(StatePoint) When families have safe, stable housing, access to high-quality early development programs, and other supports that meet their needs, young children have a strong foundation to grow. However, too many families are struggling to meet children’s basic needs.

(StatePoint) American educators work every day to give their students a brighter future. Unfortunately, not all classrooms are equipped with tools and resources that match the dedication of teachers and the potential of students.

(StatePoint) Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is spreading across the country, but it’s not too late to take steps to protect babies from severe illness associated with the virus.

(StatePoint) Early experiences during the prenatal period and first three years after birth shape brain development and the development of all other systems in the body — with substantial effects on learning, behavior, and physical and mental health. Unfortunately, there is a great discrepancy between the rising costs of raising young children and the level of federal government investment in them.

(StatePoint) Success at school is about more than just what takes place in the classroom. How kids spend their time after the bell rings also matters. Here are four tips to make kids smarter at school by staying sharper at home:

(StatePoint) Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) and paid sick leave help workers maintain their livelihoods while taking care of themselves and their families. And now, several states in the South have begun to expand worker access to these critical benefits.

(StatePoint) The beginning of the year is a natural time for a reset, especially when it comes to budgets and better-for-you habits. With cold and flu season still in full swing, it’s also a time when many people start thinking about how to stay healthy without spending more than they planned.

(StatePoint) While every college admissions department evaluates applicants a bit differently, standardized test scores are a big piece of the equation at most schools. This means you’ll want to be as prepared as possible for your upcoming SAT. Here’s how to get ready for this crucial exam:

(StatePoint) When you think about the USO, you likely think about entertainment tours or airport lounges, but the organization’s scope is much wider than that.

(StatePoint) In a time of confusion and inconsistent information, healthcare professionals want you to know that it’s not too late to get vaccinated this respiratory season. Getting vaccinated helps protect against potentially serious diseases like influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumococcal disease.

(StatePoint) If your diet includes indulgent treats and sweet beverages, take note – too much sugar in your diet can weaken your teeth, leaving your smile vulnerable to cavities. Follow these five sugar intake tips so you can prevent cavities and improve your oral and overall health.

(StatePoint) For years, young families have struggled to find quality affordable child care—a problem created by long-term lack of government investments and exacerbated by the pandemic and inflation. Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called the nation’s child care system “a textbook example of a broken market.” Thousands of programs have closed in recent years and for those still operating, prices are high and waitlists long.

(StatePoint) Managing your finances can be challenging, especially when you’re not sure where to turn for help.

(StatePoint) Greater income allows parents to better meet children’s basic needs, and financial stability can reduce parental stress. Advocates say that child tax credits (CTCs) provide one avenue for states to increase family resources and are encouraged by progress being made by Washington, D.C. and states around the country.

(StatePoint) Did you know tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the United States? While some forms of tobacco may be marketed as less harmful than others, the truth is that there’s no safe tobacco product. Each one threatens your dental and overall health, including e-cigarettes.

(StatePoint) Water isn’t just something to drink; it flows through every aspect of life – from your morning coffee to your nightly skincare routine. The cleaner it is, the more it supports your health, beauty, your family’s well-being, home and even the environment. Enhancing your home’s water purity can make an impact every day.

(StatePoint) There is a lot to manage after a life-changing diagnosis. Navigating your treatment plan, appointments and care can be overwhelming and complicated.

(StatePoint) Across Kentucky, rail experiences take visitors on journeys through time and across diverse landscapes from horse country to Appalachia.

(StatePoint) If you’re one of the 35 million people living with a chronic lung disease in the United States, the form of treatment you receive can impact your health outcomes and quality of life.