1. 1 Life of a Child Today Thursday, February 3, 2005 Ready To Learn Seminar A Child’s Life: Learning, Literacy and the Role of Media Baltimore, MD

2. 2 Changing Demographics Based on present immigration and birth rates, the U.S. will soon become a “minority majority” – a society in which minority groups constitute the majority. 1

3. 3 Changing Demographics Hispanic households expected to grow from 5.5 million to 8.2 million by 2010. In the U.S., there are 41.1 million family groups with children under 18. Households with kids <18 that are: Today Projection: Year 2010 White Black Hispanic 30.1 million 31.8 million (+ 6%) 5.5 million5.7 million (+ 3%) 5.5 million8.2 million (+ 49%) Source: Roper ASW presentation - U.S. Census Bureau, 2001 Statistical Abstract (total exceeds 37.5 million because of Hispanic ethnicity/race overlap) 2

4. 4 Changing Demographics Youth population will become increasingly diverse over the next two decades. By 2020, minorities will make up nearly half of the youth market vs. 26% in 1980. Percentage distribution of U.S. children under 18 by race/ethnicity 1980-2020 % growth rate 2000-2020 Source: Roper ASW Presentation - U.S. Census Bureau, 2001 Statistical abstract -16% (White children) +40% (Hispanic children) +13% (Black children) 3 1980 1990 200020102020

5. 5 The Language Gap 65% of U.S. Hispanic children are born to foreign-born parents. They are more likely to learn Spanish at home as their first language during their formative years (0-5 years old). Source: 2003 Pew Center for Hispanic Research & Marketing to Latinos, I. Valdes 4

6. 6 The Language Gap-Impact Because Hispanic parents tend to stay closely involved during their children’s formative years and also for economic reasons, only 39.8% of Hispanic children attend preschool. For children who do not speak English as their primary language, this may represent a challenge to school success. SOURCE: 2001 US. Department of Education, NCES. National Household Education Surveys Program (NHES) Parent Interview: survey 5

7. 7 The Need Cultural diversity and cross-cultural understanding have pressing relevance for ALL children. Media can help build children’s understanding of America’s diversity. There is a need… To reflect back to children the world they see around them. To address any issues that arise for them in this increasingly diverse society. To help children get ready for school. To respond to these needs, Scholastic Entertainment created Maya and Miguel, a new animated series on PBS KIDS GO! 6

8. 8 Accessible to all children, regardless of economic status. Highly visual medium and as such does not depend solely on language to communicate its messages. Model broad range of abilities and trial and error process. Can represent all races and ethnicities as people who are desirable to have as friends. Present role models. What Television Does Best 7