Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Events

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)

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:

• What parents can learn from Rhode Island Kids Count's Factbook...NBC 10

• RI Kids Count's factbook is out. What does it say about the state of RI's kids?...The Providence Journal

• Kids Count 2023 Factbook reports increasingly diverse population, persistent disparities...ABC 6

• Statistical portrait of R.I. children shows less poverty, more inequity...Rhode Island Current

• Kids Count annual report shows many Rhode Island families struggling...What'sUpNewport

• Kids Count: Racial disparities continue to severely impact R.I. children, families..Providence Business News

• Report: Racial disparities impacting well-being of RI children, families...WPRI 12

• Rhode Island Kids Count releases annual Factbook...WJAR 10

• Convergence, not silos...ConvergenceRI

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. 

• Please enjoy these gorgeous pictures of the event via Sindayiganza Photography.  

• Please see remarks from Paige Clausius-Parks, Raymonde Charles, and Eliza Bryant; as well as a video of Eliza Bryant's remarks.

• Elizabeth was also selected as Rhode Island's USA Today Woman of the year! Please see the Providence Journal article about the award, as well as all of the inspiring honorees.

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. 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!

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 Rhode Island

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.

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.

Publication Release: 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.

Publication Release: Childhood Overweight and Obesity

Bristol Warren Data in Your Backyard

2022 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook Release

Child Neglect and Abuse in Rhode Island: Prevention and Support for Children and Families

New Policy Brief on Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Children's Economic Well-Being

Housing Instability and Homelessness Among Rhode Island Children

Annual Celebration of Children's Health

Newport Data in Your Backyard

Woonsocket Data in Your Backyard

New Obesity Policy Briefs

School Climate Policy Roundtable

Now Available: The 2021 Factbook!

New Policy Brief: Early Intervention in Rhode Island 

Rhode Island Reads Partner Meeting: Virtual

Child Hunger in Rhode Island

Annual Celebration of Children's Health

Trends in Tobacco Use Among Rhode Island Youth

• E-Cigarettes and Vaping 
• Factors Influencing Youth Use 
• State and School Tobacco Policies

Youth, Family, and Community-Based Approaches to Equity in Education

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, and event recording.

Virtual Release Event - 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.

Virtual Release Event - 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.

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

On May 19, 2020, 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 virtual release event recording.

On January 27, 2020, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT held the second annual Celebrating Young Children Luncheon. At the event, 200 attendees celebrated progress, discussed goals for the future, and recognized the commitment of leaders to providing a strong start for young children birth through age 8 and their families. The RIght from the Start Campaign – a campaign to advance policies for young children and their families in Rhode Island - was also introduced at the Luncheon. For more information, please see the data presentation, event pictures, and media release.

The RIght from the Start campaign was also introduced at the Luncheon. RIght from the Start is a campaign to advance policies for young children and their families in Rhode Island. Please see the RIght from the Start 2020 Legislative and State Budget Priorities! 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, and Rhode Island KIDS COUNT.

Rhode Island Alliance for College and Career Readiness - Working Towards Equity Together

More than 120 students, parents, teachers, policymakers, and community, higher education, and business leaders gathered on December 9, 2019 to focus on the urgent need for equity in college and career readiness and access. Participants collectively brainstormed how to work together to help all Rhode Island students gain the skills and knowledge, support, and financial resources they need to be successful in college and careers. Please see the media release and event pictures.

Celebration of Children's Health Luncheon

More than 200 community leaders, elected officials, and health care advocates will gathered on November 25, 2019 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 now ranked third best in the nation for children’s health coverage. In 2018, 97.8% of Rhode Island children under age 19 had health coverage. For more information, please see the event pictures, the data presentation, and the media release.

"SUPERS Read” Statewide Reading Event

Late October through mid-November, Rhode Island Superintendents and other guest readers read to infants and toddlers enrolled in local child care and Early Head Start programs. The Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children, United Way of Rhode Island and Rhode Island KIDS COUNT organized "SUPERS Read" to highlight the importance of reading to children to promote school readiness. Please click here to see pictures!

Equitable Access to College and Career Readiness Opportunities in Rhode Island 

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released two new publications at a policy roundtable on Tuesday, October 15, 2019.This event will share highlights of these two special reports -- Equitable Access to College and Career Readiness Opportunities and Advisory Systems and Individual Learning Plans -- that examine policies and practices that support equitable access to college and career readiness opportunities and how Rhode Island can ensure that these opportunities are available for all students, particularly low-income students, students of color, and students in high-need communities. Please see the media release and event pictures.

Warwick Data in Your Backyard

The Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Data in Your Backyard series presents community-level child well-being data from the Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook in communities across the state. Rhode Island KIDS COUNT joined with Warwick Coalition to Prevent Child Abuse on the Warwick Data in Your Backyard on October 8, 2019. Please see the full data presentation. 

Newport Data in Your Backyard

The Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Data in Your Backyard series presents community-level child well-being data from the Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook in communities across the state. Rhode Island KIDS COUNT joined with Newport Partnership for Families and Bank Newport on the Newport Data in Your Backyard on October 1, 2019. Please see the full data presentation and Newport Daily News coverage.

Woonsocket Data in Your Backyard

The Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Data in Your Backyard series presents community-level child well-being data from the Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook in communities across the state. Rhode Island KIDS COUNT joined with Connecting for Children and Families on the Woonsocket Data in Your Backyard on September 20, 2019. Please see the full data presentation. 

Children's Health Roundtable

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT was pleased to join with PCMH Kids and EOHHS for a children's health roundtable discussion with Secretary Womazetta Jones. Please see our Executive Director Elizabeth Burke Bryant's data presentation on Rhode Island children, and pictures from the discussion.

