December 7, 2010

Preschools closing on thousands more young children

More than 2,600 children have lost preschool opportunities this fall as dozens of programs have closed under the pressure of long-delayed payments from the state, according to the Illinois State Board of Education.  Scores of preK teachers and support personnel have lost their jobs and many parents have lost the work supports represented by early childhood programs.  In recent testimony to ISBE about budget priorities, Voices cited these among many reasons state leaders should raise revenues to safeguard investments in our most critical priorities.

Report: child care critical to our economy

Child care helps local economies by strongly supporting both parents and local employers, states a recent report from Cornell University’s Linking Economic Development and Child Care Project.  The report cites a survey of how New York state economic developers and chamber of commerce leaders viewed a lack of affordable, quality child care: 82 percent said such a lack reduces worker productivity, and 67 percent felt it hurts businesses’ ability to attract and retain workers.  And child care represents a significant small-business sector in its own right.  Such findings have particular relevance in Illinois, where child care and other early childhood programs are struggling from state-budget pressures.

Congress debates legislation critical to kids & families

In recent days, there have been significant developments in Congress on multiple issues impacting the well-being of children and families, including:

• The passage of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010, which will help reduce hunger, fight childhood obesity and increase children’s access to healthy meals.  Learn more...
• A tentative agreement on a package that includes extension of:
• Emergency federal unemployment benefits (for one year) that help jobless workers and their families get back on their feet while boosting economic-recovery.
• Earned Income and Child Tax Credit improvements (for two years) that help struggling parents care for their families, contribute to the local economy, and stay out of poverty. 

This package still needs to be voted on in both the House and Senate, so the final outcome remains uncertain.  Learn more...

Generous supporters help Voices secure $25,000 gift

 Thanks to literally hundreds of caring supporters we met the new-donor challenge put before us by an anonymous benefactor. In fact, we not only hit the 150-person challenge goal, but surpassed it with 198 new donors and counting.

The $25,000 challenge grant will help provide Voices the flexibility we need to seize new opportunities for strengthening children's well-being.  But we still must raise an additional $20,000 before year end to have the capacity we need going into 2011.  If you haven’t yet made your investment in support of child advocacy, please make a contribution now.  Every dollar counts.

Great at Eight: Investing in the Whole Child from Birth to Eight

Illinois Kids Count 2011 Symposium

Friday, March 4 in Chicago

Keynote Speaker: Ruby Takanishi - President, Foundation for Child Development

Join us to hear leading experts discuss the importance of the years from birth to 8 and how these years impact life long learning. The Illinois Kids Count 2011 data book, “Great at Eight,” looks at the many factors that prepare children to have the greatest opportunities for learning in school and beyond.

By the end of third grade, children should be ready to make the shift from “learning to read” to “reading to learn” — a critical building block for continued success. Much goes into preparing children for this transition, from high-quality early learning opportunities to good health to supportive families and communities. Kids Count examines the many interlocking factors that make a child “great at 8.” The Illinois Kids Count data book will be released in February.

Please look for more details regarding the symposium to be announced in January.

Associates Board post-election event recap

The Voices Associates Board Social and Education Committee – along with co-sponsor Loyola University Chicago Civitas ChildLaw Center – hosted a post-election panel discussion on November 16, 2010.  The panel featured Dick Simpson, UIC Professor and former alderman; Anita Weinberg, Director of the ChildLaw Policy and Legislative Programs for Loyola University Chicago School of Law; and Voices President Kathy Ryg.  The panelists and audiences members discussed the recent election results and the potential impacts they could have on children and families in Illinois.  Attendee Jahmal Cole stated:  “Kathy Ryg was a pleasure to listen to…And after listening to Professor Weinberg’s remarks I feel like I can reach a politician and let my voice be heard.” 

To learn more about the Voices Associates Board  or become involved contact Dawn Melchiorre at 312-516-5557.