(NewsUSA) - The back-to-school season isn't just for school-age children. For many families with preschoolers, late summer is a time to evaluate early learning programs and consider which experiences will best support their child's growth during some of the most important years of development.

Increasingly, infant and toddler parents are looking beyond traditional academic outcomes and seeking environments that build the foundational skills that support future learning. Researchers at the Harvard Graduate School of Education describe six foundational skills – creativity, critical thinking, curiosity, self-regulation, perspective-taking and early identity – as essential building blocks for lifelong learning and healthy development. Those skills are often strengthened through enrichment experiences that encourage young children to explore, create, communicate and solve problems.

Built into the day, designed for learning

While parents want their children to have access to enrichment classes and experiences, they also need those learning opportunities to fit into their families’ busy schedule. They’re looking for full-time day care options such as The Crème School, a premium provider of early learning programs, that build enrichment directly into their children’s day.

Alongside a research-led core curriculum, children ages two through five participate in Crème's four daily, 30-minute enrichment experiences in dedicated enrichment classrooms. STEM, Spanish, music and art extend classroom learning by giving children additional opportunities to build and apply new skills through engaging, hands-on experiences. Guided by their own research-based curricula, these enrichments reinforce the very skills Harvard researchers say matter most. 

Learning Through Exploration, Creativity and Discovery

• STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) encourages children to ask questions, investigate, experiment and solve problems through hands-on exploration. These experiences nurture curiosity and critical thinking. Research shows that early, inquiry-based experiences lay the foundation for later scientific thinking, problem-solving and innovation. 
• Music engages children in singing, movement, rhythm and instrument play. These experiences support creativity while strengthening memory and attention and has been linked to improvements in early language skills and executive functioning.
• Visual arts encourage children to create, experiment, and express themselves through drawing, painting, sculpting, and other open-ended experiences. Along the way, children develop creativity, fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities and confidence in expressing their ideas.
• Spanish introduces children to a second language during a key developmental window, helping build communication skills. Research suggests that children who are exposed to multiple languages can develop stronger perspective-taking and communication abilities, skills that support learning and social development.

“Our enrichment classes do more than expose children to new subjects,” said Stephanie Sturdevant-Ward, vice president of operations for The Crème Schools. “They help develop the habits that support learning throughout life, such as asking questions, working through challenges, collaborating with others and approaching problems with curiosity and confidence.”

As families consider school choices for their young learners, it’s worth asking not only what children will learn, but how they'll learn it. When enrichment is woven into the daily curriculum, as it is at Crème, children have more opportunities to grow curiosity, creativity and the foundational skills that support future learning and development.

Families interested in learning more about The Crème School’s programs and their daily enrichment rotations can visit CremedelaCreme.com 

(NewsUSA) - Growing concerns about the mental health of America’s youth have prompted renewed discussions about the role of smartphones, social media and other digital technologies. While some proposals focus on restricting access or outright bans, new national polling indicates that many parents and voters believe a broader strategy will produce better outcomes.

A recent survey commissioned by the Coalition to Empower our Future (CEF) found that seven-in-10 registered voters and nearly three-quarters of parents worry that policies centered primarily on banning or severely limiting young people's access to phones and technology could lead to unintended consequences. Instead of concentrating on a single issue, respondents expressed greater confidence in solutions that address the many influences on youth mental health.

The research, conducted by Mercury Analytics, included a nationwide survey of 2,000 registered voters, expanded polling among parents in California, New York and Texas, and a series of focus group discussions. Many parents participating in the study said that restricting technology by itself may fail to address deeper mental health challenges while leaving young people less prepared to use digital tools responsibly as they grow.

One parent from California noted, “I don’t necessarily support taking the phones away. It’s like solving a symptom but not necessarily the problem.” Another from New York said, “Speaking from my own experience, I was open with [my parents] about what I was doing. Bans, with no questions asked, are not a good solution because it’ll be like ‘okay, I’m not allowed to do this, so now I have more of an inclination to do this.’”

Survey participants consistently favored a more comprehensive approach. Nearly three out of four respondents said improving youth wellbeing requires collaboration among parents, educators, healthcare professionals, community organizations and policymakers rather than relying on a single policy solution.

The findings also highlighted widespread support for digital literacy. More than 80 percent of voters and almost 90 percent of parents agreed that children and teens should receive instruction on how to safely and responsibly use emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI). Respondents also emphasized the importance of equipping parents with guidance and educational resources so they can help their children make informed decisions online.