Access to School Breakfast

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released its newest publication, Access to School Breakfast: A Key Strategy for Improving Children’s Health, Education, and Well-Being at a policy roundtable on Wednesday, May 22, 2019. Hunger and lack of regular access to food are linked to serious physical, psychological, emotional, and academic problems in children and can interfere with their growth and development. School Breakfast is an effective way to fill these nutritional gaps. Implementing key strategies such as the Community Eligibility Program, Universal School Breakfast, and “Breakfast After the Bell” can increase participation. Please see the media release, Policy Brief, Twitter activity, Health Check news segment, Providence Business News coverage, and Coffee Break with Frank Coletta.

The Annual Lipsitt-Duchin Lecture in Child Development

The annual Lipsitt-Duchin Lecture in Child Development, co-sponsored by Rhode Island KIDS COUNT and Brown University, took place on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m at Brown University - MacMillan 117 (167 Thayer Street). This year's speaker was Dr. Ken Dodge of Duke University, and the topic was Birth-to-Five Public Policy to Nurture Child Development. The Discussants were Courtney Hawkins, Director, Rhode Island Department of Human Services; and Danita Roberts, Program Manager/Supervisor Healthy Families America, Meeting Street. Please see event pictures!

Strolling Thunder Rhode Island

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, in partnership with ZERO TO THREE, organized a major advocacy event to bring approximately 40 Rhode Island families with babies and toddlers to the State House. Strolling Thunder Rhode Island took place on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. Strolling Thunder™ is the flagship advocacy event of the Think Babies™ campaign, part of a national campaign designed to bring attention to the many issues that affect what babies and families need to thrive. Please see the media advisory, event pictures, Capitol TV segment, and Twitter activity for more information!

The 25th Annual Factbook Breakfast

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT celebrated its 25th Anniversary of child advocacy at the 2019 Factbook Breakfast on Monday, April 8, 2019. Please see the 2019 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook, media release, executive summary, Twitter activity, event pictures, and media coverage.

Childhood Overweight and Obesity: New Data for Rhode Island

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, the Rhode Island Department of Health’s Center for Health Data and Analysis, the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute, the State Innovation Model, and three health insurance plans – Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, UnitedHealthcare, and Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island collaborated on a project to collect the most accurate childhood overweight and obesity data at the state and city/town level that could also be analyzed by race/ethnicity, age, gender, and insurance status. This is the first clinical/claims-based statewide data set of childhood overweight and obesity in Rhode Island. For more information, please see the Policy Brief, media release, event pictures, and Providence Business News coverage.

Infants and Toddlers in the Child Welfare System in Rhode Island

Experiences during the first three years of a child's life are critical to healthy brain development and positive relationships with parents and caregivers and lay the foundation for social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development. Nationally and in Rhode Island, very young children are more likely to experience abuse and neglect than older children. In Rhode Island in 2018, nearly one in four victims of child abuse and neglect were infants and toddlers under age three (856 out of 3,505 victims). For more information, including key recommendations to support infants and toddlers involved in the child welfare system, please see the Issue Brief, media release, presentation, event pictures, and coverage in The Providence Journal and ConvergenceRI.

(First ever!) Celebrating Young Children Luncheon

At our Celebrating Young Children Luncheon on January 28, 2019 at the Providence Marriott, we celebrated progress, discussed goals for the future, and recognized the commitment of leaders to providing a strong start for young children birth through age 8 and their families. At the Luncheon, we released our 2019 Policy Priorities for Young Children. Please see event pictures, the event presentation, and Providence Journal coverage!

• On Monday, December 10, United Way of Rhode Island and Rhode Island KIDS COUNT hosted the Rhode Island Reads Partner Meeting, attended by state and community leaders. Rhode Island Reads is dedicated toward reaching our goal of 75% of 3rd graders reading at grade-level by 2025. Please see the event's data presentation and pictures; as well as coverage by WJAR 10 and WPRI 12.

• On Monday, November 19, 2018, more than 200 community leaders and advocates gathered at our 18th annual Celebration of Children’s Health Luncheon to reflect on positive health outcomes for Rhode Island children — including the fact that Rhode Island is now ranked third best in the nation for children’s health coverage. In 2017, 98% of Rhode Island children under age 18 had health coverage. For more, please see the data presentation and event pictures.

• The Rhode Island Alliance for College and Career Readiness hosted a special event: Promoting a Better Future for All Students on October 22, 2018. Dr. Jason Meriwether, Vice President for Student Success at Rhode Island College, delivered keynote remarks. Attendees included students, parents, teachers, policymakers, community, higher education, and business leaders. Participants discussed how we can work together to help all Rhode Island students gain the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in college and careers and how we can ensure that all students have the support and financial resources they need to reach their dreams. Please see the event's overview & data presentation, shared by Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Senior Policy Analyst Stephanie Geller.
  
  Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is a proud member of the Rhode Island Alliance for College & Career Readiness. For more information, please visit the Alliance on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

• Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, in partnership with DCYF, hosted a policy roundtable on the new federal Family First Prevention Services Act on Tuesday, September 25, 2018. The keynote speaker was Alison Blake of the Annie E. Casey Foundation who is the former Director of New Jersey Department of Children and Families. Over 80 child welfare leaders participated in the roundtable.

• Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released Preparing Students for College and Career: Policies Supporting Student-Centered Learning in Rhode Island at a policy roundtable on Monday, September 24, 2018. Featured speakers included Elizabeth Burke Bryant, Executive Director of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT; Pedro Moya, high school senior and Youth Member of Young Voices; Keith Nalbach, Advisor, The Met High School; Ken Wagner, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education; and Colleen Burns Jermain, Superintendent, Newport Public Schools. Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Senior Policy Analyst Stephanie Geller shared findings from the report. Please see the report, media release, and event pictures for more information.

