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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:
The 5-minute daily playtime ritual that can get your kids to listen better

The 5-minute daily playtime ritual that can get your kids to listen better

Called "special time," the strategy is widely recommended by children's health professionals to help reduce behavioral issues in young children. Here's a guide on how to do it with your kids at home.
by Becky Harlan and Summer Thomad

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3 key facts about RSV and kids this season in Minnesota

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.
by Kyra Miles

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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. 
by Kyra Miles

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Why affordable child care is so hard to find  

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.
by Angela Davis and Maja Beckstrom

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Event encourages more Minnesotans to adopt

Event encourages more Minnesotans to adopt

The Minnesota Department of Human Services reports that there are more than 500 children waiting to be adopted.
by Aaliyah Demry

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'Making grandfriends': Mankato care model draws kids, seniors together

'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.
by Hannah Yang

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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.
by Kyra Miles

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St. Paul City Council overrides mayor's veto of child care ballot measure

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. 
by Jon Collins

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