As AI applications, social media platforms and digital learning tools become increasingly integrated into daily life, many parents believe education, support and skill-building may be more effective than bans and outright restrictions alone. Participants pointed to the value of teaching responsible online behavior, critical thinking and healthy digital habits that can benefit young people throughout their lives. On digital literacy, one Texas parent said, “I think kids are technologically savvy, but not digitally literate. A lot of them are unable to use higher-order thinking skills to understand what they are watching or experiencing.”

Overall, the research suggests that respondents view youth mental health as a complex issue shaped by numerous factors, including family support, school environments, community involvement and responsible technology use. Rather than emphasizing bans, many favored balanced solutions that combine mental health services, digital literacy education, parental engagement and community support.

The study was conducted in April 2026 in partnership with Mercury Analytics and included a nationwide survey of 2,000 registered voters, oversamples of 600 parents each in California, New York and Texas, and live conversations with parents across those states. Additional information about the research is available through the Coalition to Empower our Future.

To learn more about the research, visit: https://empowerourfuturecoalition.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CEF-Unintended-Consequences-National-Memo_June-2026.pdf

(NewsUSA) - A survey sponsored by More Perfect and the Daniels Fund finds a rare consensus across age, party, and geography that civic education needs more investment even as confidence in institutions hits new lows ahead of the nation's 250th birthday.

(NewsUSA) - As the United States prepares to mark 250 years of independence, a new national poll has found one of the clearest points of agreement in American public opinion today: 80% of adults say the country places too little emphasis on civic education.

More than half of respondents said the country places “much too little” emphasis on civic education, defined as teaching people how government and democracy actually work, while another 29% said “somewhat too little.” Just 13% said the current level is about right, and almost no one said the country teaches too much.

The survey, conducted by Hart Research Associates and Public Opinion Strategies for NBC News and sponsored by More Perfect and the Daniels Fund, polled 3,000 adults nationwide from May 29 to June 7.

It also found that more than half of Americans surveyed believe people share the same core values but disagree on policy, and that majorities see more uniting than dividing Americans across lines of gender, race and ethnicity, and immigration status.

“Eight out of ten Americans telling us we need more civic education is a wake-up call to educators and policymakers,” said John Bridgeland, co-founder of More Perfect, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to advancing democracy. “People want to understand how their government works, the role of civil society, and how they can engage in helping to improve our union. The good news is that a growing movement is already answering that call, from Presidential Centers to classrooms to the National Civics Bee.”

“This research confirms what we hear every day in communities across Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming: people are hungry for the tools to participate in their democracy, not just watch from the sidelines,” said Hanna Skandera Grady, President and CEO of the Daniels Fund, a foundation dedicated to positively impacting American life. “As America approaches its 250th anniversary, investing in civic knowledge and engagement among our nation's rising generation is more important than ever, and the answers are often already taking shape, emerging from local communities across the country."

The poll also found that young and older Americans diverge sharply on national pride and views of the Constitution, but largely agree that the “American Dream” is harder to achieve than it was a generation ago — a sentiment shared by 78% of all adults.

The poll's findings come as a wide range of civic education efforts are already underway nationwide, including:

● The National Civics Bee, of which the Daniels Fund is the founding sponsor, has expanded to all 50 states and draws students into civic competition outside the classroom.

● iCivics reaches roughly 145,000 teachers and 9 million students each year, with a new Rule of Law unit for high schoolers.

● The National Constitution Center's Civics Quest offers families a play-based way to explore American history together.

● 44 Presidential Centers have come together for the first time around civic education and democratic renewal, a notable moment of cross-ideological alignment.

● More Perfect's In Pursuit initiative has generated nearly a million views with essays and insights about every U.S. president and first lady, ahead of an hour-long PBS documentary set for October 2026.

To learn more about More Perfect's work, visit joinmoreperfect.us.

(NewsUSA) - School absenteeism remains a significant problem in the United States. Long-term improvement in attendance requires reframing the problem as more than a compliance issue, according to Concentric Educational Solutions, an organization that collaborates with school systems and community partners nationwide to identify and address barriers to school attendance.

Instead, data support the importance of addressing the often-unrecognized barriers faced by many families, including health challenges, housing instability, transportation logistics, and lack of connection to their school community, as a way to reduce chronic school absenteeism.

To highlight current challenges to school attendance, Concentric Educational Solutions released a white paper, “Redefining the Attendance Paradigm,” which outlined the scope of the problem. In the 2021-2022 school year, 4.7 million students were chronically absent. These rates were nearly double pre-pandemic levels, and affected every demographic group, indicating a long-term problem exacerbated by the short-term pandemic disruption.