• The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, and RI Reads: The Campaign for 3rd Grade Reading hosted a panel discussion on September 14, 2018 to underscore the importance of school attendance to student achievement. September is National Attendance Awareness Month. The event featured effective school strategies to reduce chronic early absence, as well as a data presentation and Fact Sheet release. Please see the media release and event pictures for more.

• Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released its newest publication at a policy roundtable on June 4, 2018. Working Parents, Child Care, and Paid Family Leave in Rhode Island includes data and research on low-income working families as well as provide a deeper analysis of three key policies – child care assistance, paid family leave, and earned sick leave – that promote family economic security and children’s development and school readiness. The Issue Brief also includes recommendations on how to improve these policies to best support low-income working parents and their young children in Rhode Island. For more, please see the media release and release event pictures.

• Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, in partnership with ZERO TO THREE, is organized a major advocacy event to bring approximately 40 Rhode Island families with babies and toddlers to the State House. Strolling Thunder Rhode Island took place on Wednesday, May 16, 2018. Please see the fantastic event pictures, Twitter activity, Capitol TV clip, media release, and Kidoinfo coverage!

• Rhode Island KIDS COUNT convened state and national child welfare leaders at its first A Family for Every Child Luncheon on Monday, April 30, 2018. The convening focused on the importance of caring for children and youth in families, rather than in group and residential facilities — with foster families receiving the supports they need to be successful. Please see the data presentation, media release, event pictures, and Providence Journal coverage.

• On Monday, April 9, 2018, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released the 2018 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook - the 24th annual report on the well-being of Rhode Island's children - at a policy breakfast attended by over 570 people, including the Governor, Congressional Delegation, and statewide and community leadership. Rafael López provided keynote remarks, and the youth speaker was Marie Shabani of Young Voices. For more information, please see the media release, executive summary, event pictures, Twitter activity, and media coverage.

• Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released its newest publication, Maternal Depression in Rhode Island: Two Generations at Risk, at a policy roundtable on Monday, January 22, 2018. The report includes information on risk factors for maternal depression, effects of maternal depression on child development, and the importance of screening and treatment. The Issue Brief also includes recommendations on how to best support maternal mental health, healthy transitions into motherhood, and children’s healthy development. For more, please see the media release, release event pictures, and Health Check Kids segment.

• On Friday, December 15, 2017, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT and the Latino Policy Institute co-hosted a Policy Roundtable. The policy roundtable focused on the Annie E. Casey Foundation Race for Results report’s alarming finding that Rhode Island’s Latino children are ranked lowest in the nation on the Race for Results Opportunity Index, and on what each of us can do to improve outcomes for Latino children and secure a better future for Rhode Island. Please see the data presentation, Providence Journal coverage and event pictures.

• More than 200 community leaders, elected officials, and health care advocates gathered on Monday, November 6, 2017 for the seventeenth 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 now ranked third best in the nation for children’s health coverage. In 2016, 98.1% of Rhode Island children under age 18 had health coverage! For more, please see the media release and data presentation.

• On Thursday, November 2, 2017, United Way of Rhode Island and Rhode Island KIDS COUNT welcomed state leaders and community partners to Rhode Island College to discuss strategies to improve 3rd grade reading success. For more, please see the data presentation, data dashboard, event pictures, and Rhode Island Reads website.
  
  Since 2015 when the Rhode Island Reads campaign was launched, 3rd grade reading proficiency has increased from 37% to 40% of students. More needs to be done to accelerate progress. Students who do not read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade are four times more likely to leave high school without a diploma. The goal of the campaign is to double the number of the state’s 3rd graders are reading at grade level by 2025.

• On Wednesday, October 25, 2017, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released Adolescents in the Child Welfare System in Rhode Island. This Issue Brief presents data and analysis on adolescents in the child welfare system, including maltreatment and trauma, supports specifically for teens, and issues related to youth exiting the child welfare system through aging out or achieving permanency. The report also includes recommendations to best support adolescents in the child welfare system, to ensure healthy development and a healthy transition to adulthood. For more, please see the media release and event pictures.
• On Monday, October 23, 2017, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, in partnership with Young Voices, released Engaging Students in Their Own Learning: Rhode Island Youth Perspectives. All information provided in this report is based on the results of six focus groups and represents the views of 56 students at seven public high schools in Central Falls, Pawtucket, and Providence, Rhode Island. The report provides youth perspectives on what teaching and learning looks like in schools currently, what experiences students have had with more student centered approaches to learning, and how schools could better engage students in their own learning and prepare them for success in college and careers. For more, please see the media release and event pictures.
• On Monday, October 2, 2017, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released Preventing Youth Tobacco Use in Rhode Island. This Issue Brief presents detailed rates of youth cigarette, tobacco product, and e-cigarette use in Rhode Island, risk factors for youth tobacco and e-cigarette use, an overview of tobacco control programs and policies, as well as recommendations for eliminating youth tobacco use and their use of new products such as e-cigarettes. Please see the release event presentation, media release, and event pictures.
• On Thursday, May 25, 2017, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released Children of Incarcerated Parents in Rhode Island. This new Issue Brief presents information on parental incarceration in Rhode Island, racial and ethnic disparities, and key strategies for meeting the unique needs of children with incarcerated parents and their families while a parent is incarcerated and after a parent is released from prison. For more information, please see the media release, Twitter activity, and release event pictures.
• This year’s lecturer for the annual Lipsitt-Duchin Lecture in Child and Youth Behavior and Development on Thursday, May 4, 2017 was Dr. Daniel Keating from the University of Michigan, author of Born Anxious: The Lifelong Impact of Early Life Adversity. Discussants included Susan Dickstein of Bradley Hospital, Brown University Alpert Medical School & the RI Association for Infant Mental Health, as well as Blythe Berger of Rhode Island Department of Health. The Lecture was held on Thursday, May 4 at 4:00 p.m. at Brown University in Solomon 001. For more, please see the lecture presentation, media release and event pictures.
• The RI Campaign for 3rd Grade Reading — coordinated by United Way of Rhode Island and Rhode Island KIDS COUNT — was pleased to team up with Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children to arrange for community leaders to read at early learning programs across the state in late April and early May 2017. Please see the media release and guest reader photos for more information.
• On Monday, April 10, 2017, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released the 2017 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook - its twenty-third annual report on the well-being of Rhode Island's children - at a policy breakfast attended by over 500 people, including the Governor, Congressional Delegation, and statewide and community leadership. Liz Huntley provided keynote remarks, and the youth speaker was Ritsuko Tani of Young Voices. For more information, please see the Executive Summary, media release, event pictures, Twitter activity, and media coverage. 
• On Thursday, March 30, 2017, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released A Snapshot of Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs in Rhode Island. This new Policy Brief reports on Rhode Island school personnel experience with the various components of comprehensive school physical activity programs, and provides recommendations for increasing physical activity in Rhode Island schools. For more, please see the media release, event presentation, the State Innovation Model data collection presentation, Providence Business News coverage, and release event pictures.
• On Monday, March 6, 2017, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released Improving High School Graduation Rates in Rhode Island. The Issue Brief presents detailed graduation and dropout rates for every school and district in Rhode Island, research on early warning signs and risk factors of dropping out, as well as key strategies for increasing student engagement, graduation rates, and college and career readiness. For more, please see the media release and release event pictures.
• Dozens of religious leaders, elected officials and community members gathered at the State House on January 4, 2017 for the Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty's annual Interfaith Vigil to Reduce Poverty. The vigil brought together leaders from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu faiths. Please click here for photos from the event.

