Having access to reliable, affordable, high-quality child care benefits both children and adults, but a new report said it is not the norm for families in Illinois, or nationally. The new Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation ranks Illinois 19th among states for overall child well-being, and the report found the cost and shortage of child care is affecting families and the economy. .
Washington state fares well in a new report released on child well-being, but is facing important challenges in child care. The Annie E. Casey Foundation s annual Kids Count Data Book ranks the state 16th overall. .
The 2023 Kids Count Data Book was just released Wednesday morning, and it ranks Nebraska children first in the nation for economic well-being. But advocates say despite the top spot, many families can't afford 'the good life.'
Nebraska children rank first in the nation for economic well-being in the Annie E. Casey Foundation s 2023 Kids Count Data Book, and eighth for overall child well-being. Josh Shirk, research coordinator at Voices for Children of Nebraska, said the state s low unemployment rate plays a large part in this high economic ranking, but with child care costs absorbing roughly 10% of a couple s income and 31% of a single parent s income, Shirk argued the ranking does not tell the whole story. .