An annual report card by a nonprofit state group that analyzes what California is doing for its children has revealed poor to mediocre grades in several areas, including education and health care.

And that's a concern for educators statewide, who say California can do better for its kids despite the ongoing economic crisis - but if it doesn't, everyone will pay later with higher crime and an increased number of dropouts.

"The question no longer is should we do these things; it's `Why haven't we done them?"' said Ted Lempert, president of Children Now, a statewide research and advocacy group.

Every year, the Children's Report Card analyzes and grades key areas of children's well-being.

This year's grades range from Ds for K-12 education to a B+ in after-school programs - the only B earned in the