2016 Events

• On Tuesday, December 6, 2016, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released a new Issue Brief on Preventing Bullying in Rhode Island Schools. Bullying behavior is a social, educational, and health problem that affects many children and adolescents in Rhode Island and in the U.S. Youth involved in bullying can experience higher rates of mental health problems, aggression, suicide, drug use, school absence, physical health problems, and cognitive functioning during childhood and adolescence as well as into adulthood. For more, please see the full Issue Brief, data presentation, media release, Twitter activity, and event pictures.

• More than 225 community leaders, elected officials, and health care advocates gathered for the sixteenth annual Celebration of Children’s Health Luncheon on November 14, 2016 to reflect on the progress that Rhode Island has made in achieving positive health outcomes for children — including the 10th anniversary of RIte Smiles, Rhode Island’s managed care dental insurance for low-income children. For more, please see our data presentation, media release, Twitter activity, and event pictures.

• At the Woonsocket Data in Your Backyard event on November 9, 2016, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Senior Policy Analyst Stephanie Geller presented data on the well-being of Woonsocket children and youth to an audience of community leaders and policy makers. To learn more, please see the presentation and media release.

• At the Warwick Data in Your Backyard event on October 24, 2016, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Senior Policy Analyst Stephanie Geller presented data on the well-being of Warwick children and youth to an audience of community leaders and policy makers. To learn more, please see the event presentation, media release, and Warwick Beacon coverage.

   

• At a special two-part event on October 4, 2016, Newport community members convened to discuss the well-being of local children and families through the annual Data in Your Backyard presentation, and celebrated the launch of the Newport Grade-Level Reading Campaign. Newport Partnership for Families co-sponsored the event. For more information, please see the event presentation, media release, and event pictures.
  
  

• On Monday, September 19, 2016, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released Investing in the Future: Financing Early Education & Care in Rhode Island. The first five years in a child’s life are crucial to their success in school. Children begin learning at birth and brain development proceeds rapidly in early childhood. Disparities in learning based on access to enriched experiences and environments begin to appear in the first years of life and, without intervention, grow over time. To learn about access to and financing of high-quality early learning opportunities in Rhode Island, please see Investing in the Future: Financing Early Education & Care in Rhode Island, the event presentation, media release, and event pictures.

• At the Providence Data in Your Backyard event on July 15, 2016, Stephanie Geller, Senior Policy Analyst from Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, presented community-level child well-being data from the Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook. The event was co-sponsored with the Providence Children and Youth Cabinet. Special thanks to the Providence Community Library for providing a meeting space. For more information, please see the data presentation and media release.

• On Monday, May 16, 2016, Governor Gina Raimondo's Summit on Early Education and Care was held, focused on creating opportunities for Rhode Island's youngest learners from birth through age 8. Keynote remarks were provided by Bette Hyde, Ph.D., Former Director of Washington State's Department of Early Learning.  For more information, please see the following presentations:
  * Early Learning in Rhode Island: Recent Progress — Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Executive Director Elizabeth Burke Bryant
  * The Science of Early Learning — Bette Hyde, Ph.D.

  The Summit was coordinated through a partnership among the Governor's Office, the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, and Rhode Island KIDS COUNT. 

• On Wednesday, May 4, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Professor David Hemenway and Congressman David Cicilline addressed “Youth and Gun Violence: Strategies for Prevention” at the annual Lipsitt-Duchin Lecture in Child and Youth Behavior and Development, sponsored by Brown University and Rhode Island KIDS COUNT. Following Professor Hemenway's keynote remarks, Congressman David Cicilline offered his perspective. For more information, please see Professor Hemenway's presentation, and our media release.
• 

  On Monday, April 11, 2016, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released its twenty-second annual report on the well-being of Rhode Island's children at a policy breakfast attended by over 500 people. The 2016 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook was presented to Governor Gina Raimondo, Senator Jack Reed, Congressman James Langevin, Congressman David Cicilline, House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello, and Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed. Factbooks were also presented to two community leaders in recognition of their advocacy for children and families: Anna Cano Morales, Director of the Latino Policy Institute at Roger Williams University, and Rabbi Alan Flam, Executive Director of the Helen Hudson Foundation for Homeless America.

