Annie E. Casey Foundation
@annieecaseyfdn.bsky.social
Building a brighter future for children, families and communities.
https://www.aecf.org/
https://www.aecf.org/
“It’s much harder for some students to get to school every day than for others — we have to acknowledge that. But you can’t just say there’s nothing we can do about it. If you don’t do anything, the students who have the most barriers will be the ones who will miss the most school.”
New Chicago research offers fresh reasons to care about high school absenteeism
A University of Chicago study released Tuesday finds an even stronger link between attendance and academic performance post-pandemic — and an even greater effect school climate has on how regularly st...
www.chalkbeat.org
January 21, 2026 at 7:38 PM
“It’s much harder for some students to get to school every day than for others — we have to acknowledge that. But you can’t just say there’s nothing we can do about it. If you don’t do anything, the students who have the most barriers will be the ones who will miss the most school.”
Early research suggests that restrictions on cellphone use in schools have helped to improve students’ concentration and engagement with their peers, in addition to reducing teachers’ stress and improving their job satisfaction.
The Ingredients for a Successful Cellphone Ban: What Teachers Say
One key component: support from school leaders.
www.edweek.org
January 21, 2026 at 4:18 PM
Early research suggests that restrictions on cellphone use in schools have helped to improve students’ concentration and engagement with their peers, in addition to reducing teachers’ stress and improving their job satisfaction.
More than 50% of child care workers say they’re skipping meals, eating smaller portions and going hungry because they can’t afford to purchase food. This food insecurity not only harms the workers and their families, but also the children in their care.
A growing number of child care providers can't afford food for themselves
Hunger is on the rise for the early care and education workforce, raising concerns about care quality.
19thnews.org
January 20, 2026 at 9:39 PM
More than 50% of child care workers say they’re skipping meals, eating smaller portions and going hungry because they can’t afford to purchase food. This food insecurity not only harms the workers and their families, but also the children in their care.
“A lot of youth in foster care don’t grow up with a chance to practice managing money. Being able to open an account without a joint account owner would’ve let me have more control and practice financial responsibility sooner.”
New Indiana Law Expands Banking Access for Teens in Foster Care
In Indiana, it's now easier for emancipated youth and older teens in foster care to open their own bank account. Get the details.
www.aecf.org
January 20, 2026 at 6:29 PM
“A lot of youth in foster care don’t grow up with a chance to practice managing money. Being able to open an account without a joint account owner would’ve let me have more control and practice financial responsibility sooner.”
In recent years, the out-of-pocket costs of behavioral health care for children in the U.S. have increased at nearly double the rate of other medical expenses, hitting U.S. families hard in the midst of the youth mental health crisis.
Behavioral health spending spikes to 40% of all children’s health expenditures
Expenditure nearly doubled in a decade; families paid $2.9 billion in out-of-pocket costs in 2022
news.northwestern.edu
January 20, 2026 at 3:56 PM
In recent years, the out-of-pocket costs of behavioral health care for children in the U.S. have increased at nearly double the rate of other medical expenses, hitting U.S. families hard in the midst of the youth mental health crisis.
“The academic rigor of kindergarten has changed, but that does not mean that play should be removed. When children find joy at school, they are more willing to take risks, persevere, and engage in challenging learning.”
Play-Based Learning Yields More Joy, Higher Scores at This Elementary School
Teachers who have incorporated guided play into their lessons say they've seen students thrive.
www.edweek.org
January 16, 2026 at 6:09 PM
“The academic rigor of kindergarten has changed, but that does not mean that play should be removed. When children find joy at school, they are more willing to take risks, persevere, and engage in challenging learning.”
At the nonprofit Friends of the Children, young children who have experienced gun violence, poverty or other traumatic events are matched with adult mentors, who sign 3-5 year contracts to provide full-time, hands-on support to these kids and their families.
New Philly mentorship program creates long-term ‘Friends’ for kids
Friends of the Children Philadelphia pairs struggling elementary school students with a paid professional mentor through high school. Those who run the program say the model is backed by research.
www.chalkbeat.org
January 16, 2026 at 2:58 PM
At the nonprofit Friends of the Children, young children who have experienced gun violence, poverty or other traumatic events are matched with adult mentors, who sign 3-5 year contracts to provide full-time, hands-on support to these kids and their families.
In 2024, just over 1 in 4 U.S. eighth graders were proficient in math. Although that rate has remained steady since 2022, it’s still slightly worse than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Pandemic's Enduring Toll: Just Over 1 in 4 Eighth-Graders Proficient in Math in 2024
Just 25% of eighth graders scored proficient in math in 2022. Read how the pandemic has impacted this important academic benchmark.
www.aecf.org
January 15, 2026 at 9:07 PM
In 2024, just over 1 in 4 U.S. eighth graders were proficient in math. Although that rate has remained steady since 2022, it’s still slightly worse than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“While chronic absence presents academic challenges for students not in class, when it reaches high levels in a classroom or school, all students may suffer because the resulting classroom churn hampers teachers’ ability to engage all students and meet their learning needs.”
