How are the Children?
It is with question in mind that the NDAAP would like to share information on this subject. The North Dakota KIDS COUNT is an excellent source with relevant data about how the children and families in our state are doing..
http://www.ndkidscount.org/publications.htm
More than 81 % of North Dakota women with children ages 0 to 17 are in the labor force, 2nd highest proportion in the nation in 2002. In addition 76% of North Dakota women with children ages 0 to 5 are in the labor force.
In 2000 22.9 % are single-parent families with children under age 18.
In 2000 14 % of children live in poverty.
In 1999, 42% of North Dakota Children ages 0 to 5 were in child care while their parents were at work, considerably higher than the national average of 26%.
In 2000, only 34% of 3- and 4-year-olds were enrolled in nursery school, preschool, or kindergarten in North Dakota, compared to 49% nationally. (Source: KIDS COUNT Data Book, 2003. The Annie E. Casey Foundation)