  
  

  For more information, please see the media release/ executive summary, media coverage, Twitter activity, and event pictures.

• Release of New Policy Brief: Promoting Increased Physical Activity in Schools January 21, 2016: Regular physical activity has been shown to improve strength and endurance, help control weight, and prevent chronic disease. It has also been shown to improve academic achievement, including grades and standardized test scores. Research also shows positive effects on the brain, including improved attention, processing, memory, and coping. Promoting Increased Physical Activity in Schools provides an overview of current practices and policies regarding physical activity in Rhode Island schools (including recess and physical education), and includes recommendations for promoting increased physical activity in schools. For more, please see the media release and event pictures.

2015 Events

• Release of new Issue Brief: Young Children in the Child Welfare System
  On December 15, 2015, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released a new Issue Brief: Young Children in the Child Welfare System. The report provides an overview of data on child maltreatment, how the child welfare system responds to abuse and neglect, the role of kinship and non-kinship foster homes, and includes recommendations for keeping children safe and meeting their developmental needs. For more, please see the release event pictures and media release.
• Kickoff of the Rhode Island Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
  The United Way, in partnership with Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, launched the Rhode Island Campaign for Grade-Level Reading at a policy roundtable held at the United Way of Rhode Island on Tuesday, November 24, 2015. This Campaign brings together business, government, labor, and non-profit leaders to work to improve third-grade reading proficiency. This milestone is of vital importance to children’s success and to the success of our state because children who do not read proficiently by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school than their peers. For more, please see the media release, event pictures, event presentation, and the following media coverage: The Providence Journal, Rhode Island Public Radio, Convergence RI, and The Warwick Beacon.
• Celebration of Children's Health Luncheon 
  More than 175 community leaders, elected officials, and health care advocates gathered for the fifteenth annual Celebration of Children’s Health Luncheon on November 16, 2015 to reflect on the progress that Rhode Island has made in achieving positive health outcomes for children. This event also celebrated the progress that has been made in covering kids in Rhode Island, as well as the strength and quality of RIte Care, Rhode Island’s health insurance program for children and families with low and moderate incomes. For more, please see our data presentation, media release, and event pictures.
• Well-Being of Warwick Children & Families Discussed at Data Presentation
  At the Warwick Data in Your Backyard event on October 14, 2015, Policy Analyst John Neubauer presented community-level data on Warwick child and family well-being. A few data trends discussed at the event:
  - Child abuse and neglect rate below state average
  - Falling teen birth rate
  - Low percentage of students in full-day kindergarten
  - For more, please see the press release, presentation, and event pictures.
• Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Makes Data local at Newport event
  At the Newport Data in Your Backyard event on October 6, 2015, Policy Analyst Stephanie Geller presented community-level data on Newport child and family well-being. A few data trends discussed at the event:
  - Percent of infants born at highest risk continues to decline
  - Newport has the third highest rate of child abuse and neglect in the state
  - Data show improvements in Newport Public Schools – chronic absenteeism has declined, improved high school graduation rate
  - For more, please see the press release, presentation, event pictures, and Newport Daily News article.
• Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Makes Data local at Woonsocket event
  At the Woonsocket Data in Your Backyard event on September 25, 2015, Policy Analyst John Neubauer presented community-level data on Woonsocket child and family well-being. Some data highlights from the event:
  - Woonsocket has the highest rates of child poverty and extreme poverty in the state
  - School Breakfast Program participation rates continue to increase
  - Education outcomes need improvement
  - For more, please see the press release, presentation, and event pictures.
• Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Makes Data local at Providence event
  At the Providence Data in Your Backyard event on July 23, 2015, Policy Analyst Stephanie Geller presented community-level data on Providence child and family well-being. Some data highlights from the event:
  - Decreases in teen birth rate and infants born at risk, evidence-based family home visiting programs can help
  - Providence Children and Youth Cabinet working to address
  chronic absence and school climate
  - For more, please see the press release, presentation, and event pictures.
• National KIDS COUNT Data Book Released
  On July 21, 2015, the Annie E. Casey Foundation released the 26th annual national KIDS COUNT Data Book, a state-by-state report on children’s well-being. Rhode Island KIDS COUNT participated in this nationwide launch. This year’s Data Book finds that Rhode Island ranks 31st in the nation for overall child well-being, down from 26th last year. For more information, please see the press release, Rhode Island profile, and the entire Data Book.
• Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Makes Data local at Pawtucket event
  At the Pawtucket Data in Your Backyard event on June 10, 2015, Policy Analyst Stephanie Geller presented community-level data on Pawtucket child and family well-being. Some data highlights from the event:
  - Largest increase in high school graduation rate in the state
  - Decrease in teen birth rate
  - School breakfast participation low; offering breakfast in the classroom recommended
  - Please see the press release and presentation for more information.
  
• Release of new Issue Brief: Infants, Toddlers, and Their Families in Rhode Island
  On June 4, 2015, policy makers, state agencies, and community members gathered to discuss policies to support Rhode Island infants, toddlers, and their families. At the event, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released our latest Issue Brief: Infants, Toddlers, and Their Families in Rhode Island as well as a new publication: Next Steps for Infants, Toddlers, and their Families. See the presentation and pictures from the event.
  
• 7th Annual Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty Conference

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT was pleased to participate in the 7th Annual Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty Conference on May 13th. Elizabeth Burke Bryant, Executive Director of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT and Linda Katz of the Economic Progress Institute gave a joint presentation on Poverty in Rhode Island. See the presentation and pictures from the event.

