Appalachian counties are intensifying efforts to ensure that children start their education on the right foot.
Research highlights the importance of high-quality preschool programs, such as Head Start, in boosting future well-being and economic outcomes. However, many children in rural areas lack access to these programs.
Cathryn Miller, West Virginia state director for Save the Children, shared that local leaders in Nicholas County have formed a steering committee to address the issue.
“The committee includes a range of community members, such as education professionals, healthcare providers, child care providers, local government officials, caregivers, and other residents,” Miller explained.
Rural child poverty further complicates the problem. In some counties where Save the Children operates, child poverty rates are as high as 38%. According to the National Rural Education Association, nearly one in seven rural students lives in poverty, one in 15 lacks health insurance, and one in 10 has moved in the past year.
The committee is focused on understanding the root causes of challenges in early education. Miller emphasized that this approach will help identify factors affecting kindergarten readiness and guide targeted interventions.
Nick Carrington, managing director of community impact for Save the Children, noted that rural children across the country face systemic barriers to quality education, especially in the early years.
“Rural areas have been historically underfunded, with only 7% of philanthropic funding going to these regions, despite representing over 20% of the national population,” Carrington said.
Federal data reveals that more than half of rural families with children under five live in areas lacking sufficient child care options.
