1. The Well-Being of Kids In WV and Cabell County Using the 2012 KIDS COUNT Data Book National Association of Social Workers Huntington, WV March 4, 2013

2. Who is KIDS COUNT? Est’d in 1990 by Governor Caperton Result of campaign pledge to improve the lives of kids through public and private means. Vision: Make WV a great place to be a kid. Mission: Provide most trusted data about child well-being and build alliances to advocate kids’ needs. Example: Recent ad hoc alliance to advocate against proposed childcare subsidy cuts Signature Program: KIDS COUNT Data Book

3. KIDS COUNT Data Book Our signature program Tracks health, education, safety and security, and economic conditions of children on statewide and county-by- county basis Often the basis of public policy decisions An important resource for those who seek and award funding from foundations and the private sector

8. West Virginia Background Facts

9. West Virginia Early Child Development Background Facts

11. Cabell County Background Facts

12. Cabell County Early Child Development Background Facts

13. What jumps out at us about our data? Reading proficiency.

14. Success Starts with Reading! In West Virginia, 3 out of 4 fourth graders are not reading at grade level, making WV 43rd in the nation in grade level proficiency In Cabell County, more than half (55%) of all fourth graders are not proficient readers. The ability to read is central to a child’s success in school, lifelong learning, life long earning potential and the ability to contribute to WV’s economy and security.

15. This year, KIDS COUNT will publish an info-graphic on the importance of being able to read proficiently at the end of third grade.

16. County-level data on reading scores A county-by-county map of reading proficiency Comparisons between state and national data The problems ahead for kids who can’t read well by the end of third grade The research-based policy solutions for improving reading proficiency What our info-graphic will include…

17. What does KIDS COUNT’s data suggest to you? What are the other special research topics we should explore?

18. KIDS COUNT’s Data Book Online www.wvkidscount.org/west-virginia-data-book

19. KIDS COUNT Data Center Online warehouse of national, state, county indicators across multiple areas of well-being Includes: Demographics Economic well-being Education Health Family and Community Safety and Risk http://datacenter.kidscount.org

20. Data Center Mobile App Access KIDS COUNT data quickly and easily, anytime, anywhere! mobile.kidscount.org

21. Downloading the KIDS COUNT Data Book www.wvkidscount.org

22. Exploring the National KIDS COUNT Data Center http://datacenter.kidscount.org

23. Transition Questions? Margie Hale, Executive Director West Virginia KIDS COUNT 1206 Virginia St., E. Suite 104 Charleston, WV 25301 304-345-2101 or 1-888-KIDSCOUNT margie@wvkidscount.org www.wvkidscount.org