“True solutions will come from innovative, compassionate leaders who understand that a story is just as valuable as a number,” said Ivory A. Toldson, Ph.D., Chief of Research at Concentric Educational Solutions and lead author of the paper. The paper “challenges all stakeholders to abandon outdated, punitive measures and embrace human-centered strategies for long-term student success,” Toldson emphasized.

Some of the key takeaway messages of the report include:

-Economic impact. The reduced earning potential caused by chronic absenteeism costs the United States economy billions of dollars, including increased need for social services and reduced workforce readiness.

-Systemic causes. Contrary to popular belief, the main drivers of chronic absenteeism include poverty, housing instability, health issues, and school climate, rather than parental neglect or student defiance.

-Concentric solutions. The Concentric Model, based on a combination of home visits and wraparound support, has demonstrated more success in reducing chronic absenteeism than punitive measures, which have not been shown to improve attendance and disproportionately harm students in poverty and students of color.

Overall, the most successful strategies to combat chronic absenteeism involve engaging families, removing barriers, and building relationships, according to Toldson. Supporting children’s return to school and re-engagement in learning will allow them to find paths to their full potential, he said.

To read the full paper and learn more, visit concentriced.org.

(David Bobb and Louise Dubé) - The kindergartners in classrooms this year are beginning a once-in-a-generation civic journey. They started school on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. They will reach high school graduation age in 2038, as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Constitution’s ratification.

As we celebrate Civic Learning Week, March 9-13, we should think about what this means. If we are serious about sustaining the next 250 years of self-government, nothing is more important than ensuring that every student graduates with a deep understanding of our history, our principles, and their own responsibility as citizens. This critical work falls largely on civics and history teachers—often overlooked, too rarely celebrated, and yet indispensable to the survival of our democracy.

They are the quiet heroes of America’s 250th.

The founders were clear: liberty and learning, the theme of Civic Learning Week this year, go hand in hand. George Washington called for educating youth in the “science of Government” so they might become “guardians of the liberties of the Country.”

And yet civic knowledge is slipping. Recent national assessments show troubling declines in students’ understanding of U.S. history. Only a handful of states require a full year of high school civics. In many schools, civic learning is squeezed by competing priorities.

This erosion is not due to public indifference. Quite the opposite. Seventy percent of American adults support more civic education. The 250th anniversary of the Declaration is a chance to renew our commitment to teaching the principles that define American democracy: natural rights, equality, constitutional order, and the responsibilities that come with freedom. These ideas cannot remain abstract. They must live in classrooms and communities.

Many activities are underway to help teach these principles to young people in and out of the classroom. The Civic Star Challenge, an initiative that provides teachers with incentives and tools to bring the Declaration of Independence to life in the classroom, was launched at back to school time last year. It invites educators nationwide to celebrate the 250th not just with pride, but with creativity and purpose.

As America approaches its 250th birthday, we have a rare opportunity to rekindle civic knowledge in every classroom. Let’s seize it—and ensure that this generation graduates not only knowing our history, but prepared to shape our future.

Louise Dubé is the CEO of iCivics.org, and David Bobb is the President and CEO of the Bill of Rights Institute.

(K12) - A few years ago, as children quickly shifted to online classrooms, parents shared one common question: How does virtual school work? At the time, many families saw it as a temporary fix in response to a global crisis.  

Except it didn’t fade away. If anything, attention on online schooling deepened curiosity. Questions moved from logistical to philosophical: Could online school be a better fit for my child? Would they be happier in a more flexible setting?  

More parents are rethinking how and where their children learn. Here are some of the top questions they ask—and a few answers that may surprise you. 

Where can I find online school options? 

An online search will show options in your state: tuition-free public and charter schools, private schools, and state-run programs serving a range of grades from kindergarten through high school. Use an online school search engine to compare options and read reviews. You’ll also want to ensure the school is accredited by a recognized body, such as Cognia.    

Is online school a good option for students struggling in traditional school? 

Absolutely. In many programs, including K12-powered online schools, classes are taught by state-certified teachers who meet one-to-one with students. Flexibility allows learners to work at their own pace, spending extra time on challenging concepts before moving on.  

Do online schools offer special education? 

Yes. Online students in special education receive required services and accommodations, often with more individualized support and one-to-one time with special education teachers.  

Are online schooling and homeschooling the same? 