• Improving High School Graduation Rates in Rhode Island: A Focus on Dropout Prevention and Recovery

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT hosted a policy roundtable "Improving High School Graduation Rates in Rhode Island: A Focus on Dropout Prevention and Recovery" on March 23rd. Co-hosts for the event were The Rhode Island Department of Education, Rhode Island Foundation, The Providence Plan, National Education Association Rhode Island, Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals, and Latino Policy Institute at Roger Williams University. View pictures from the event and the presentation.

 



• 2015 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook Released On Monday, April 13, 2015! 

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released its 21st annual report on the well-being of Rhode Island's children at a policy breakfast attended by over 500 people. The Factbook was presented to Governor Gina Raimondo, Senator Jack Reed, Congressman James Langevin, Speaker Nicholas Mattiello and Senator Joshua Miller. Factbooks were also presented to two community leaders in recognition of their work and contributions - Central Falls Superintendent Fran Gallo and Linda Katz of the Economic Progress Institute. Please see the press release and photos from the event, read the Factbook indicators, and order a copy!

 

• New Report on Child Poverty in Rhode Island released!
  On Thursday, January 22, 2015, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released a new Issue Brief, Child Poverty in Rhode Island, which covers the prevalence and impact of child poverty in Rhode Island communities and recommendations for short-term assistance and long-term solutions to lift families out of poverty. For more information, please see the media release, event presentation, and event pictures.
• RI Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty Vigil
  Dozens of religious leaders, elected officials and community members gathered at the State House on January 7, 2015 for the Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition's annual Interfaith Vigil to Reduce Poverty. The vigil brought together leaders from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu faiths. Please click here for pictures from the event.

2014 Events

• 2014 Lipsitt-Duchin Lectures in Child and Youth Behavior and Development
  Linda M. Espinosa, PhD, was the keynote speaker at the annual Lipsitt-Duchin Lecture on December 3, 2014, sponsored by Brown University and Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, in partnership with TRI-Lab. The lecture topic was “Promoting Development and Improving Outcomes for Young Dual/English Language Learners."
  Please see the presentation, the Tri-LAB Policy Brief, the video "Patricia Kuhl: The linguistic genius of babies", event pictures, and the media release.
• Annual Celebration of Children’s Health: Celebrating 20 Years of RIte Care and Presentation of Covering Kids Awards
  Rhode Island KIDS COUNT held its 14th annual Celebration of Children's Health luncheon on November 24, 2014 at the Providence Marriott. The luncheon brought community leaders, elected officials, advocates, and health care experts together to reflect on the progress that Rhode Island has made in achieving positive health outcomes for children. This event also celebrated the twentieth anniversary of RIte Care, Rhode Island’s health insurance program for children and families with low and moderate incomes. Covering Kids Awards were presented to several community leaders and elected officials, and the RIte Care Results report was released.
  For more information, please see the media release, presentation, RIte Care Results, and event pictures.
• New Report on Child and Adolescent Obesity in Rhode Island released!
  On Thursday, November 6, 2014, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released a new Issue Brief, Child and Adolescent Obesity in Rhode Island. Highlights of the report include:
  - New district-level information presented on positive health habits of Rhode Island students
  - New city/town-level information presented on environmental and social measures relating to obesity
  For more information, please see the Issue Brief, media release, and event pictures.
• Rhode Island KIDS COUNT makes data local at Warwick event
  At the Warwick Data in Your Backyard event on October 23, 2014, Policy Analyst John Neubauer presented community-level data on Warwick child and family well-being. A few data trends discussed at the event:
  - Reading, math proficiency rates above the state average
  - Low percentage of students in full-day kindergarten
  - Nutrition assistance programs reaching many Warwick children
  For more, please see the press release, presentation, and event pictures.
• Rhode Island KIDS COUNT makes data local at Central Falls event
  At the Central Falls Data in Your Backyard event on October 20, 2014, Policy Analyst Stephanie Geller presented community-level data on Central Falls child and family well-being. A few data trends discussed at the event:
  - Central Falls using proven strategies to ensure that children have access to School Breakfast
  - Largest improvement in high school graduation rate in the state since 2007
  - High rates of poverty, extreme poverty, and chronic absenteeism persist
  For more, please see the press release, presentation, and event pictures.
• Rhode Island KIDS COUNT makes data local at Newport event
  At the Newport Data in Your Backyard event on October 7, 2014, Policy Analyst Stephanie Geller presented community-level data on Newport child and family well-being. A few data trends discussed at the event:
  - Reading and math skills among Newport students decline after a period of improvement
  - High rates of chronic absenteeism, Newport Public Schools working hard to address the issue
  - High school graduation rate has decreased in recent years
  For more, please see the press release, presentation, and event pictures.
• TRI-Lab, RI KIDS COUNT & Ready to Learn Symposium
  On October 2, 2014, Dr. Adele Diamond, an international expert on child development and education issues, and cognitive neuroscientist at the University of British Columbia, joined over 200 scientists, policy makers, teachers and child care professionals at a symposium aimed at improving the health, educational performance, and well-being of Rhode Island’s children. Dr. Diamond provided the keynote address for the day-long event, which investigated how young children develop “executive function skills.” The symposium was jointly sponsored by several of the core participants in the Lab, including Brown University, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, and Ready to Learn Providence.
  Please click for: the TRI-Lab Healthy Early Childhood Development Policy Brief, Dr. Diamond's presentation, the media release, and event pictures.
  
