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Here are some of the things we’ve been reading about this week:
Research highlights importance of recess for child development, yet inequities in access persist.
Plans to move federal special education oversight to HHS sparks debate.
New York City’s child care voucher program risks collapse without urgent funding, threatening thousands of low-income families.
Research & Practice
The 74: Homelessness Rates Spike for Families, Putting Young Children at Risk
Homelessness rates have surged, particularly among children under age five. Nationwide, the homelessness rate increased by 18% last year, with families experiencing the highest spike at 39%. Housing instability disrupts children’s development, education, and health, leading to long-term consequences. Pandemic-era protections have expired, rents have skyrocketed, and eviction risks have grown, pushing more families into homelessness. Many remain invisible in official counts as they double up in homes or stay in motels. Experts emphasize the need for better tracking, prioritization of services, and increased access to stable housing and early childhood education. Cash assistance and targeted housing vouchers could provide immediate relief, but without systemic change, the crisis is likely to persist, affecting the most vulnerable children.
The Journal of Pediatrics: The Integration of Artificial Intelligence-Powered Psychotherapy Chatbots in Pediatric Care: Scaffold or Substitute?
AI mental health chatbots are emerging as a potential solution to gaps in the U.S. mental health system, but experts warn they pose ethical risks, especially for children. These chatbots lack regulation and often do not account for children’s unique cognitive, emotional, and social development. Researchers highlight concerns that children may form attachments to AI at the expense of real relationships, potentially impairing social development. Additionally, AI models can reinforce health inequities if trained on unrepresentative data, disproportionately affecting marginalized children. Schools, often a key access point for youth mental health care, may consider AI tools, but experts emphasize that chatbots cannot replace human therapists who consider a child’s full social and family context. Without proper safeguards, AI risks widening disparities rather than closing gaps. Researchers call for ethical guidelines and collaboration with developers to ensure AI mental health tools support, rather than undermine, children’s well-being.
Policy
EdWeek: Trump Admin. Tells States, Schools How to Use Title I for School Choice
The U.S. Department of Education reminded states of their existing flexibility to use Title I funds to expand school choice, aligning with the executive branch’s push for education freedom. A letter sent to state education chiefs highlighted that states can use 3% of Title I funds for direct student services, such as advanced courses, dual enrollment, tutoring, and career-technical education. While school choice advocates welcomed the move, others argued it introduced no new policies and merely repackaged existing options. The guidance did not propose using federal funds for private school tuition, a key priority in Republican-led states. Currently, only Ohio fully utilizes this flexibility. The letter follows President Trump’s order to prioritize school choice in competitive grants and state funding waivers. Critics warn that reallocating these funds could reduce resources for districts, potentially worsening educational inequities. The Education Department plans to release additional guidance on expanding school choice.
K-12 Dive: Education Department cancels ESSER spending extensions
The U.S. Department of Education abruptly rescinded previously approved extensions for spending pandemic relief funds, leaving states scrambling to cover expenses they expected to be reimbursed. Secretary Linda McMahon justified the decision by stating that extending COVID-related grants years after the pandemic was inconsistent with department priorities. As of February, $4.4 billion of the $201.3 billion allocated for school relief remained unspent. Previously, 41 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico had received extensions to use funds until 2026, but now those funds are in jeopardy. Maryland, for example, risks losing $418 million, much of which has already been spent. State officials called the decision “catastrophic,” arguing they had already justified the need for extensions due to supply chain delays and school programs. While the Education Department may grant case-by-case extensions, many fear the sudden reversal will disrupt academic and social-emotional initiatives funded through pandemic relief.
The 74: Child Care Centers Embedded in Empty Classrooms Support Teachers, Schools
Chattanooga, Tennessee, has created micro-centers, child care facilities for school staff’s children, by converting empty classrooms into child care spaces. Originating in the early 2000s, the idea was sparked by a school principal noticing that teachers were leaving after having children due to lack of affordable child care. These micro-centers offer care for children aged 6 weeks to 4 years, with costs reduced by using school facilities for free. The initiative has expanded through partnerships with Chambliss Center for Children, which covers staff and supplies, and the program supports recruitment and retention of school staff. The program has gained national attention as a cost-effective solution to address child care shortages, with potential for expansion into other sectors. Micro-centers foster a sense of community, allowing parents to visit during breaks and offering flexible schedules. The initiative has garnered support from various local organizations and public-private partnerships.
Around the Nation
The 74: ‘It Made Me a Better Mom’: Home Visiting Program Delivers Support For Families
Show Me Strong Families, part of the national Parents as Teachers program, provides home visits from trained educators to support families from pregnancy through kindergarten. Jettaqua Johnson, a participant, received guidance on child development, autism diagnosis, and doula support for childbirth. The program serves 200,000 families across the U.S. and internationally, offering home visits, developmental screenings, and resource connections for vulnerable parents. Funded by federal and local grants, including a recent $7 million donation, it helps families facing poverty and postpartum challenges. Parent educators build trust with families, enabling early intervention for developmental delays—over half of children with delays overcome them by age three. The program also fosters community through group events. However, future funding remains uncertain due to federal budget cuts. Advocates highlight its success in reducing child maltreatment, improving parenting practices, and increasing economic stability, emphasizing the long-term benefits of early childhood investment.
CBS News: New Colorado health science high school in Aurora to bridge the health care workforce gap
Aurora Public Schools is partnering with the Community College of Aurora to launch Colorado’s first health science high school, funded by a 2024 bond approved by voters. The school, set to open in 2027, will prepare students for health care careers by offering hands-on experiences and college-level courses in nursing, behavioral health, medical imaging, respiratory therapy, and surgical technology. The program addresses workforce shortages in the health care sector, including a current shortage of 10,000 registered nurses. Students will gain industry certifications and college credits through concurrent enrollment and receive training with UCHealth. The school, located near North Middle School, will provide real-world training in medical settings, and students may have opportunities to work for UCHealth after graduation. This initiative aims to provide Aurora and surrounding communities with qualified, industry-ready health care workers.
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