Early Childhood

Join Footnotes, a texting club and community service through MPR News offering early childhood news, updates and information for children aged 0-5 and their caregivers. Engage with other parents/guardians and early childhood reporter Kyra Miles:
Gillette Children’s promotes play for kids of all abilities
The St. Paul hospital hopes to inspire others to help build recreational spaces for all with a “day of play” at its inclusive playground.
Two Blaine day care employees charged with child abuse
Two employees at Small World Learning Center in Blaine have been charged with child abuse for allegedly harming three infants. Charges allege that day care security footage shows a 23-year-old employee and a 31-year old employee handling infants roughly.
Navigating early childhood special education: 7 questions, answered
Kyra Miles of MPR News tapped the expertise of St. Cloud State University’s Carol Gibson-Miller to answer your questions about early intervention, inclusive education, and the role of parents in advocating for their children.
Minnesota families struggle to find quality child care for their children with disabilities
Early intervention can help kids with disabilities succeed in school, but finding child care that can manage their needs is a massive challenge. Parents often ride a roller coaster of hope and frustration searching for a spot. One organization has a waiting list of 2,000 kids.
A texting club for caregivers of young children
Parents are key when it comes to limiting screen time for kids, study finds
Early adolescence is a time when kids are becoming more independent and spending more time on social media. When it comes to curbing screen time in this age group, new research suggests some parental strategies work better than others.
Minnesota child care providers say state licensing needs an overhaul. Officials agree
Family child care businesses in Minnesota are closing faster than new ones can open, even as demand grows. Observers say the state’s system to license new providers needs to be remade. State officials are working on it, but change comes slowly.
Walz taps assistant commissioner to lead new child-focused department
Tikki Brown has been part of the team planning for the new department since it was announced in 2023. It’s set to open in July and oversee programs four young children currently divided up among four state agencies.