Why are so many N.J. kids missing 18+ days of school? State digging for answers.
Is it mental health? Transportation issues? Something about the school climate? A new task force will look into the state's 15% chronic absenteeism rate.
www.nj.com
January 15, 2026 at 6:37 PM
“While chronic absence presents academic challenges for students not in class, when it reaches high levels in a classroom or school, all students may suffer because the resulting classroom churn hampers teachers’ ability to engage all students and meet their learning needs.”
Reposted by Annie E. Casey Foundation
Next week, hear from @annieecaseyfdn.bsky.social's Lisa Lawson and our own @slaughteram.bsky.social who will discuss the neuroscience behind adolescent development.
🗓 January 20
🕞 3:30pm
📍 Hybrid
🔗 www.newamerica.org/center-educa...
🗓 January 20
🕞 3:30pm
📍 Hybrid
🔗 www.newamerica.org/center-educa...
Harnessing Neuroscience to Help Gen Z Navigate the Path to Adulthood
A Book Talk with Lisa Lawson, CEO of the Annie E Casey Foundation, and Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO of New America
www.newamerica.org
January 14, 2026 at 8:18 PM
Next week, hear from @annieecaseyfdn.bsky.social's Lisa Lawson and our own @slaughteram.bsky.social who will discuss the neuroscience behind adolescent development.
🗓 January 20
🕞 3:30pm
📍 Hybrid
🔗 www.newamerica.org/center-educa...
🗓 January 20
🕞 3:30pm
📍 Hybrid
🔗 www.newamerica.org/center-educa...
Most U.S. teachers work an average of over 40 hours a week. Their time is spent not only in the classroom with their students, but also grading papers, creating lesson plans and communicating with families.
'Constant Juggling': Teachers Share the Job Stressors That Keep Them Up at Night
Most educators point to the intense workload that doesn't stop after the school day ends.
www.edweek.org
January 14, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Most U.S. teachers work an average of over 40 hours a week. Their time is spent not only in the classroom with their students, but also grading papers, creating lesson plans and communicating with families.
"Science tells us that trauma and adversity [like hunger] do not usually make anyone — kids or adults — stronger or better. It far more often does the opposite, causing injury associated with lifelong increased risk for poor health and shorter lifespans."
In the U.S., hunger is often hidden. But it can still leave scars on body and mind
In the U.S., hunger is often hidden away. It looks nothing like the stereotype of a famine happening overseas. But the physical impacts on health and the psychological scars can last a lifetime.
www.npr.org
January 14, 2026 at 3:47 PM
"Science tells us that trauma and adversity [like hunger] do not usually make anyone — kids or adults — stronger or better. It far more often does the opposite, causing injury associated with lifelong increased risk for poor health and shorter lifespans."
As some NYC schools transition to smaller class sizes, educators are already seeing the results. Teachers say they’re able to give their students more attention and more detailed feedback, and they’re also noticing fewer behavioral issues in their classrooms.
NYC teachers rave about smaller classes but struggle to find enough space
NYC educators say having smaller classes is “amazing,” but finding the space and funding to reach 100% compliance remains a giant puzzle.
www.chalkbeat.org
January 13, 2026 at 7:45 PM
As some NYC schools transition to smaller class sizes, educators are already seeing the results. Teachers say they’re able to give their students more attention and more detailed feedback, and they’re also noticing fewer behavioral issues in their classrooms.
In 2024, 14.1 million children in the U.S. lived in households experiencing food insecurity. That’s over 3 million more hungry children than in 2019.
14M children lived in households with food insecurity in 2024
The Trump administration announced last year that the USDA would no longer produce future “redundant, costly” reports on household food insecurity.
www.k12dive.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:39 PM
In 2024, 14.1 million children in the U.S. lived in households experiencing food insecurity. That’s over 3 million more hungry children than in 2019.
Nearly 95% of California youth report experiencing mental health concerns during an average month, according to the newly released 2026 California Children’s Report Card from our KIDS COUNT partner @childrennow.bsky.social.
California scores poorly in children’s health and education, report card finds
The state fares worse in education investment and student achievement than other large states, experts say.
edsource.org
January 9, 2026 at 4:22 PM
Nearly 95% of California youth report experiencing mental health concerns during an average month, according to the newly released 2026 California Children’s Report Card from our KIDS COUNT partner @childrennow.bsky.social.
“Youth thrive when their identities are honored, their experiences are understood and their communities are part of the solution.”
New Report Urges Culturally Responsive Youth Mental Health Programs
Supporting youth mental health means honoring culture and identity. A new report provides insights and recommendations.
www.aecf.org
January 8, 2026 at 8:33 PM
“Youth thrive when their identities are honored, their experiences are understood and their communities are part of the solution.”
Child care workers are one of the lowest-paid professions in the country — their median wage is just $13.07/hour, and an estimated 43% of child care workers have to rely on public benefits like Medicaid and food stamps to make ends meet.
