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Reader recommended reports

Looking for new and notable information to help you dig deeper into an issue? Start with these reports recommended by our readers (send us your recommendation). To browse through our full selection of resources on Early Childhood, use the topic links on the right.

Bridges to a better bottom line
Citizens League, March 2009, 70 pp.
In response to the economic downturn, five foundations came together to find practical ways to improve public services and that cost less.

Disparities in infant mortality
Minnesota Department of Health, January 2009, 63 pp.
Describes the current status of infant mortality by race and ethnicity of mother in Minnesota. The report explores infant mortality rates using a variety of characteristics and factors that influence birth outcomes. It also discusses best and promising strategies to reduce infant mortality in Minnesota and targeted efforts to reduce infant mortality disparities by race/ethnicity.

The lost decade: Taking a closer look at Minnesota's public investments in the 2000s
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, December 2008, 36 pp.
This report looks at the status of Minnesota's investments in four areas of the budget that significantly impact the well-being of Minnesota families and are important for ensuring that all Minnesotans have the opportunity to succeed: early childhood through grade 12 education, higher education, child care assistance, and affordable housing and homelessness prevention.

Early childhood Minnesota: Indicators and strategies for Minnesota early childhood system, a joint report of Minnesota Build and Minnesota Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems
Wilder Research, December 2008, 77 pp.
Compiles the most recently available information for 22 indicators of child and family health and well-being and system indicators of quality and access. The report also identifies a set of key strategies for improving outcomes for young children. Indicators represent four larger, overlapping themes: early learning, family support, health/mental health, and special needs/early intervention.

The Cost burden to Minnesota K-12 when children are unprepared for kindergarten: Prepared for the Bush Foundation
Wilder Research, December 2008, 27 pp.
Estimates the cost burden to the Minnesota K-12 system due to children entering kindergarten unprepared for school success. The study also provides estimates of the dollars already in the K-12 system that could be used differently by the state and school districts to ensure more school readiness and, therefore, less spending at the K-12 level.

Early care and education facts
Wilder Research, November 2008, 2 pp.
Facts on programs, participation, school readiness, and spending related to early care and education in Minnesota.

Smart investments in Minnesota's students: A research-based investment proposal
Growth & Justice, October 2008, 32 pp.
Shows how to apply what is known about cost-effective investments in education to address a looming shortage of educated workers that could undermine the state’s economic well being.

Breaking the piggy bank: parents and the high price of child care
National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, October 2007, 42 pp.
Presents data on child care prices and highlights the difficulties working families in the United States face in paying for child care. Also recommends steps that states and the federal government should take to improve the affordability of care.

Project thrive: Reducing disparities beginning in early childhood
National Center for Children in Poverty, July 2007, 8 pp.
Research about disparities with origins in early childhood and the role of state early childhood comprehensive systems in reducing disparities.

The State of preschool 2007
National Institute for Early Education Research, January 2007, 243 pp.
Annual report profiling state-funded pre-kindergarten programs in the United States. State profiles include a description of prekindergarten initiatives, followed by data about access, quality and spending.

Family, friend and neighbor caregivers: Results of the 2004 Minnesota statewide household child care survey
Wilder Research, February 2006, 81 pp.
This statewide survey describes family, friend and neighbor (FFN) caregivers and the care they provide to children. The report also identifies caregiving resources and information FFN caregivers have access to, most commonly use, and would find most helpful.

Child care use in Minnesota
Wilder Research, December 2005, 101 pp.
Three out of four Minnesota families use child care regularly for their children under age 13, and those children spend an average of 24 hours per week in child care according to this 2004 household statewide survey. Find wealth of information about families child care costs, satisfaction, how child care choices affect parents' employment and more.

Resources to promote social and emotional health and school readiness in young children and families : a community guide
National Center for Children in Poverty, November 2005, 72 pp.
Provides information about resources and strategies that families, child care providers, teachers, and others can use to help children develop the social and emotional skills they need to succeed in school.
Contains a section on resources to guide community action.

Related web sites

Child care & early education research connections
Promotes high-quality research in child care and early education and the use of that research in policy making. Includes reports, data, a database of instruments, information on policies, and links to other resources.

Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health
Presents state and national data on children's health. Indicators include: overall health status, asthma, socio-emotional difficulties, preventive health and dental care, early childhood experience, repetition of grade, reading, and attending religious services.

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Reader recommended

Childcare (15)

Children's health (6)

School readiness (32)

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