Our Publications
One of the most important ways KIDS COUNT works to make West Virginia a better place for kids is by producing a variety of publications about the well-being of children and ways their lives can be made better. Whether you are interested in comprehensive data about the well-being of West Virginia's children, the quality of childcare, the importance of early child development, ways to improve early literacy, children’s oral health or even successful techniques for policy advocacy, KIDS COUNT has a publication that can help.
Publications you can download:
Other KIDS COUNT publications available for download:
Is West Virginia a Great Place for Kids' Smiles?
This June, 2012 publication chronicles the state’s recent progress in improving children’s oral health and makes a series of recommendations for further improvements, including expansion of the school-based dental sealant program to all high-risk communities in West Virginia.
Kids First Issue Brief: 64,000 West Virginia Children Need Great Childcare
This two-page publication lays out a compelling case for new investments in a childcare quality rating and improvement system (QRIS). Key points include 1) what we want for West Virginia's youngest children, 2) why a high-quality early child development system is important, 3) why we are advocating for a QRIS, 4) what the QRIS will look like, 5) how KIDS COUNT is helping, and 6) what quality looks like. The issue brief also includes great supporting data on the current state of West Virginia's early child development system.
The Annual Report is a review of KIDS COUNT's ongoing initiatives, as well as the organization's current board members, donors and financial information.
Every day, Every way! Love, talk, rhyme, read and don't forget to play!
This children's rhyming book doubles as guidebook for parents about the building blocks of early literacy: love, talk, rhyme, read and play. The book also emphasizes simple ways parents can incorporate early literacy concepts into everyday activities with children from the time they are born.
From March to December of 2006, the West Virginia KIDS COUNT Fund conducted a multi-county, social marketing campaign aimed at improving the early literacy practices of low-income parents and family child care providers. The results of the 8-month project, released today, include significant gains in the amount of time parents and Family Child Care providers spent reading to, rhyming with and asking questions of young children. The project also demonstrates significant positive shifts in attitudes about the kinds of activities that can help lay the foundation for learning to read such as talking at mealtimes, playing with everyday items and giving children hugs and kisses.
The Building Blocks of Literacy: Love, Talk, Rhyme, Read and Play
In 2004, KIDS COUNT published a report identifying five key Building Blocks of Literacy: love, talk, rhyme, read and play. The report examines each of these components in detail and offers practical tips for parents, communities and policymakers interested in improving early literacy.
So You Want to Get a Business Partner?
KIDS COUNT developed a practical guide for community organization that want to establish relationships with local businesses. Six simple steps outline a process for establishing successful long-term partnerships with businesses who are interested in supporting non-profit efforts in their communities.
Early Child Development Is Economic Development
Traditional economic development strategies are a high-risk proposition, often with low public return on investment. By contrast, one of the most productive economic development investments is early child development (ECD). This briefing paper makes a strong argument for ECD as an investment in West Virginia's economic future.
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