Lyon County poverty in children increasing

from KTKA

Poverty rates affect more than just the kids.

Gary Brunk, President of Kansas Action for Children, says the effects trickle all the way through the community.

"We know that kids who grow up in poverty are less likely to do well in school," Brunk said.

So fewer Lyon county kids have the opportunity to get an earlier start on education.

Head Start teacher Jeannie Jenkins says they're at capacity.

"As of right now, I know that our program is full and there is a waiting list," said Jenkins.

And they can't open the class up for more students.

"Actually, it will only be 100 here, that is what our grant is written for," said Jenkins.

There's no more money, even though there's more of a need. And it could be a while before there is any change. Child advocates say they have to wait until the next legislative session next year to get state help for the problem.

"There's Head Start programs all around the state that can't serve all the kids that potentially would be served if there were enough funds to do it," said Brunk.

So what does the community need to do in the meantime?

"I think we need to make sure that there's a support structure in place for families and I'm talking things like access to childcare, health insurance and food stamps," said Brunk.

Brunk says the community needs to get together to help their youngest citizens succeed.

The Tyson layoffs may have less to do with the problem than you might think.

Jenkins says only three parents of her students lost their jobs.