Weekly Media Roundup: March 18, 2026

Recent Closures Leaves Families on A 'Hunger Games'-Style Search for Child Care, WGLT (Illinois)

After the closure of three child care centers, parents in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois are struggling to find available child care and afterschool programs in an area already facing a shortage of programs. “Not only do I not have child care, but I have to find one that goes to that school to pick them up — because otherwise, what’s the point, right? I leave work to go pick them up and drop them off somewhere. That’s not feasible. And so now, the pool is even narrower,” Hilary Pacha, a mom of five children, told WGLT. In addition to transportation challenges, parents are also facing long waitlists and fees that exceed their budgets.

More Than 25 New After-School Programs Coming to Key Biscayne K-8, Islander News (Florida)

With support from the Key Biscayne Children & Education Foundation (KBCEF), teachers at Key Biscayne K-8 Center in Florida are leading creative arts, athletics, leadership, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities at the school’s new afterschool program. “Partnering with KBCEF has allowed me to share what I love teaching in a small-group setting where students can really engage and grow,” one participating teacher told Islander News. “It’s rewarding to see their confidence build week by week.” The partnership enables the Miami-Dade County public school to provide onsite afterschool programs that help working families and provide supplemental income to teachers.

‘Give Them Something to Remember:’ Blazers Players Visit Boys & Girls Club, KOIN-TV (Oregon)

Players from the Portland Trail Blazers competed with students in balloon games and a cookie challenge last week at the Blazers Boys & Girls Club in northeast Portland – the only Club in the nation named after an NBA team. The Club was created in 1996 with support from former Trail Blazers Jerome Kersey and Terry Porter, and for three decades it has provided a safe place for kids to learn new skills, practice teamwork, have fun and build their confidence. Terry Johnson, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro Area, told KOIN-TV that the visit was “almost kind of a magical moment because they get a chance to interact with the players that they look up to. That’s what our programming is all about, creating spaces for kids to dream, to have access and exposure to different opportunities that they wouldn’t have otherwise.”

Oklahoma House Bill Would Allow OKDHS to Give Out Grants for Afterschool Programs, Fox 25 (Oklahoma)

In Oklahoma, nearly 300,000 students are unable to access the afterschool programs their parents want for them. Last week, afterschool students, providers and advocates gathered at the state Capitol to share their experiences with lawmakers who are considering legislation that would allow the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to award grants to afterschool programs. Advocates say state funding would help programs expand to serve more students who are currently without the support and opportunities afterschool programs provide. “Oklahoma faces some education challenges, and after school, it's an effective way to support and bridge that gap, academically. Also, it introduces careers to the youth, and support. Keep 'em safe between those hours of three and six," Oklahoma Partnership for Expanded Learning OST Initiatives Director Tristy Fryer told Fox 25.