Indicator: Families' Learning and Cultural Activities

Outcome (s): Children and youth respected, safe and nurtured in their communities

Why This is Important

Part of nurturing the development of children is to provide opportunities for them to explore their community. Exposure to various educational and cultural environments can expand children’s knowledge and understanding of their world, and it can help them learn how to learn. Families need opportunities in their community to nurture a child's intellect and sense of wonder.

Where We Stand

Compared to results from 2004, there does appear to be a slight decrease on half of these Family Learning and Cultural Activities for this 2005 report. In particular the areas of; Visit a Library, Gone to a Gallery – Museum – Historical Site, and Visit a Zoo – Aquarium are the lowest that they have ever been since 2000.

Data Source and Context

Data on this indicator comes from a random digit dial statewide telephone survey of Maine households with children/youth present that are age 18 or younger. There were 403 respondents to this survey, each an adult in the household who self-identified as a parent. This survey was conducted by Critical Insights, a strategic marketing research firm in Portland, Maine. This survey for this 2005 report was completed in January 2006. Data is not available every year on this indicator due to funding limitations.