They are quite different. Online schools provide structure, certified teachers, live classes, and a standard curriculum—without requiring parents to serve as instructors. 

How do online students make friends and socialize? 

Many online schools prioritize socialization and create meaningful opportunities for connection and friendship. Virtual campuses like the K12 Zone at K12-powered schools, national competitions, clubs, local meetups, and virtual field trips help students make friends and experience school spirit. 

How do online schools prepare students for college and careers?  

From career pathways, dual enrollment, and internships to honors and AP courses, game-based learning, and group projects, online students can experience a high-quality education that prepares them for the future. 

Online school has permanently expanded the education landscape. Because of these options, high-quality education, career preparation, and enrichment are more equitable and accessible than ever, giving families a real choice for their children—regardless of location or circumstance. 

(Lexia) - As the infants and toddlers of the COVID-19 pandemic era enter kindergarten, many educators report unique challenges in this cohort, according to results of a survey conducted by Lexia, a leader in science of reading-based literacy solutions.

The survey included more than 200 educators from across the United States who worked with kindergarteners in the fall of 2025.

Overall, approximately three-quarters of the survey respondents said that this year’s kindergarten students were behind in early literacy skills compared to those of five years ago. Among those who described their students as behind, most cited phonemic awareness, the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words, as the biggest gap. Others mentioned that children struggle with recognizing letters and writing their names.

In addition, almost 90% of teachers reported that children’s attention spans during reading-related activities are shorter than previous classes, and more than half said their students are less confident when asked to participate in reading activities.

However, social and emotional delays were even more striking than the academic delays. Eighty-two percent of educators said their students are less socially and emotionally ready for kindergarten than past years. Educators also reported that children are less practiced in sharing, self-regulation, and cooperation on arrival in kindergarten -- the first group experience many whose early childhoods were relatively isolated.

When young children lack opportunities to play with peers or listen to stories in groups, they lose not only vocabulary, but also the social-emotional skills of waiting one’s turn, following a sequence, and engaging with other minds.

Despite the pandemic-induced challenges, teachers also reported that these kindergarteners can adapt. They remain curious, empathetic, and eager to learn, but some may need scaffolds that reflect their unique early childhood experience.

The educators surveyed agreed that more engagement in reading at home is key to helping children catch up; reading aloud with children is an opportunity not only for bonding but also for promoting literacy.

The survey also asked educators which school-based interventions most help support today’s kindergarteners. Some takeaways for schools include using data-driven tools to pinpoint skill gaps in phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and comprehension, structuring small-group interventions that target those gaps with playful, multisensory practice, embedding social-emotional learning into literacy instruction, helping students persist through frustration and take pride in progress, and offering teachers professional development focused on understanding and responding to the unique needs of post-pandemic learners.

Overall, the educators surveyed expressed determination; they see the current group of kindergarteners as individuals with resilience, empathy, and curiosity who need consistent support, connection, and time in order to thrive.

(K12) - Snowflakes, cozy blankets, and hot cocoa—images of winter often evoke a cheerful glow. Yet for many children, the season’s dimmer days and limited outdoor play can leave them feeling irritable or tired and can even affect their schoolwork.   

To help beat the winter blues, school counselors across K12-powered online schools offer practical tips for parents to help their children feel more balanced as we wait for the days to turn warmer and brighter. 

Maintain a normal routine  

Low sunlight can affect serotonin and melatonin levels, leading to sluggishness and low energy. Sticking to a consistent daily routine—waking up and going to bed at normal times, eating healthy meals, and building in time for family, friends, homework, and play—can help kids feel productive, centered, and more alert.  

Get outside   

Even in colder months, time outdoors matters. Studies show that small doses of sunlight and outdoor play can boost kids’ spirits and energy. A short walk, stretching, or playing in the snow can provide beneficial exposure to daylight while encouraging movement.   

Make screentime intentional   

Heavy social media use can intensify feelings of sadness and may affect school performance. Screen time should lean toward purposeful use. Educational gaming platforms like the K12 Skills Arcade transform practicing math, English language arts, science, and history into a fun gaming experience. Research shows that game-based learning can produce measurable academic improvement—plus, it keeps kids engaged.  

Learn and build new skills  

When boredom hits, look for opportunities to build practical skills indoors. Let your child help make dinner, learn a basic sewing stitch, or try a simple science experiment. Board games, puzzles, and audiobooks also help pass the time while encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and family connection.  

