Half of West Virginia voters who are parents working part-time or less say they d go back to full-time work if they had access to quality child care at a reasonable cost. In the latest poll from the First Five Years Fund, 93% of Republicans, 97% of Democrats, and 90% of independents believe child care is an important issue. The findings come as federal funding for child care through the American Rescue Plan Act is expected to run out within the next year. .
Since the pandemic, back-to-school season brings up a lot of emotions for parents and kids, and can be even harder for those affected by a school shooting. During COVID, most kids spent a year at home attending school remotely, which created significant stress, depending on the child s circumstances. Katherine Ortega Courtney, co-director of the Anna, Age Eight Institute at New Mexico State University, said teachers who avail themselves of trauma training can make a big difference, because they consider how stress, fear and insecurity affect learning and behavior, and then interact with students accordingly. .
One Nevada pediatric ophthalmologist said eye exams should be on everyone s to-do list as kids head back to school. The American Optometric Association said one in four children in the U.S. has a vision disorder which needs to be diagnosed and treated. .
Sunday is National Sisters Day, and a New York family is celebrating the coming together of their two children - soon to be three. Merriah Kenneally was a foster child before being adopted by her mentor, Emilie. Next February, they said, the Keanneallys will be welcoming another child into their lives. .