Not all groups have shared in the improving U.S. economy. Proponents of volunteerism argue that community service can make a huge difference in the lives of poor children and families. (HTH)

Maintains that Republican-proposed tax cuts would disproportionately reward the wealthiest American taxpayers. Suggests that investing in early childhood education programs would yield a higher return than the proposed tax cuts, and identifies cognitive and social benefits of early childhood programs, especially for children in poor families.…

Discusses the continued incidence of food insecurity and hunger among American families despite a booming economy, and discusses the impact of malnutrition on children's development. Describes increases in demands for emergency food, suggesting changes in the Food Stamp Program. Identifies continued earnings inequalities. (KB)

Discusses the sudden increase of families with incomes below 50 percent of the poverty line, noting particularly the impact on children. Notes a direct link between increased family poverty and the decreasing protective role of cash welfare and food stamp benefits. Describes federal proposals to increase minimum wage and cut taxes; makes…

Notes that the burden of budget reductions enacted by the 104th Congress have fallen disproportionately on programs for low-income families and individuals. Suggests that middle class entitlements such as Social Security and Medicare, which comprise more than half of the federal budget, would be a more prudent area in which to reduce spending.…

Discusses how preschool helps children develop pre-mathematics, social, and language skills as well as confidence. Claims low-income children have the greatest need for high-quality early care to overcome the disadvantages of poverty, and argues that high-quality child care prevents later costs for special education, welfare, or job training…

An Eisenhower Foundation study finds that minorities suffer disproportionately from the widening gap between rich and poor but that, despite poorer schools, earnings and educational attainment of African Americans have improved. The study calls for expansion of proven programs to narrow racial and economic gaps, repudiating supply-side economics…

Notes economic trends contributing to growing income inequality among families, and that young children are hurt most by income inequality. (HTH)

Notes that the potential of education to be a source of upward mobility is decreasing in the very communities where it is needed most, due to lack of resources and lower expectations for schools in poor neighborhoods. Details Republican and Democrat education plans. Notes that vouchers for private schools will only exacerbate the problem by…

Argues that preschool intellectual enrichment is the key to closing the education achievement gap between children from minority and poor families and children from white middle-class families. Presents evidence that high quality child care contributes to school readiness. Discusses the emergence of education as one of the major issues in the 2000…

Argues that economic and social disadvantage experienced very early is more damaging than poverty experienced later in life. Asserts that poor children will perform better in school if the condition of their education and families is improved and questions whether the political will exists to change public policies to improve the circumstances of…

Discusses U.S. economic trends for the past century. Notes that distribution of wealth is more concentrated at top than is distribution of income, with income inequality growing worse in the 1990s. Maintains that wealth disparity explains achievement test score gaps between white and minority students. Presents proposals for asset-building,…

Describes socioeconomic status and ethnic differences in school readiness and the educational practices needed to boost early achievement in less ready students. Emphasizes access to literacy experiences, better teacher preparation and support, and integration of special services in high-quality classroom instruction. Asserts that teacher quality…