Children + Families
Virginia child care rating system aims to improve kids’ school readiness
Virginia has implemented new guidelines to establish a unified rating and improvement system to assess the commonwealth’s publicly funded early childhood care providers. Approximately 75% of child care programs that received public funding previously did not participate in the state’s voluntary quality measures, according to Del. David Buolva, D-Fairfax, who co-patroned 2020 legislation that led […]
‘Mom’ legislators see their numbers, influence grow but barriers to elected office remain
For the second time while serving in the Nevada Legislature, Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro gave birth last year. And again, she publicly pledged to continue full participation in her duties. As the nation’s groundbreaker when it comes to working moms in a state capitol, Nevada made history in 2019 as the only female-majority legislative […]
Virginia health officials launch ‘surveillance system’ for kids sickened by cannabis
Virginia officials are instructing health care providers to start keeping track of “adverse events” involving children and teens being exposed to cannabis products. In an April 24 letter to clinicians, State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton said her agency had received enough reports of minors getting sick from products containing CBD and THC, chemical compounds found […]
Congress is looking at expanding the child tax credit again. Who would benefit?
WASHINGTON — The bipartisan tax package passed by the U.S. House last month is not a done deal, but the proposal’s supporters say it could restore some poverty-reducing benefits that reached millions under the pandemic-era child tax credit expansion. A majority of low-income families who do not currently qualify for the full credit would see […]
In 2024, will Virginia finally address its poor outcomes for children in foster care?
The Virginia legislature has, since 2015, rejected multiple calls (and federal funds) to improve outcomes for children in foster care by improving the quality of legal services provided to their parents. But new attention to the issue — including multiple legislative studies, the involvement of the Virginia State Bar and the National Center for State […]
Charlotte and Liam top list of Virginia’s most popular baby names in 2023
For a second year running, Charlotte was the most popular baby name for girls born in Virginia, while Liam edged out last year’s winner, Noah, to take the title for boys. “It’s always fun to see what the most popular baby names will be in Virginia,” said Seth Austin, state registrar and director of the […]
Becoming a surrogate was the best decision I ever made
I first became interested in surrogacy in high school, when my LGBTQ+ friends were talking about surrogacy as a way for same-sex couples to become parents. Many years later, after I’d become a mother myself, I made the decision to embark on a surrogacy journey. I was both excited and nervous, but I was also […]
Virginia Democrats again push for paid family and medical leave
Virginia Democrats are again backing a proposal to create a universal paid family and medical leave program that would be run through the Virginia Employment Commission. The legislation carried by Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, and Del. Briana Sewell, D-Prince William, would adopt the general model used for unemployment insurance to cover the costs of up […]
Virginians can stomach the cost of free meals for all K-12 students
Full bellies and nutritious food options aren’t a guarantee for all of Virginia’s public schoolchildren. Hungry students can’t focus on learning and comprehension. Researchers say free school meals boost attendance and improve diet, as well reduce the stigma associated with children who struggle to pay in the cafeteria line. That’s why Virginia should join a […]
Legislation calls for free school meals for all Virginia students
A bill that would provide free meals for all public school students in Virginia passed the Senate Education and Health Committee Thursday. “This is about making sure that every kid who goes to school gets fed — no questions asked,” said Sen. Danica Roem, D-Manassas, the patron for Senate Bill 283, earlier this month. The […]
Children’s nutrition program, revved up in the pandemic, faces severe cuts
A federal program built to improve nutrition for new mothers and kids is growing for the first time in over a decade, thanks to changes made during the pandemic. Since its pilot program began in 1974, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children — better known as WIC — has provided food, […]
Which states will join the new summer meal program for low-income kids? Here’s the list.
WASHINGTON — Children from low-income families in 35 states, four tribes and all U.S. territories will now receive permanent food assistance during the summer months when schools are closed, leaving children in 15 states excluded from the benefits. Low-income families will now receive $40 each month for each eligible school-aged child, up to $120, to […]