Stay focused on schoolwork   

Low energy and sadness can take a toll on schoolwork, and falling behind may intensify those feelings. Help your child stay on track by reinforcing daily routines and seeking extra support when needed. Online options like K12 Tutoring allow students to get homework help without braving cold or icy roads. Sessions are delivered virtually by state-certified teachers. 

These challenges are often temporary, but you know your child best. If sadness or fatigue feels more serious or begins to affect daily life, it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider.   

With encouragement and guidance, your child can learn to navigate overwhelming feelings—skills that support well-being for years to come. 

(NewsUSA) - A Michigan university unveils SOAR^™, a new smartphone-based degree program that brings college within reach for busy adults — at half the cost.

For millions of adults, finishing college was never about ability — it was about circumstances. Jobs, family responsibilities and rising tuition costs often forced higher education onto the back burner.

About 750 adults leave college every day in the United States. Most don’t fail academically; they simply run out of time, money, or both. For those who still dream of completing their degrees, the barriers can feel insurmountable.

That’s where the SOAR™ by Cornerstone University app comes in. 

Launched in 2025, SOAR is the nation’s first fully accredited bachelor’s degree designed to be completed entirely on a smartphone. The program currently offers a Bachelor of Science in strategic business management, preparing students with leadership and business skills employers consistently demand.

SOAR stands out for three reasons. It’s half the cost of the average accredited business degree, making it one of the most affordable in the nation. It’s flexible, with new classes starting every two weeks and lessons delivered in short, smartphone-ready modules so students can learn on the go. And it’s respected, carrying full accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

For adults in the workforce, that means finishing a degree without stepping away from their jobs or families. For many parents, SOAR also removes the difficult choice between investing in their children’s tuition and finally finishing their own. With radically affordable tuition, both become possible.

“For too long, adults who wanted to go back to school were forced to choose between their education and their responsibilities,” said Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, president of Cornerstone University. “SOAR was built to remove those barriers — it’s a degree that works with your life, not against it.”

Take Alicia, a single mom in Michigan who enrolled this year. “I like to SOAR when I’m getting ready in the morning and driving to work,” she said. “I often log into the SOAR app after dinner when my little one is settled or in bed.”

Her story reflects the core mission of SOAR. It makes higher education accessible to those who thought the door had closed.

With looming retirements creating leadership gaps in the workforce, programs like SOAR aren’t just helping individuals — they’re preparing the next generation of business leaders. And this is just the start. New disciplines and advanced degrees are already in development, expanding options for learners who wish to continue their studies beyond a bachelor’s degree.

For adults ready to reclaim their dream of finishing college, SOAR offers a path forward: half the cost, fully accredited, and designed for real life.

Learn more about SOAR^™ by Cornerstone University at go.cornerstone.edu/SOAR1.

(K12) - It’s testing season—and students are feeling the pressure. Between midterms, SATs, coursework, and activities, staying focused and confident can be a real challenge.  

Today’s students have access to a new kind of test prep helper: AI. On its own, AI can be a smart study tool, offering personalized quizzes, instant feedback, and tailored plans. But what’s missing is the human touch—the kind that understands when a student’s losing steam, feeling stuck, or needs a pep talk. That’s where a tutor makes all the difference. AI may be smart and responsive, but it can’t replace the encouragement and insight of a real person. 

Used together, AI and tutors can make studying more effective. The key is knowing how to balance them. AI can create practice tests and recognize learning patterns, while a tutor uses that information to personalize instruction and keep students motivated. Here are a few ways to help your child use both resources this testing season: 

Build a schedule with AI.

AI can build a personalized plan with review days, quizzes, and rest time, just by sharing your test date, topic, and preferred study hours. You can even upload the syllabus or study guide to further customize a plan. 

Create practice tests.

Some AI tools can generate full-length exams with multiple choice, essay, and short-answer questions that may closely match the style of the real test. Whether it’s the SAT or a midterm, the more details you give, the better the results. 

Look for trends.

Ask AI to identify patterns in practice results, including repeated misconceptions, errors, or weak spots in written answers. 

Bring AI data to your tutor.

A tutor can use these insights to personalize instruction and feedback. They can focus on the areas that need improvement and check in along the way to ensure your student is following along. Encourage your child to ask questions that deepen understanding and make tutoring an active learning experience. 

Repeat 

Between tutoring sessions, AI can be used to practice the concepts your child needs the most help with. 

If your child doesn’t yet have a tutor, now is a great time to find the right match. Whether you choose a private tutor, a tutoring center, or a virtual option like K12 Tutoring, combining AI with expert support creates a powerful test prep program that helps your student face testing season with confidence and ease.