The annual report Kids Count shows the Commonwealth fares better than most by making gains in education, but continues to show poor numbers in economic well-being. The national rankings from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a group focused on better futures for disadvantaged children, use 16 indicators including health, education, and economic standing.

Delaware County school districts stand to gain more than $4.5 million extra funds from the state to fuel their own financial packages as many are fine-tuning their budgets and considering tax increases to fill in the gaps.

Quality child care assures that children enter school ready to learn. They don’t have to make up lost ground in the basics of literacy and math, so they’re less likely to fall behind.

The Mission: Readiness report entitled “The Military Gets It: So Why Not PA?” highlights research showing that high-quality pre-k and child care programs can support children’s success and readiness in three categories: education, obesity and behavior. It also touted the military’s early care and education system as a transformative model for the state and nation.

As the legislature returns to hammer out a state budget, a new poll shows a sizable majority of voters are willing to pay more taxes to support publicly funded pre-K programs.