Another new study finds that informal care—using family, friends, or other arrangements—was associated with lower cognitive-ability test scores in kids ages 3 to 6. By contrast, formal, center-based child care had no negative impact compared with remaining in mothers' care. The study examined data from 1,519 single mothers involved in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth in the States. Household income did not seem to have any significant impact on children's scores, particularly when mothers' educational levels were taken into consideration.

Four years ago, this controversial report offered evidence that children in child care were more aggressive than those whose mothers stay home. An update to the study finds that some of the apparent effects on children's behavior disappear by the third grade, but other socialization problems may remain. It also appears that high-quality child care may boost math and reading scores in the third grade. The study has tracked 1,300 children in nine states since 1991.

Caring for a sick child or bringing home a newborn baby can be daunting responsibilities. Worries about lost income can add to the stress. Rob Capriccioso reports on how paid family leave programs can help.

The First Years Institute is a catalyst to strengthen the community by building well-researched high quality support systems essential to enable children to be competently nurtured - physically, emotionally and cognitively - from gestation through the preschool years, and for families and caregivers to be valued and supported in accomplishing this task.

Kids who have no place to go end up going nowhere. Kids with some place to go end up going places.

Every day in the United States as many as 15 million children leave school with no place to go. And every day many of these children are involved in crimes, join gangs, or experiment with drugs, alcohol or sex.

After-School All-Stars offers a proven alternative for middle school children. We engage them in activities and on-going relationships that increase confidence and encourage success in all areas of their lives - at home, in school and in the community.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is dedicated to improving the well-being of all young children, with particular focus on the quality of educational and developmental services for all children from birth through age 8. NAEYC is committed to becoming an increasingly high performing and inclusive organization.

Founded in 1926, NAEYC is the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children with more than 100,000 members, a national network of nearly 450 local, state, and regional Affiliates, and a growing global alliance of like-minded organizations.

By employing systematic and adequately funded public education campaigns, the Every Child Matters Education Fund provide opportunities for focusing public attention on important children's issues including the prevention of child abuse and neglect, improving the health of low-income children, and finding solutions in child care, early childhood education, after-school programs, and responsible decisions on federal budget and tax issues.

It seems obvious that any organization that serves kids will benefit from understanding parents' perspectives. But it's not always easy to include the parent voice. This article by Casey Flaherty from the May-June 2005 issue of Children's Advocate looks at three examples of bringing parents into the discussion.

The Project's mission is to expand the availability of high quality after school programs in Pennsylvania through the provision of professional development activities for staff and technical assistance for programs, based on best practices and research in the field.

At age 30, the Head Start program is on the defensive, facing criticism and efforts to change its basic structure. But Head Start also has its passionate defenders such as Jerrie deRose, who sent us this e-mail after seeing a profile of the Rosemount Head Start program in Washington DC on our Web site.