and she will be exploring next steps soon, but right now she is still fully focused on her work here at RI KIDS COUNT.)
New Census Data Shows RI Ranked 24th in Child Poverty; 4th for Children’s Health Insurance Coverage
We released new data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2021 American Community Survey (ACS) on September 15, 2022. The ACS provides national and state-level data on poverty, income, and health insurance coverage. Please see the media release here for all information.
New Publications on Childhood Overweight and Obesity
We released our newest publications,
Childhood Overweight and Obesity: Updated Data for Rhode Island and
Childhood Overweight and Obesity: Trends in Rhode Island, at a virtual policy roundtable on Tuesday, August 30, 2022. These
Policy Briefs include data on childhood overweight and obesity at the state and city/town level as well as by age, gender, race/ethnicity, and insurance status and provide the first data showing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information about the release event and publications, please see the
media release,
data presentation,
release event recording, and coverage on
Health Check 10 and
WPRI .
New Equity Analysis: Rhode Island School Districts
Rhode Island Ranks 25th in Child Well-Being
Rhode Island’s children are faring well in health compared to the children in other states, according to the 2022 KIDS COUNT® Data Book, a 50-state report of recent household data developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation analyzing how children and families are faring. However, children in America are in the midst of a mental health crisis, struggling with anxiety and depression at unprecedented levels. For the first time, this annual resource focuses on youth mental health, concurring with a recent assessment by the U.S. surgeon general that conditions amount to a youth “mental health pandemic.” Please see the full Data Book, Rhode Island's media release, and Rhode Island's state profile in English and Spanish.
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT 2022 Legislative Wrap-Up
We are pleased to share our 2022 Legislative Wrap-Up! This highlights legislative victories for children and summarizes selected laws and budget appropriations in the areas of economic well-being, early learning and development, education, health, and safety that were considered during the 2022 session of the Rhode Island General Assembly.
We hope this is a helpful resource as you continue your work on behalf of Rhode Island's children and families. Please see the full Legislative Wrap-Up for a detailed summary of legislation and budget items affecting children and families.
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Statement on the Signing of the FY23 State Budget
The FY23 State Budget, passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor, includes many important investments in children and families, among them Cover All Kids with RIte Care and Extension of Postpartum care regardless of immigration status, increase in rates for child care, EI, First Connections, pediatrics, community based child welfare programs, and a Medicaid rate review/rate-setting process. The budget also includes funding for a Female Youth Psychiatric Treatment Facility, affordable housing, a SNAP healthy foods program, and a plan for doubling the number of RI Pre-K seats. Rhode Island KIDS COUNT thanks Governor Dan McKee, the Rhode Island House of Representatives, and the Rhode Island Senate.
Here is our full statement.
Now Available! 2022 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook
Child Neglect and Abuse in Rhode Island: Prevention and Support for Children and Families
Children need love, affection, and nurturing from their parents and caregivers for healthy physical and emotional development from birth through adolescence. However, parents and caregivers may have difficulty providing this support and may be at increased risk of maltreating their children if they are overwhelmed by multiple risk factors such as poverty, substance abuse, intergenerational trauma, isolation, or unstable housing.
Our latest Issue Brief discusses the data and research about child neglect and abuse, and offers recommendations for prevention and to support children and families involved in the child welfare system.
Analysis of the Governor's Proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Budget
On Thursday, January 20, 2022, Governor Dan McKee released his proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Budget. The Governor's proposed budget includes many items that will affect the well-being of Rhode Island's children and families. We have prepared the following Analysis of the Governor's Proposed FY 2023 Budget.
New Policy Brief on Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Children's Economic Well-Being
Racial and ethnic diversity has increased in the United States and Rhode Island over the last several decades and is projected to rise in the future. The diversity of Rhode Island is an asset; however, there are wide, persistent, and unacceptable disparities in children’s economic well-being by race and ethnicity.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Children’s Economic Well-Being in Rhode Island includes disaggregated data by race and ethnicity on key indicators of child and family well-being including unemployment rates, family income, poverty, wealth, homeownership, and postsecondary education. The report suggests solutions and actions Rhode Island can take to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities and promote equitable, racially aware, and community-driven policies. Please see
the full publication,
the media release, and
the release event recording.
Housing Instability and Homelessness Among Rhode Island Children
Safe, affordable, and stable housing maintains the health, safety, and emotional well-being of families and children and provides a safe place for children to eat, sleep, play, and grow. When housing costs outstrip families' incomes, families may live in low-quality and overcrowded housing, move frequently, or become homeless - all of which impact health, academic achievement, and future success.
