Kent County Community Providing Support to Meet the Growing Needs of Young Children
The economic problems of the last decade are taking a toll on young children across Michigan and in Kent County. Child poverty has increased 40 percent over the last 10 years. In Kent County, more than 20% of children age 5 and younger are in poverty, with another 20% in low-income households struggling to pay for basic needs. 
The percentage of children insured by Medicaid and receiving free/reduced school lunches increases every year. This comes at a time when public funding for pre-school, child care and other early childhood support services is declining.
The annual Kids Count in Michigan report was released on Tuesday, January 12 by the Michigan League for Human Services. The report provides detailed profiles for Michigan and each of its 83 counties. Counties are ranked on 15 measures of child well-being.
While the Kids Count report documents the significant needs of young children, its release is an opportunity to highlight the community’s response to those needs. First Steps and the Great Start Collaborative are working with other community partners to develop a coordinated network of support services for young children and their families in Kent County.
“Brain research clearly demonstrates that the earliest years of a child’s life have a profound impact on his or her long-term success, and we know that there are tremendous economic benefits associated with investing in quality early childhood services,” said Rebekah Fennell, executive director of First Steps. “Given the challenging economy, it is critical that we work more collaboratively, more creatively and more efficiently to support children and families in our community.”
You can read the full report on the Michigan League for Human Services website. Click on Kids Count, then MI Data Book 2009, under the “Our Work” tab on the left side of the page.