A story that appeared online today shows that Florida's rate of child poverty exceeds the national average. The data show that approximately one out of four children in our state live in poverty as compared to one out of five nationally. Perhaps the seriousness of these facts escapes the attention of Florida citizens. What does this mean to us? Considering the fact that children who grow up in poverty are most likely to experience other problems such as readiness for school, reading and other education difficulties, health concerns, and later problems such as gangs and juvenile delinquency, we should all care.
We know that children who start behind, stay behind. Without the important early intervention opportunities that help to level the playing field, poor children are most likely to experience poor learning outcomes and lack of success in school and life. Children need proper nutrition, health insurance to ensure good health outcomes and an opportunity to attend a quality early childhood program to help them gain the readiness skills for later success. Afterschool programs are critically needed to sustain the gains from early childhood intervention strategies as well as to ensure ongoing enrichment, recreation, extended learning opportunities and social development.
They may be someone else's children but they're our future. We should all be concerned about the quality of life that will affect us all today and tomorrow in Florida. We can do better...and we simply must.
Best,
Phyl