Food Insecurity Is Surging Among Child Care Providers
Stanford researchers find that a growing number of child care providers can’t afford food, raising concerns about workforce stability and care quality.
www.the74million.org
January 8, 2026 at 6:12 PM
Child care workers are one of the lowest-paid professions in the country — their median wage is just $13.07/hour, and an estimated 43% of child care workers have to rely on public benefits like Medicaid and food stamps to make ends meet.
When children don’t have health insurance, they’re more likely to delay both necessary and routine medical care, which can mean diagnosis is also delayed. In the case of pediatric cancers, early detection can be a matter of life and death.
Millions of Kids in the U.S. Are Losing Insurance, and Some Will Get Sicker and Die from Cancer
A recent analysis showed the rate of uninsured children in the U.S. grew from 2022 to 2024. Experts say this could lead to more pediatric cancer deaths
www.scientificamerican.com
January 7, 2026 at 7:50 PM
When children don’t have health insurance, they’re more likely to delay both necessary and routine medical care, which can mean diagnosis is also delayed. In the case of pediatric cancers, early detection can be a matter of life and death.
“When our care providers receive their class of students for the day, those babies still eat, even if [the providers] haven't been paid from the state for a month or more. This really manifests itself in housing, food, and health insecurity for the very caregivers that our communities depend on.”
Child Care Costs More than Rent in Most Metro Areas. Why Can't We Fix That? - EdSurge News
“If the pandemic didn't teach us anything else, it taught us that it is critical infrastructure because, without child care, people are not able to go ...
www.edsurge.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:05 PM
“When our care providers receive their class of students for the day, those babies still eat, even if [the providers] haven't been paid from the state for a month or more. This really manifests itself in housing, food, and health insecurity for the very caregivers that our communities depend on.”
Children’s mental and behavioral healthcare costs have begun to take up a significantly larger portion of U.S. families’ spending on children’s health over the past 15 years.
Kids’ Behavioral Health Is a Growing Share of Family Health Costs
New research shows a jump in pediatric medical spending on behavioral health from 2011 to 2022, highlighting the urgent need to boost access and capacity for treatment.
www.ucsf.edu
January 6, 2026 at 7:56 PM
Children’s mental and behavioral healthcare costs have begun to take up a significantly larger portion of U.S. families’ spending on children’s health over the past 15 years.
“There is plenty of evidence that shows walking and cycling to school is associated with many health benefits. States that support active commuting for children through state-level policies, plans, funding, and infrastructure have better child health outcomes.”
New research finds state policies that support children’s school commute can improve their health | Penn State College of Health and Human Development
Walking or biking to school may do more than just help kids arrive on time—it may also play a meaningful role in improving children’s overall health.
hhd.psu.edu
January 6, 2026 at 3:42 PM
“There is plenty of evidence that shows walking and cycling to school is associated with many health benefits. States that support active commuting for children through state-level policies, plans, funding, and infrastructure have better child health outcomes.”
Reposted by Annie E. Casey Foundation
A national survey—conducted by Child Trends and funded by @annieecaseyfdn.bsky.social and Casey Family Programs—found that spending by child welfare agencies increased slightly over the past decade to a total of $34.3 billion in state fiscal year (SFY) 2022.
www.childtrends.org/publications...
www.childtrends.org/publications...
Annie E. Casey Foundation (@annieecaseyfdn.bsky.social)
Building a brighter future for children, families and communities. https://www.aecf.org/
www.childtrends.org
December 26, 2025 at 6:02 PM
A national survey—conducted by Child Trends and funded by @annieecaseyfdn.bsky.social and Casey Family Programs—found that spending by child welfare agencies increased slightly over the past decade to a total of $34.3 billion in state fiscal year (SFY) 2022.
www.childtrends.org/publications...
www.childtrends.org/publications...
Despite improvements in recent years, 1 in 5 Kentucky children still live in poverty, according to the newly released KIDS COUNT Data Dashboard from our grantee Kentucky Youth Advocates.
Kentucky children living with 'unacceptable' levels of poverty and hunger, new data shows • Kentucky Lantern
Many of Kentucky’s children continue to live in levels of poverty that child advocates call “unacceptable.”
kentuckylantern.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:57 PM
Despite improvements in recent years, 1 in 5 Kentucky children still live in poverty, according to the newly released KIDS COUNT Data Dashboard from our grantee Kentucky Youth Advocates.
Increased salaries, better benefits and expanded mental health support could help schools improve their early-career teacher retention rates.
Exclusive: Survey Reveals Why 70% of Early-Career Teachers Leave the Classroom
New research finds poor support, salaries and working conditions are making novices quit. Better pay, benefits and mental health resources would help.
www.the74million.org
January 5, 2026 at 4:44 PM
Increased salaries, better benefits and expanded mental health support could help schools improve their early-career teacher retention rates.
“We are seeing a much larger shift of students to career and technical education because of the practicality of the content and the correlation to direct careers.”
Why Schools Are Adding to Their CTE Offerings, and What Could Slow Them Down
Districts are increasing CTE offerings to meet student demand, but there are challenges.
www.edweek.org
December 19, 2025 at 7:18 PM
“We are seeing a much larger shift of students to career and technical education because of the practicality of the content and the correlation to direct careers.”