Stories
The Springfield News-Leader has launched a public-service journalism project to focus public attention on critical challenges facing children, foster discussion and build on existing initiatives. You can read Executive Editor David Stoeffler's introductory column for more information on the project.
The recently created News-Leader's Every Child community advisory committee -- with representatives from the business, government, education, nonprofit, law enforcement, health and faith sectors -- will play an important role. It will educate and advise journalists and help engage other stakeholders and the general public in a discussion and, ultimately, action.
One message: Give our children a better chance
May 9, 2013Springfield’s future depends on giving the preschool-age children of today a better chance at success.
Ready to Learn series wraps up tonight with town hall meeting
May 8, 2013Over the past three weeks, as part of a joint project, the News-Leader and KY3 have reported that too many Springfield children — one out of five — enter kindergarten without the skills to be successful.
State seeks consistent standards for kindergarten readiness
May 5, 2013Kindergarten readiness may not mean the same thing in Springfield as it does in Kansas City, St. Louis or a neighboring school district.
Missouri revising standards for early childhood education
May 5, 2013As Springfield’s interest in expanded preschool ramps up, Missouri is making a significant push to promote early childhood education.
Expanded access, funding can change attitudes about preschool, advocates say
May 5, 2013Advocates for expanded preschool access in Missouri see a possible road map in the state’s history with kindergarten.
Community leaders ready to innovate
May 5, 2013No time to waste. That phrase came up over and over as Springfield community leaders described the urgency they feel about helping young children prepare for success in school and life.
Preschool proponents discuss failed 2005 effort
May 4, 2013It’s been more than seven years, but the failure of the Community Safety Initiative still weighs on local preschool proponents.
Looking for ways to fund preschool expansion
May 4, 2013So who is going to pay for it?
Working to ensure consistent quality
May 4, 2013As part of the Springfield conversation about preschool expansion, a frequent question comes up about how to ensure a consistent level of quality among different early childhood programs.
School officials pleased with Obama's preschool plan, but cautious
April 30, 2013President Barack Obama wants to spend billions to dramatically increase preschool over the next decade.
Funding shrinks for Missouri Preschool Project
April 30, 2013For 15 years, the Missouri Preschool Project has made it possible for new classrooms to open in school districts, private child care centers and nonprofit agencies.
Area school districts work to meet demand for preschool programs
April 29, 2013Backed by strong community support, Nixa has been able to expand from just a couple of preschool classrooms 15 years ago to now serving 200 children.
Ticket to a better life
April 28, 2013On sign-up day each spring, parents of young children arrive at the Springdale Early Childhood Center long before the sun rises.
Preschool expansion had broad support
April 28, 2013Outspoken business leaders, legislative champions and a committed advocacy community created the momentum that led to Arkansas’ major preschool expansion nearly a decade ago.
How Missouri compares with bordering states
April 27, 2013Missouri spends less on its public preschool program, and serves fewer children, than any of the eight states that it borders.
Preschool advice for Springfield
April 27, 2013Those involved in the state’s preschool program — at multiple levels — offered advice to the Springfield community.
How Missouri compares with bordering states
April 27, 2013Missouri spends less on its public preschool program, and serves fewer children, than any of the eight states that it borders.
Churches play big role in providing preschool
April 23, 2013When Kelli Williams looked for a preschool for her young son, she set out to find a program that would provide much more than academic preparation.
Free screening tells parents whether kids are on track
April 22, 2013Is your child ready for kindergarten?
Springfield preschool options
April 22, 2013A sampling of private school and other programs in Springfield.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library gets books into kids' hands
April 22, 2013All Springfield children, regardless of their family income, should have quality books of their own.
Parents as Teachers program to shift focus to neediest families
April 22, 2013Changes coming to Springfield’s Parents As Teachers program will result in more help to the neediest families.
Is your child Ready to Learn?
April 21, 2013Too few area kids have access to preschool, statistics show
Interest in early education at an 'important point'
April 21, 2013President Barack Obama touted the value of early childhood education in the 2013 State of the Union address and then proposed a budget increase to improve access.
Preschool early might keep kids out of prison later, official says
April 21, 2013Nearly four decades of working in Missouri’s prison system has convinced George Lombardi that at-risk children need greater access to quality preschool programs.
Can your 5-year-old do these things?
April 20, 2013Based on a survey of Springfield Public Schools’ kindergarten teachers, here is what children are expected to know and be able to do on the first day of kindergarten:
News-Leader, KY3 team up for series
April 20, 2013Beginning today, the News-Leader and KY3 are presenting a special series called ‘Ready to Learn.’
Read — and watch — Ready to Learn
April 13, 2013We often encourage politicians and community leaders to set aside their differences to work for the common good.
Head Start braces for cuts
March 20, 2013Fewer of the Ozarks’ neediest children will be able to enroll in Head Start next year.
Turning ideas into action
January 20, 2013It’s time for action. It’s time to work together better. It’s time to develop a comprehensive plan to improve the lives of Springfield children. That was the pitch given last week for creating an umbrella coalition.
Resources for single parents in the Ozarks
November 24, 2012Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Ozarks Matches adult volunteers with children needing mentors. 3372 W.
Parents as Teachers pays dividends
May 19, 2012The Mayor’s Commission for Children is a citizen advisory board with the purpose of studying the needs of young children in our community.
The basic skills for kindergarten
April 29, 2012Springtime signals a new beginning for many things. Nearly two thousand families in Springfield will have a kindergartener to get ready for school this fall.
Schools are the life of the neighborhood
March 31, 2012Much higher test scores. Happy kids who are excited to learn. Supportive parents involved in decision-making. That’s what “community schools” have achieved in some of Tulsa’s poorest neighborhoods. Now, Springfield hopes it can happen here.