Providence, Rhode Island – A recent report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation revealed that Rhode Island has been ranked 12th in a nationwide survey of children’s well-being. Although this ranking is commendable, the state falls behind other New England states, with the exception of Maine. The report highlights the state’s performance in various categories, including health, economic well-being, family and community, and education.
Notably, Rhode Island ranked sixth in health and ninth in economic well-being. However, the state received lower grades in family and community (20th) and education (29th). Paige ClausiusâParks, the executive director of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, emphasized the need for continued improvement, particularly in addressing child poverty. She expressed optimism about potential federal funding to alleviate deep child poverty in the state.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s annual KIDS COUNT Data Book aggregates national and state data on child welfare, highlighting indicators such as poverty rates, literacy levels, teen births, and access to health insurance. Rhode Island’s economic and health scores were notably strong, with a low percentage of children without health insurance and low child and teen mortality rates.
However, the report also highlighted areas of concern, such as the percentage of 3- and 4-year-olds not attending school and the lack of proficiency in reading and math among fourth and eighth graders. Clausius-Parks acknowledged the progress made in improving literacy among fourth graders but emphasized the need for further investment in reading and math achievement.
National trends in education also mirror the challenges faced by Rhode Island, with a significant percentage of fourth and eighth-grade students struggling with proficiency in reading and math. Chronic absenteeism is another pervasive issue, exacerbated by the impact of the pandemic on student attendance rates across the country.
As the workforce of the mid-21st century, today’s youth must be adequately prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy. The report underscores the importance of investing in educational initiatives that improve basic literacy and math skills to ensure future job-seekers are equipped for the workforce. The full report can be accessed through the KIDS COUNT Data Center website for more in-depth insights into children’s well-being nationwide.