Housing Instability and Homelessness Among Rhode Island Children contains key recommendations to support children and families currently experiencing housing instability and homelessness, as well as recommendations for prevention efforts. Please see the
full publication,
presentation,
event recording, and
media release.
Annual Celebration of Children's Health
We held out annual Celebration of Children's Health & Presentation of Community Covering Kids Awards via Zoom on Monday, November 22, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Please see the presentation, event recording, and media release.
Newport Data in Your Backyard
Our Data in Your Backyard series presents community-level child well-being data from the Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook. On Tuesday, October 19, 2021, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT and Newport Partnership for Families collaborated for the Newport Data in Your Backyard. Please see
the presentation,
the event recording, and coverage in the
Newport Daily News!
Woonsocket Data in Your Backyard
Our Data in Your Backyard series presents community-level child well-being data from the Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook. On Thursday, September 23, 2021, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT and Connecting for Children and Families partnered for the Woonsocket Data in Your Backyard. Please see
the presentation here, and
the event recording here!
ESSER Community Fact Sheets
Rhode Island schools will receive nearly $600 million through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund to reopen safely, and address the impact of Covid-19 on students, families, & educators. Please see the new
ESSER Community Fact Sheets — including information on the amount each district will receive, and how community members can engage in the allocation process — in
English and
Spanish.
Fact sheets focusing on the core cities are also available in English and Spanish.
2021 Legislative Wrap-Up
We are pleased to share our
2021 Legislative Wrap-Up! This highlights legislative victories for children and summarizes selected laws and budget appropriations in the areas of economic well-being, early learning and development, education, health, and safety that were considered during the 2021 session of the Rhode Island General Assembly. We hope this is a helpful resource as you continue your work on behalf of Rhode Island's children and families.
New Obesity Policy Briefs
School Climate Policy Roundtable
In January of 2021, the Aspen Institute Education & Society Program and ExcelinEd released
A Policymakers School Climate Playbook: Creating Opportunities for Meaningful Student Engagement. This report provides a clear set of recommendations to guide policymakers in building a comprehensive and coherent statewide approach for improving school climate. These strategies will help to increase equity so all students have access to a healthy and positive school climate. Rhode Island KIDS COUNT held a policy roundtable on Monday, June 7 to discuss how to build a comprehensive and coherent statewide approach for improving school climate here in Rhode Island. Please see
the event recording here!
Now Available: The 2021 Factbook!
- The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Rhode Island Children: In this year’s Factbook, we highlight the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Rhode Island children and families’ economic well-being, physical and mental health, safety, access to education, and educational outcomes as well as the strategies that the federal government, state government, and community agencies have put in place to support Rhode Island children and families during the pandemic.
- Racial and Ethnic Disparities: Throughout the Factbook, data on racial and ethnic disparities are presented in as many indicators as possible and summarized in the Racial and Ethnic Disparities indicator. Collecting and reporting on data disaggregated by race and ethnicity is an important first step to identifying ways to eliminate them. Data on disparities and information about the historical and systemic racism that has resulted in these disparities can be used to identify policies to dismantle racism and reduce and eliminate disparities.
New Policy Brief: Early Intervention in Rhode Island
Infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities and those who face significant family circumstances need extra help and should receive high-quality Early Intervention services to develop essential language, social-emotional, and motor skills to reduce the need for services when they are older. Effective Early Intervention services help children make developmental progress and can help them catch up with their peers. Researchers have found that about one-third of infants and toddlers who received Early Intervention no longer had a developmental delay, disability, or special education need in kindergarten. Please see our
full publication here and the
virtual release event and discussion here.
FY 2022 Budget Analysis
2020 Legislative Wrap-Up
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, during the 2020 legislative session very few hearings were held after mid-March and few bills were passed and signed into law. The budget, which is normally passed and signed into law in late June, was not passed and signed into law until late December.
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is pleased to share our 2020 Legislative Wrap-Up! This highlights legislative victories for children and summarizes selected laws and budget appropriations in the areas of economic well-being, early learning and development, education, health, and safety that were considered during the 2020 session of the Rhode Island General Assembly. We hope this is a helpful resource as you continue your work on behalf of Rhode Island's children and families.
Rhode Island Reads Partner Meeting: Virtual
Kids, Families and COVID-19: Pandemic Pain Points and the Urgent Need to Respond
Rhode Island performed well on access to health care but is falling short on housing stability, mental health, and child hunger according to
Kids, Families and COVID-19: Pandemic Pain Points and a Roadmap for Recovery, a 50-state report of recent household data developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation analyzing how families are faring during the COVID-19 crisis. This KIDS COUNT report examined data from weekly surveys conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau that demonstrate how families across the country are challenged to meet basic needs during this global public health crisis while managing school, work, and mental health. The Foundation finds that the concurrent health and economic crises are exacerbating trends that show vulnerable families are unable to fulfill basic needs. Please see
the media release,
full report, and
coverage in Uprise RI.
