Dear Lord be good to me. The sea is so wide and my boat is so small

The Children's Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind^® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. Full Mission Statement »

Levi, age 12, and his sister live in an old trailer in rural Michigan. Though both parents work, they can’t afford a better place—or health insurance or outings with the children. Read their story »
Are children in your state missing a half step? Find out the status of Full-Day Kindergarten in your state with our map and 50-state factsheets »
How do the children in your state fare? Find out with our new factsheets »
The recovery can’t come soon enough for Daniel, 6, Ayden, 7, Aaron, 10, and Serenity, 5, who live in a housing project in Middletown, Ohio, because their mother lost her job and has not been able to find another one. Read their story »

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Read the latest column from CDF president Marian Wright Edelman. More »

What elected officials need to focus on to ensure the future of every child. More »

How many babies are born into poverty each day?

Incorrect

2,573 babies are born into poverty each day in America

More facts...

Creating Change: National Conference

SAVE THE DATE: The Children’s Defense Fund National Conference,
July 22-25, 2012, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Today, 16.4 million children in the United States live in poverty. Nearly one in four children under the age of five is poor. Together we can and must do better. Join the Children’s Defense Fund as we gather leading experts to present the latest research and best practices to close the gap between what we know works for children and what we do in practice. This one-of-a-kind conference will connect communities of child advocates, young leaders, faith leaders, policymakers, service providers and others to create real change for children at the state, local, and federal levels in 2012 and beyond. Sign-up today to receive information and help us rescue the dream for all of America’s children. Stay connected »

CDF News

Southern States Lead the Way on Full-Day K
February 22, 2012, Education Week

This Week in Poverty: Perfect Storm Threatens Long-Term Unemployed
February 10, 2012, The Nation

In Oklahoma, support for children lacking; study says state ranks 49th
February 9, 2012, Tulsa World

'Zero tolerance' policies lead to thousands of lost school days for Massachusetts students
January 29, 2012, masslive.com

The Best States to Grow Up In
January 23, 2012, The New York Times

About CDF

Learn more about CDF, our history and our Leave No Child Behind® mission.

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CDF Freedom Schools® Are Stepping Up

CDF Freedom Schools scholars and servant leaders at the Greenwood Cultural Center in Tulsa produced this video to let the world know why they are stepping up for children!
CDF Freedom Schools in the news »