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:
3 key facts about RSV and kids this season in Minnesota
Last year was one of the worst in recent Minnesota history for RSV infections and hospitalizations. This season has been much more manageable, although numbers are rising and health officials are keeping close watch on the data. Here’s what to know.
DFL lawmakers eye big boost in child care spending
Two DFL legislators on Thursday proposed expanding state child care and early education subsidies so that families would pay no more than 7 percent of their income for child care. 
Why affordable child care is so hard to find  
Child care costs high, but wages for child care workers remain low. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the child care squeeze and how new state programs could help parents and providers.
Event encourages more Minnesotans to adopt
The Minnesota Department of Human Services reports that there are more than 500 children waiting to be adopted.
'Making grandfriends': Mankato care model draws kids, seniors together
Memory loss can be an especially isolating experience as people age. A new child care and memory care model in Mankato seeks to bring generations together through connections and joy.
Minnesota’s new state agency focuses on children and caregivers
Currently, four different state agencies oversee programs for young children but during this year’s legislative session, a proposal for a new state agency was passed to consolidate those programs under one jurisdiction: the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families.
St. Paul City Council overrides mayor's veto of child care ballot measure
The St. Paul City Council voted Wednesday afternoon to override Mayor Melvin Carter’s veto of a proposal that would let voters decide whether to raise property taxes to pay for early child care. 
Vacation Bible schools offers families free, low-cost options for summer child care
Between summer camps and day care, parents can spend thousands of dollars to keep their kids busy during the months long break. Vacation Bible schools have been consistently low-cost options for families for years.