When 1 in 3 Alaska Children

Live in Poverty, Quality Family Time is Precious.

Numerous studies corroborate what we know through observation and experience: children growing up in families with limited resources and supports are not always adequately prepared for kindergarten. They are less likely to be good readers by third grade, graduate from high school, stay out of the public assistance system, or avoid going to jail.

But there are steps we can take to ensure all Alaska children begin school ready to succeed.

To help Alaskans understand the issue, Kids Count Alaska has just released its report called Alaska Economic Well-Being. The report provides some disturbing information about how Alaska families with young children are faring. For example, in all regions of the state, the youngest children are most likely to live in families with incomes below the federal poverty line. And 20% of all children lived in homes without enough food this past year.

The good news is we know how families can help close the readiness gap and ensure their children begin school prepared for success.

To read more about the report, its recommendations, and what families can do click here.

Alaska Imagination Library Partners Assemble!

18,510 Imagination Library books will arrive at homes in 107 Alaska communities this month. You can thank these Imagination Library leaders from across the state for 17,494 of them!

 

Best Beginnings hosted 21 representatives from 18 Alaska Imagination Library affiliates at the Annual Partner Meeting where we spent two days learning, sharing, laughing, and reenergizing to better serve Alaska families and grow more readers.

 

THANK YOU Imagination Library partners!

Save the Date

Free Event for Families with Children 0-5 Years Old!

Saturday, April 28th

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Campbell Creek Science Center

5600 Science Center Drive

Join us for storytime, fun crafts and activities and a book swap for your gently used children's books. For more information click here .