Scorecard CA Shows Kids Still Struggling, Post-Pandemic

By Desert Star Staff

Many of California’s 13.5 million children and teens have not bounced back after the pandemic, especially children of color, according to the just-released 2023 California County Scorecard of Children’s Well-Being. The report showcases data from all 58 counties and shows disparities in general health, education, and other indicators.

Kelly Hardy, senior managing director of health and research at Children Now, said anti-poverty measures during COVID helped a lot, but they were temporary.

“Thirty-eight percent are in families making less than two times the poverty level, which is around $60,000 a year for a family of four,” she said, “so, that’s a pretty low bar.”

The data show the state has more than 170,000 homeless students and that the shortage of state-funded childcare continues. In addition, the report found that in 2017, 2019, and 2021, only one in four working families had access to a space in a licensed childcare facility.

Susannah Kniffen, Children Now’s senior managing director of child welfare and government relations, said kids in foster care had alarmingly low scores for access to healthcare and academic achievement.

“These kids are facing distinct challenges that other students aren’t,” she said, “and they need a very targeted approach to their education if we’re ever going to change the numbers, which are fairly dismal.”

Vince Stewart, vice president for policy and programs at Children Now, said in terms of education, kids appear to be losing ground as they get older.

“Forty-two percent of third graders met or exceeded standards and reading, 31% of fifth graders met or exceeded standards in science, in 29% of eighth graders met or exceeded standards in math,” he said.

“And then 11th graders, it’s only 27% who are deemed ready for college-level math.”

The report does show some bright spots. For example, California children have high health insurance rates, and many babies are born at average birth weight.

Disclosure: Children Now/ KIDS COUNT contributes to our fund for reporting on Children’s Issues.

ADVERTISE to 10 million Homes across the USA! Place your ad in over 140 community newspapers, with circulation totaling over 10 million homes. Contact Independent Free Papers of America IFPA at danielleburnett-ifpa@live.com or visit our website cadnetads.com for more information

Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers.

Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.

Call 1-866-625-4985 Caring for an aging loved one? Wondering about options like senior-living communities and inhome care? Caring.com’s Family Advisors help take the guesswork out of senior care for your family. Free, no-obligation consult: 1-855759-1407

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725 Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306

Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877929-9587

The difference in winning and losing market share is how businesses use their advertising dollars. Mark Twain said, “Many a small thing has been made large by the right kind of advertising”. So why spend your hard-earned dollars on social media where you already have an audience? For more info call Cecelia @ (916) 288-6011 or cecelia@ cnpa.com VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00. 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Español ATTENTION DIABETICS! Save money on diabetic supplies! Convenient home shipping for monitors, test strips, insulin pumps, catheters & more! To learn more, call now! 877-810-0063

Dental insurance - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-5261060 www.dental50plus.com/ ads #6258

CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY

PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping.

HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888776-7771. www.Cash4DiabeticSupplies.com

Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and longlasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 888-609-2189`

Were you or a loved one diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Fallopian Tube Cancer or Peritoneal Cancer in 2010 or later and used Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder regularly in the genital area previous to diagnosis? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Call 877-761-9069.

HELP WANTED

“Now Hiring! Starting at $16/Hour. 30 Hours per week. Seeking a customer service oriented individual to assist in operating and selling units at our Coachella Valley Storage Facility while also maintaining the physical condition and appearance of the property grounds. Must be willing to work weekends. Contact us at (619) 795-7505 for more information. “ JOB-Opportunity. We pay you big residuals to build your team with our virtual communication center! See our video presentation: 01.fastcashsite.com

LEGAL

Do you owe $10,000+ to the IRS or State in back taxes? Get tax relief now! We’ll fight for you! (800)8875731 - (Mon-Fri 10am-8pm EST).

MISCELLANEOUS

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

FREE $20 Cash App Everyone! Yes

It’s Real. Very Limited supply until we run outages & power your home. Full installation services. $0 down financing option. Request free no obligation quote.

Prepare

Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176

Paying top cash for men’s sportwatches! Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Patek Philippe, Heuer, Daytona, GMT, Submariner and Speedmaster. Call 833-603-3236

Business owners. Eliminate credit card processing fees 100%, pass on a legal 4% non-cash charge to the customer. Chain stores welcome. 337-849-8083

Stop worrying! SilverBills eliminates the stress & hassle of bill pmts. Household bills guaranteed to be paid on time as long as appropriate funds are available. No computer necessary. Free trial/custom quote 1-855-703-0555 RECEIVE LOCAL OFF-MARKET MOTIVATED SELLER LEADS WITH THE CLICK OF A BUTTON AT WWW.HOMEOWNERSMOTIVATEDTOSELL.COM

Looking for assisted living, memory care, or independent living?

A Place for Mom simplifies the process of finding senior living at no cost to y our family. Call 1-844428-0445 today!

Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and

Hero stress managing

Hero sorts & dispenses meds, sends alerts at dose times & handles prescription refill & delivery for you. Starting at $24.99/ month. No initiation fee. 90-day risk-free trial! 1-855-993-3217