Child Hunger in Rhode Island
The importance of nutrition to child development cannot be overstated. Hunger and lack of regular access to sufficient food are linked to serious physical, psychological, emotional, and academic problems in children and can interfere with their growth and development. Food insecurity is a method to measure and assess the risk of hunger. Please see
our newest Issue Brief focused on nutrition and child hunger,
the release event recording and
the release event presentation, as well as
our media release.
New Bilingual Fact Sheet on Family Child Care
- Family child care, or paid child care that takes place in the home of a licensed provider, is an essential part of the child care and early learning system in Rhode Island and nationally. It is particularly important for infants and toddlers, children of color, and low-income families.
- The Fact Sheet offers recommendations in three key areas: (1) Stabilize the family child care system, (2) Invest in staffed family child care networks, and (3) Include family child care in the state's comprehensive, mixed-delivery early care and education system.
- Recognizing the fact that many family child care providers speak Spanish only or speak both English and Spanish, we have made this Fact Sheet available in both English and Spanish.
Annual Celebration of Children's Health
About 200 community leaders, elected officials, and health care advocates gathered virtually on November 16, 2020 for the 20th annual Celebration of Children’s Health to reflect on the progress that Rhode Island has made in achieving positive health outcomes for children — including the fact that Rhode Island is now ranked second best in the nation for children’s health coverage.
Jennifer Jencks, Ph.D., Director of the Access Center at Bradley Hospital, and Central Falls Mayor James A. Diossa are this year’s recipients of the Covering Kids Award. Dr. Jencks oversees Kids’ Link RI, a 24/7 hotline for parents and caregivers seeking information on behavioral health services for children and youth in crisis. She was honored for the work she is doing to ensure that children and families have access to critical mental and behavioral health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Central Falls Mayor James A. Diossa was presented an award for his leadership in putting the health and well-being of Central Falls' children front and center during his time as mayor and for his strong advocacy on race equity, meeting the health needs of immigrant children and their families, and the 2020 Census. Please see our media release, the event presentation, and the full event recording.
Trends in Tobacco Use Among Rhode Island Youth
E-cigarettes are devices that allow users to inhale an aerosol which typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other additives or chemicals. Both middle and high school students report using e-cigarettes at much higher rates than traditional cigarettes. From 2017 to 2019, the percentage of Rhode Island high school students using e-cigarettes increased from 20% to 30%, while cigarette use continued to decline. Please see the
event recording,
Providence Business News coverage, and
Providence Journal coverage. Please see the full Tobacco
Fact Sheets for information on:
The Rhode Island public education system has been plagued by racism since its founding in the early 1800s, and the inequities that developed as a result continue to be one of Rhode Island’s greatest challenges. Youth voice, family engagement, mental and behavioral health supports, expanded learning opportunities, and student-centered instruction all have a positive impact on student outcomes and when integrated into the design and implementation of schools can help address inequities in education based on race, ethnicity, and income. Creating policies and practices that are racially aware, that incorporate a whole child approach, and that recognize and address the cognitive impacts of trauma can help address equity.
This new report provides recommendations on how schools can develop and sustain strong partnerships with students, families, and communities to promote excellent, equitable, and sustained school improvement efforts. For more, please see
the release event recording and
our media release.
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Makes Data Local in Newport
At the
Newport Data in Your Backyard virtual event on October 6, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Deputy Director Stephanie Geller led a data-driven discussion on the well-being of Newport children and families. The presentation’s data comes from the 2020 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook, and includes improvements and declines in economic well-being, education, health, child welfare, and safety. The event was brought to the community in collaboration with Newport Partnership for Families and BankNewport. For more information, please see the
presentation,
media release,
event recording,
Newport Daily News coverage, and
What's Up Newport coverage.
New Report! Policies and Practices Supporting Student-Centered Learning in Rhode Island: School Climate
This new report uses an equity lens to look at policies, practices, and measures of school climate, including student mental and behavioral health. The report suggests actions we can take to ensure that all students, particularly students of color, low-income students, differently-abled students and Multilingual Learners, are in schools that prioritize strong relationships between students and educators and promote excellent, equitable learning while also ensuring student safety and emotional well-being. For more, please see
the media release and
release event recording.
New Census Data on Health Insurance Coverage and Poverty Shows:
- 98.1% of Rhode Island children had health insurance coverage in 2019, Rhode Island ranks 2nd best among states, up from 3rd last year. Please see the full media release for more.
