So, with headlines about the nation's economic problems dominating the front page, what are some early education stories that might get on the front page?

In no particular order:

1. Are companies that now provide child care at the job site reducing their support? Charging families more? Closing programs altogether?

2. How are private programs faring? Are families asking for financial help to offset tuition for programs in churches, synagogues, and for-profit programs?

3. With more workers cobbling together two or even three part-time jobs, who is watching the children?

4. Young children need stability in their lives. Are programs seeing more families move in and out as their family circumstances change?

5. Are center directors seeing evidence of the recession in the children they serve? More need for winter clothes? More hunger?

6. Are state-funded programs seeing more demand for their services, as families who previously could afford private preschools seek cheaper alternatives?

7. How are the children being cared for while their laid-off parents look for work?

Keep the human angle in mind. Every time you see a story about budget cuts, think about people and how they may be affected.