• Special Attendance Awareness Month Event: The Importance of Reducing Chronic Absence in the Early Grades
  In celebration of Attendance Awareness Month, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, The Providence Plan, and the Rhode Island Data Sharing Project held a special event on September 29, 2014 for educators, policymakers, and community leaders: The Importance of Reducing Chronic Absence in the Early Grades. The event included the presentation of:
  - Reducing Chronic Early Absence: A new Fact Sheet from Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, and
  - Chronic Absenteeism Among Kindergarten Students: A new Data Story from the RI DataHUB.
  For more information, please see the media release and event pictures.
• Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Makes Data local at Woonsocket event
  At the Woonsocket Data in Your Backyard event on September 12, 2014, Policy Analyst John Neubauer presented community-level data on Woonsocket child and family well-being. Some data highlights from the event:
  - This fall, Full-Day Kindergarten was restored in Woonsocket
  - Woonsocket has seen increased rates of School Breakfast Program participation
  - Woonsocket has the highest rate of child abuse & neglect in Rhode Island
  - Woonsocket has the highest percentage of infants born at a low birth weight in Rhode Island
  For more, please see the press release, presentation, and event pictures.
• New Report on Juvenile Justice in Rhode Island released!
  On Monday, June 30, 2014, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released a new report, Juvenile Justice in Rhode Island, which covers the juvenile justice system in RI, juvenile justice trends over the past decade, RI youth currently involved in the system, and best practices for improving youth outcomes & community safety.
  
  For more information, please see the media release and release event pictures.
• Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Makes Data local at Providence event
  At the Providence Data in Your Backyard event on June 27, 2014, Policy Analyst Stephanie Geller presented community-level data on Providence child and family well-being. Some data highlights from the event:
  -Providence has seen decreases in teen birth rate and infants born at risk, but has the highest rate of delayed prenatal care in the state
  -School Breakfast participation is up across Providence
  -There have been improvements in several key education outcomes
  
  For more, please see the press release, presentation, and event pictures.
• Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Makes Data local at Pawtucket event
  At the Pawtucket Data in Your Backyard event on June 13, 2014, Policy Analyst Stephanie Geller presented community-level data on Pawtucket child and family well-being. Some data highlights from the event:
  -Pawtucket has seen decreased chronic absence and suspensions
  -The Pawtucket teen birth rate has decreased, and fewer Pawtucket infants are being born at highest risk
  -Despite Universal School Breakfast, Pawtucket student participation is still low
  
  Please see the press release, presentation, and event pictures for more information.
• Special Report on Grade-Level Reading Released at Policy Roundtable on May 8, 2014
  Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released its newest Issue Brief – Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters - on Thursday May 8, 2014. Please see the press release and event pictures. Elizabeth Burke Bryant, Executive Director of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT and Deborah Gist, Rhode Island Commissioner of Education, provided remarks. Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Policy Analyst Stephanie Geller and Senior Policy Analyst Leanne Barrett presented the findings.
• 20th Annual Factbook Breakfast held on April 7, 2014
  The 2014 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook was released at our 20th Annual Breakfast on Monday, April 7, 2014 from 8 am to 10 am at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick. Please see the press release, along with the event pictures.
• Rhode Island KIDS COUNT hosts 20th Anniversary Special Kick-Off Luncheon with Marian Wright Edelman on January 29, 2014
  Rhode Island KIDS COUNT kicked off its 20th Anniversary with a Special Luncheon featuring remarks by Marian Wright Edelman, Founder and President of the Children’s Defense Fund. The Children’s Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. CDF provides a strong, effective and independent voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby, or speak for themselves.
  
  For more, please see pictures from the event, video from RI State Capitol TV, audio from Latino Public Radio, as well as Providence Journal coverage.
• Interfaith Vigil Held at State House on January 8, 2014
  Dozens of religious leaders, elected officials and community members gathered at the State House for the Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition's annual Interfaith Vigil to Reduce Poverty. The vigil brought together leaders from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu faiths.
  
  Please click here for pictures from the event.
• RIte Care Alert: Latest Update on Parent Health Coverage January 1, 2014
  The RIte Care eligibility limit for parents was "rolled back" from 175% FPL ($34,177 for a family of 3) to 138% FPL ($26,951) on December 31, 2013. To ensure continuity of coverage, the State auto-enrolled affected parents in the Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island Value Plan through HealthSource RI, with coverage starting on January 1, 2014. The State also paid the parent's entire premium amount for the month of January. To keep health insurance coverage after January, parents need to apply for health insurance coverage through HealthSource RI. 

   

  For more information on what parents need to know and what parents need to do now, please click here. For information on the State premium assistance program, please visit the EOHHS website.
  
  Note re: children with RIte Care: Children enrolled in RIte Care will keep their coverage (there is no income eligibility change for children). And beginning January 2014, families will no longer need to pay a monthly premium for their children covered by RIte Care.

2013 Events

• RIte Care Alert: Latest Update on Parent Health CoverageThe RIte Care eligibility limit for parents is scheduled be "rolled back" from 175% FPL ($34,177 for a family of 3) to 138% FPL ($26,951) on December 31, 2013.
  To ensure continuity of coverage, the State has opted to auto-enroll affected parents in the Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island Value Plan through HealthSource RI, with coverage starting on January 1, 2014. The State also will pay the parent's entire premium amount for the month of January. Parents also have the opportunity to choose a different plan through HealthSource RI.
  
  For more information on what parents need to know and what parents need to do now, please click here.
  
  For information on the State premium assistance program, please visit the EOHHS website.
  
  Note re: children with RIte Care: Children enrolled in RIte Care will keep their coverage (there is no income eligibility change for children). And beginning January 2014, families will no longer need to pay a monthly premium for their children covered by RIte Care.
• Improving High School Graduation Rates in Rhode Island Issue Brief released at Grad Nation Summit on November 25, 2013
  Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released its newest Issue Brief – Improving High School Graduation Rates in Rhode Island – at the Providence Grad Nation Summit attended by policy makers, education leaders, state agencies, business leaders, youth, and other community members. The Grad Nation Summit focused on increasing the high school graduation rate and is part of the America’s Promise Alliance national initiative to hold 100 summits across the country in the next four years. The Summit was co-hosted by the Providence Children and Youth Cabinet, RI Department of Education, and Rhode Island KIDS COUNT; and was held on Monday, November 25, 2013 from 10:00 am – 5:30 pm at the Providence Marriott, One Orms Street.
  
