Less than half, or 44%, of the state’s 3- and 4-year-olds participate in high-quality, publicly funded pre-K, according to Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. An estimated 84,000 children are left out and Black children are less likely to attend high-quality programs. Research indicates that a quality pre-kindergarten education prepares children for kindergarten and beyond. Attendees are less likely to be […]
PA uninsured children hit 153,000 as federal funding cuts loom
A new report shows Pennsylvania is seeing its highest number of uninsured children in a decade. The report examines the state of children’s health insurance, and finds more than 153,000 kids are without coverage in Pennsylvania. The increase is troubling, as it comes at the same time major federal policy shifts threaten to further limit families’ access […]
Over 153K children in PA lack health insurance, highest number in 10 years: Report
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children released an annual report showing that more than 153,000 children in the Commonwealth lack health insurance, which is the highest number in 10 years. According to the report, nearly 47% of Pennsylvania children rely on Medicaid, CHIP or Pennie for health insurance; however, with rising premiums and costs, […]
‘A double whammy:’ early learning centers feeling impacts of state and federal budget impasses
They took out loans just to keep classrooms running. Now, as Pennsylvania’s budget impasse ends, early childhood centers are bracing to repay the debt—with interest. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a state budget deal by a 156-47 vote that boosts early childhood education funding; Governor Josh Shapiro later signed this into law. […]
Pennsylvania’s early childhood education in crisis, report finds
A new report warns Pennsylvania’s early childhood education system is in crisis — threatening children, families, and the state’s economy. The 2025 State of Early Care and Education in Pennsylvania finds more than 160,000 eligible children lack access to quality programs. Maggie Livelsberger, policy director at Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, said the report reveals families can’t find or […]
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Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children is dedicated to improving the well-being of PA's 2.6 million kids. We're independent, non-partisan and non-profit.
Frequent school changes disrupt learning. Federal policy can reinforce stability and continuity.
Nearly half of all PA kids, over 1.3 million, get their health coverage through Medicaid & CHIP. These programs ensure access to check-ups, vaccines, and care for conditions like diabetes, autism, and depression. They’re essential for healthy families. https://www.papartnerships.org/report/fact-sheets-medicaid-chip-provide-quality-health-insurance-for-half-of-pennsylvania-kids-february-2026/
Nearly half of all PA kids, over 1.3 million, get their health coverage through Medicaid & CHIP. These programs ensure access to check-ups, vaccines, and care for conditions like diabetes, autism, and depression. They’re essential for healthy families. https://www.papartnerships.org/report/fact-sheets-medicaid-chip-provide-quality-health-insurance-for-half-of-pennsylvania-kids-february-2026/check-ups
“It’s disappointing, from our perspective, that that change was made,” said Becky Ludwick, Public Policy VP at PPC. “There were multiple states, including PA, that were prepared to move forward with continuous eligibility for children.” @pennlive @zwhoopes
Shapiro wants to move ahead with pilot Medicaid program after Trump declines to ax federal funds
Shapiro is asking for $2.8 million for the initiatives, saying "even Dr. Oz supports them."
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