- 14.0% of Rhode Island’s children lived in poverty in 2019. COVID-19 expected to result in large increase in child poverty and existing racial and ethnic disparities in 2020 and beyond. Please see the full media release for more.
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Statement on the 2020 Census
The Census shapes the lives of Americans in a variety of ways -- the allocation of hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding; determining congressional representation; and planning at the federal, state, and community level.
Certain populations have historically been undercounted in the decennial Census, including young children under age five, people of color, immigrants, low-income populations, people experiencing homelessness, people living in non-traditional households, people with disabilities, and people who distrust the government. Targeted, specific outreach and engagement will help us get a complete and accurate count of these populations in the 2020 Census.
We can’t overstate this: young children under age 5 are the most highly and consistently undercounted population. Children who aren't counted in the 2020 Census won't be counted again until they are in high school - or even college and beyond. This means that potential funding to enrich their entire childhood will be lost. Ensuring an accurate count is critical, so that our communities are appropriately funded, and Rhode Islanders are accurately represented!
Please click here for our full statement.
Equity Analysis of Rhode Island School Reopening Plans
Closing unacceptable, wide, and persistent gaps for differently-abled students, students of color, low-income students, Multilingual Learners, students in foster care, and students experiencing homelessness must be Rhode Island’s most urgent educational priority.
This analysis reviews how Rhode Island district reopening plans address equity by examining how plans meet the needs of specific groups.
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Statement on Reopening Schools
The conversation about reopening schools -- and whether learning will be distance, hybrid, or in-person -- is weighing heavily on the minds of many, many families across Rhode Island and the country. It's complex and deeply personal for each family, student, and educator. Reopening schools sits directly at the intersection of our core values of equity, student-centered learning, and parent voice. With that in mind, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT issued this statement to inform the conversation. Information on state and district plans for reopening is available at www.back2schoolri.com. Rhode Island KIDS COUNT will continue to share information as this process unfolds.
Two New Child Welfare Fact Sheets
- Rhode Island’s Voluntary Extension of Care Program: Update provides updated data on the Voluntary Extension of Care (VEC) program that was established to allow youth previously in the care of the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) to voluntarily participate in extended services until age 21. The report provides data on education, employment, and housing outcomes, information on recent Executive Orders allowing youth eligible for extended foster care to continue receiving services during the COVID-19 public health crisis, and recommendations for providing the tailored supports and services that youth need through DCYF’s VEC and Foster Forward’s YESS Aftercare programs.
- Achieving Race Equity in the Child Welfare System provides data on racial and ethnic disparities in child welfare in Rhode Island (including data on indicated investigations, likelihood of out-of-home placement, type of out-of-home placement, and children reaching permanency), information on the potential causes of these disparities, and recommendations for achieving race equity in the child welfare system.
National KIDS COUNT Data Book
This week, The Annie E. Casey Foundation released
the 2020 edition of the national KIDS COUNT® Data Book, an annually published resource that tracks child well-being nationally and state by state and ranks the states accordingly. As always, the report is based on the latest available data for 16 key indicators. This year, Rhode Island ranks 26th for overall child well-being. Rhode Island’s profile with additional information about rankings in the areas of Economic Well-Being, Education, Health, and Family and Community is available in both
English and
Spanish.
The data for the 2020 report are 2018 data, so they do not reflect current conditions amidst the COVID-19 crisis. The Casey Foundation plans to explore the effects of the pandemic on child well-being in a future report but is releasing the annual Data Book as usual to ensure legislators and other policymakers, researchers and advocates for children have the information they are customarily able to access at this time of year.
Hard-Copy Factbooks Now Available!
The 2020 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook charts improvements and declines in the well-being of Rhode Island’s 203,908 children with a core focus on equity. Information is presented for the state of Rhode Island, each city and town, and an aggregate of the four core cities (cities in which more than 25% of the children live in poverty). The Factbook allows us to take stock of where Rhode Island effectively supports children’s development and where we need to focus increased attention and efforts.
New Issue Brief: Child Poverty in Rhode Island
On Thursday, June 11, 2020, we released our latest
Issue Brief: Child Poverty in Rhode Island. Reflections were provided by Congressman David Cicilline, Sharon Conard-Wells (Housing Network of Rhode Island), Courtney Hawkins (Rhode Island Department of Human Services), Linda Katz (The Economic Progress Institute), and Nirva LaFortune (Providence City Council). This report highlights the far-reaching negative impacts of poverty on children and families, as well as extensive recommendations to address the issue. An increase in child poverty and widening racial and ethnic disparities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic is a serious concern. Please see the
media release,
full publication, and
the release event video.
