Early Childhood

Duluth child care center closures exacerbate growing crunch facing families
The impending closure of two large child care centers — and possibly a third — is exacerbating a child care crunch in Duluth which is already short more than 1,000 slots.
Navigating preschool decisions for your kids: 8 questions, answered
Twin Cities early childhood specialist Kristen Wheeler Highland fielded questions from MPR News audience members on preschool matters, from preparing their kids for the new experience to handling the challenges of being separated.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation awards $3.4 million to nonprofits statewide for child care and early education 
More than $3.4 million from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation will go to nonprofits around the state to fund programming that supports child care and early education.
Minnesota child care providers put a pause on revising licensing standards
The Minnesota Department of Human Services is pausing the proposed rollout of new child care licensing standards for next legislative session. This comes after providers voiced their concerns with some of the revisions.
6 facts about Walz’s education track record in Minnesota
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz often touts his experience teaching high school and his focus on education as governor. Here’s a look at what he’s done in the five-plus years he’s led the state. 
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.