Early Childhood

U.S. drops the number of vaccines it recommends for every child
The U.S. has taken the unprecedented step of dropping the number of vaccines it recommends for every child — leaving other immunizations, such as flu shots, open to families to choose but without clear guidance.
Minnesota child care aid freeze amid fraud probe leaves centers, parents confused
Minnesota child care providers say they are in the dark about how a payment freeze by federal officials will play out. The freeze affects reimbursements for care for children in lower-income families.
U of M family researcher: Make memories, not debt this holiday season
With holiday gift-buying season in full swing, educators from the University of Minnesota are reminding parents to focus on creating a strong family culture over buying lots of gifts.
 How is ICE enforcement affecting child care? 5 questions, answered
Tensions remain high in Minnesota’s Somali community as federal immigration agents continue their two-week surge in the Twin Cities, and it's impacting young children and their caregivers.
U.S. vaccine advisers say not all babies need a hepatitis B shot at birth
A federal vaccine advisory committee has voted to end a longstanding recommendation that all U.S. babies get the hepatitis B vaccine on the day they’re born. For decades, the government has advised that all babies be vaccinated against the liver infection right after birth.
University of Minnesota researchers say hepatitis B vaccine safe for babies, despite federal concern
A report from the University of Minnesota’s Vaccine Integrity Project maintains the recommendation for newborn hepatitis B vaccination. This contradicts arguments from Trump administration health advisors like Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. who may recommend a vaccine delay later this month.
New child care house aims to solve vexing small town child care shortage
The southern Minnesota city of Mapleton may have found a unique solution to the difficult problem of finding quality, affordable child care in rural areas by building a "child care house."