New Early Learning Fact Sheets
- Funding Safe, Healthy, Quality Child Care provides data on children’s access to quality care and education in Rhode Island and the hourly funding levels for various ages of children across different public funding streams (Child Care Assistance Program, Head Start, RI Pre-K, K-12) and the median private tuition for licensed child care and early learning programs. Inadequate public funding levels, low staff education and compensation, and inconsistent monitoring and support for quality improvement are key barriers to improving access to quality child care. Challenges for child care programs operating during the COVID-19 pandemic are highlighted.
- Access to High-Quality, Publicly-Funded Preschool provides data on the number of three-year-olds and four-year-olds in Rhode Island who were served in either Head Start or RI Pre-K. There are an estimated 7,454 four-year-olds (of which 2,645 were from low-income families) who were not enrolled in high-quality, publicly-funded preschool this year. The estimated number of unserved four-year-olds is provided for every city and town in the state.
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT’s Board of Directors and staff stand in solidarity with the Black community and the Black Lives Matter movement demanding acknowledgement and accountability for the devaluation and dehumanization of Black life at the hands of the police and society at-large. During times like this, we want to affirm the feelings the Black community is experiencing now. They are real. They are valid. We especially want to acknowledge the grief Black families are experiencing now and the fear they live with every day. Please read our full statement here.
Virtual Strolling Thunder RI and Child Care Day
On Wednesday, May 20, 2020, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT facilitated
Strolling Thunder RI in partnership with
RIght From the Start. Although we can’t physically make it to the State House for our annual advocacy event, that couldn't stop our army of parents and cute kids from “virtually strolling” to push for policies and legislation to ensure that ALL Rhode Island kids, regardless of zip code, race, ethnicity, or family income, get off to the right start in life.
- Please see the activity on Twitter, the activity on Facebook, and amazing Facebook live Capitol TV broadcast.
- Click here to learn more about the RIght from the Start Campaign’s policy priorities.
- RIght from the Start is a campaign to advance policies for young children and their families in Rhode Island. RIght from the Start Steering Committee members include Beautiful Beginnings, Economic Progress Institute, Latino Policy Institute, Rhode Island Association for Infant Mental Health, Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, and Woonsocket Head Start Child Development Association.
Virtual Release: Updated Child Overweight and Obesity Policy Brief
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, in partnership with the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute and the Center for Health Data and Analysis at the Rhode Island Department of Health held a virtual dialogue on newly available child overweight and obesity data. At the event, we released our latest Policy Brief -- Childhood Overweight and Obesity: Updated Data for Rhode Island. For more information, please see the full publication, media release, and the virtual release event recording.
Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Releases 26th Annual Factbook Focusing on the Status of Rhode Island’s Children
The 2020 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook charts improvements and declines in the well-being of Rhode Island’s 203,908 children with a core focus on equity. The Factbook allows us to take stock of where Rhode Island effectively supports children’s development and where we need to focus increased attention and efforts. Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is focused on the impact that COVID-19 is having and will have on Rhode Islanders, particularly our most vulnerable children and families. Exacerbating racial and ethnic and economic disparities as a result of this crisis is a serious concern.
The information presented in the 2020 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook can help our state and local leaders and policymakers make well-informed policy decisions that support the well-being of all children and families in Rhode Island during this current public health crisis and every day. For more information, please see the media release and executive summary.
A Message to Our Partners
Communities, families, parents, and students -- We see you! We see the weight that #Covid19 has placed on your shoulders. We ourselves are parents, children of older adults, and neighbors -- as well as Rhode Islanders. We are with you in this. And while we can’t make it go away, we want you to know that you’re not alone.
In light of the pandemic, many priorities and tasks have been shifted -- and necessarily so. Social distancing requires a level of flexibility and patience that can feel downright uncomfortable.
But it’s in our name -- Rhode Island KIDS COUNT. Kids count. Families count. Their communities count. Please rest assured that we are committed to the work ahead. Public health and safety is our first priority right now, and advocating for Rhode Island children and families is a core piece of this priority. All staff are available via email and we are very active on social media.
Let's Get Social While Social Distancing
“We know how perceptive children are and how naturally curious they are. Kids really feel empowered when they know what to do to keep themselves safe...What we're trying to do is share either educational or fun activities for families and kids to do to keep them occupied - and also we care about parents and families, too. We know that everybody's routine is disrupted," --
this excerpt from our chat with Barbara Morse summarizes our efforts on
Facebook and
Twitter! Please join the conversation on these platforms while we navigate COVID-19.