"The fact is that extended early-childhood intervention has been proven to work. We have little to show, on the other hand, for our vast expenditures on Title I in its current form," said Ed Zigler, long-time policy advocate for young children and founder of Head Start. Title 1 is the major federal funding stream for elementary and secondary schools for programs serving large numbers of disadvantaged students.

Oklahoma's universal pre-K program has shown dramatic benefits for Hispanic students who participate in high-quality preschool programs. These children, especially those from Spanish-speaking homes, improve their English and cognitive development skills and are more likely to be prepared for kindergarten than those not enrolled.

Children's Express reports on a Spanish-language program for migrant parents that helps them develop nonpunitive discipline skills, deal with the stressors of acculturation, improve family communication, and understand U.S. child abuse and neglect laws.

The Purple Elephant Computer Factory in Raleigh, North Carolina is providing low-income children with inexpensive refurbished computers to help them succeed in school and bridge the digital divide.

The 2008 New Mexico Children's Cabinet Report Card & Budget combines an analysis of youth outcomes with the state funding that supports them. Email Claire Dudley at claire.dudley@state.nm.us for a copy.

The newly named and restructured White House Office for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships will be a resource for organizations, both secular and faith-based, to address the challenges of poverty, serve women and children, prevent teen pregnancy and improve the odds for young fathers. The Office will help "local groups learn their obligations under the law, cut through red tape, and make the most of what the federal government has to offer."

There is a big side effect in Congress' decision to strip all earmarks from the economic recovery bill. It means that Congress has less say about which organizations and agencies benefit; this shifts power to state and local agencies who will be in charge of the spending details.

Stateline.org has released its annual "State of the States" review of significant state developments in 2008 and likely policy trends in the year ahead. And it's free -- making it a tool advocates can't afford to miss. Stateline.org also has the dates for each state of the state address on their website.

The National Mentoring Month website has materials to promote youth mentoring in your local community.

Join Youth Service America in mobilizing young people to improve their communities during the Semester of Service that kicks off on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 19, 2009. Semester of Service provides the framework and tools for children and youth, aged 5 to 25, to prepare a plan, take action to implement their solution, reflect on their progress and next steps and celebrate their success.