Changing Demographics
Rapid changes in U.S. demographics demand that we build accessible paths to opportunity for all kids.
In this KIDS COUNT policy report, the Foundation explores the intersection of kids, race and opportunity. The report features the new Race for Results Index, which compares how children are progressing on key milestones across racial and ethnic groups at the national and state levels. The index is based on 12 indicators that measure a child’s success in each stage of life, from birth to adulthood. The indicators were chosen based on the goal that all children should grow up in economically successful families, live in supportive communities and meet developmental, health and educational milestones. Download the Race for Results Index Methodology
The report also makes four policy recommendations to help ensure that all children and their families realize their full potential.
Overall, the index shows that at the national level, no one racial group has all children meeting all milestones. Using a single composite score placed on a scale of one (lowest) to 1,000 (highest), Asian and Pacific Islander children have the highest index score at 776 followed by white children at 704. Scores for Latino (404), American-Indian (387) and African-American (345) children are distressingly lower, and this pattern holds true in nearly every state.