Image courtesy Canva

Fewer Kansas children lived in poverty in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic years, but many are still struggling to catch up in reading and math, according to the newly released KIDS COUNT Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

The annual report ranks states on child well-being across four categories: economic security, education, health, and family and community life. Kansas ranked 14th overall, up from last year. The report highlights several positive trends: fewer children living in high-poverty areas, more parents with stable employment, and a continued decline in teen births.

However, educational recovery remains a concern. The number of Kansas eighth graders not proficient in math stands at 74%, and 72% of fourth graders are not meeting reading benchmarks, figures that have worsened since the pandemic.

Graduation rates did improve, rising by two percentage points, and fewer families are burdened by high housing costs. But access to early childhood education continues to lag, with 55% of Kansas children ages 3 and 4 not enrolled in preschool.

While Kansas has made strides in economic areas, experts say continued investment in early education, family supports, and trauma-informed care will be crucial to help children thrive both inside and outside the classroom.