  For more information, please see the media release and event photos.
• Central Falls Data in Your Backyard Presentation
  Rhode Island KIDS COUNT co-sponsored the Central Falls Data in Your Backyard presentation with the Central Falls School Department on November 21, 2013.
  
  For more information, please see the press release, pictures, and event presentation.
• Young Children with Developmental Delays & Disabilities Released at Policy Roundtable on November 15, 2013
  Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released its newest Issue Brief – Young Children with Developmental Delays & Disabilities – at a policy roundtable held at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Please see the event pictures, and press release.  Senior Policy Analyst Leanne Barrett presented the findings, and welcoming remarks were provided by: Elizabeth Burke Bryant, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT; Eileen Howard Boone, CVS Caremark; and Timothy Babineau, MD, Lifespan and Rhode Island Hospital. Speakers included Yvette Yatchmink, MD, Hasbro Children’s Hospital; Michael Fine, MD, RI Department of Health; Janice DeFrances, RI Department of Children, Youth & Families; David Abbott, RI Department of Education; and Deborah Florio, RI Executive Office of Health & Human Services.
• Warwick Data in Your Backyard Presentation
  Rhode Island KIDS COUNT co-sponsored the Warwick Data in Your Backyard presentation with the Warwick Coalition to Prevent Child Abuse on November 14, 2013.
  
  For more information, please see the press release, pictures, and event presentation.

• Celebration of Children's Health Luncheon
  November 4, 2013 - Rhode Island KIDS COUNT held its 13th annual Celebration of Children's Health luncheon on November 4, 2013 at the Providence Marriott. The luncheon brought leaders together to celebrate the progress that Rhode Island has made in achieving positive health outcomes for children. Covering Kids Awards were presented to several community leaders and elected officials, and the RIte Care Results report was released.
  
  Click for the news release, presentation, and event pictures.

• Newport Data in Your Backyard
  Rhode Island KIDS COUNT co-sponsored our Newport Data in Your Backyard presentation with Newport Partnership for Families on October 1, 2013.
  
  If you missed the event, you can view the presentation here and the Newport City/Town sheet here.

• COUNTDOWN TO COVERAGE: Ready For Lift Off!
  Health Coverage Workshop The Rhode Island Health Coverage Project hosted the latest in our series of Workshops about the Affordable Care Act, RIte Care, Medicaid, and HealthSource RI for staff of community organizations who help connect people to health coverage on September 26, 2013. Workshop materials: Agenda, Health Coverage Project Presentation, HealthSource RI Presentation, What’s Next for RIte Care? Grid, and RI Health Coverage Project Overview.

• Woonsocket Data in Your Backyard
  Rhode Island KIDS COUNT co-sponsored our Woonsocket Data in Your Backyard presentation with Connecting for Children & Families on September 25, 2013.
  
  If you missed the event, you can view the presentation here and the Woonsocket City/Town sheet here

• Launch of TeethFirst! - Early Dental Visit Campaign
  September 11, 2013 - Rhode Island KIDS COUNT participated in the launch of TeethFirst!, a new bilingual early dental visit campaign and initiative. The focus of TeethFirst! is on promoting early dental visits and increasing oral health literacy among families, health care providers, and community organizations. It is a project of the Rhode Island Oral Health Commission (OHC), with Rhode Island KIDS COUNT serving as the lead agency and project manager.
  
  For more, please see:
  - TeethFirst! website
  - Primero los dientes website
  - The launch press release
  - The launch event presentation
  - The launch event pictures

• Pawtucket Data in Your Backyard Presentation
  June 18, 2013 - The Pawtucket Data in Your Backyard presentation included highlights of improvements and declines in the well-being of children and youth in Pawtucket, based on the 2013 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook. The presentation was brought to the community in partnership with the Pawtucket School Department Child Opportunity Zone, and was held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
  
  Click to view the press release, presentation, and photos.

• Annual Lipsitt-Duchin Lecture: Reflections on Race, Child Development and School Reform
  May 2, 2013 - James Comer, MD, was the keynote speaker at the the 2013 Lipsitt-Duchin Lecture on Child and Youth Behavior Development, sponsored by Brown University's Center for the Study of Human Development and Rhode Island KIDS COUNT. Dr. Comer is the Maurice Falk Professor of Child Psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicine’s Child Study Center, and has been a Yale medical faculty member since 1968.
  
  To see the presentation, please click here.

• Access to Early Learning Programs Health Issue Brief Released at Policy Roundtable
  April 29, 2013 - Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released its latest Issue Brief - Access to Early Learning Programs in Rhode Island - at a policy roundtable attended by more than fifty community members. Senior Policy Analyst Leanne Barrett presented the findings, and Commissioner of the RI Department of Education Deborah Gist and Director of the RI Department of Human Services Sandra Powell were discussants.
  
  Please see the press release here.

• 2013 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook Released at Annual Breakfast
  April 8, 2013 - Rhode Island KIDS COUNT released its nineteenth annual report on the well-being of Rhode Island’s children at a policy breakfast attended by over 500 people, including the Governor, members of the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, General Assembly leaders, community leaders, and policymakers from education, health, and human services. The 2013 Rhode Island Kids Count Factbook charts improvements and declines in the well-being of children and youth across the state and in each of Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns, and provides the latest available statistics on 68 different aspects of children’s lives, from birth through adolescence.

• Interfaith Vigil Held at State House
  January 2, 2013 - Dozens of religious leaders, elected officials and community members gathered at the State House for the Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition's annual Interfaith Vigil. The group asked Rhode Island lawmakers to remember the state's poor residents during the upcoming legislative session. The vigil brought together leaders from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu faiths