This Kids Count report highlights state and countywide findings on key indicators affecting the educational and life success of Ohio's children. The statistical portrait is based on five indicators: (1) fourth graders' performance on the Ohio fourth grade reading proficiency test; (2) number of children receiving child care assistance or participating in Head Start programs; (3) children's health status; (4) participation in programs that alleviate poverty and promote self-sufficiency; and (5) family movement from welfare to work. Findings indicated that 68 percent of the fourth graders taking the reading proficiency test in 1998 passed; under new 1999 proficiency standards, only 47 percent would have passed. More than $277 million was available in fiscal year 1999 for child care assistance, with a monthly participation of 62,618 children. Head Start participation was 57,159 children in 1998. About 40 percent of Ohio infants born in 1997 had at least one risk factor. In 1997 almost 8 percent of infants were born at low birthweight. The number of children enrolled in Medicaid in December, 1998 was 560,731 and was expected to increase by approximately 104,000. Over 670,000 Ohio families received the federal Earned Income Credit in 1997. Thirty-four percent of families owed child support received at least one cash payment in 1997, up from 21 percent in 1990. Ohio public assistance caseloads dropped by 46 percent from September 1995 to September 1998. However, more than 26,077 Ohio adults may use up their time limit by October, 2000. The report concludes with data definitions, data sources, and calculations. (KB