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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:
Minnesota is losing more child care providers amid rising costs and sticky red tape

Minnesota is losing more child care providers amid rising costs and sticky red tape

More in-home child care providers in Minnesota are calling it quits, and day care centers are closing, leaving parents scrambling to find places for their children to stay while they work or attend classes.
by Hannah Yang

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Minnesota bets big on free public preschool; private child care operators watch, worry

Minnesota bets big on free public preschool; private child care operators watch, worry

Funding approved by the Legislature last year added 5,000 voluntary pre-kindergarten slots this fall in Minnesota schools, a 75 percent increase. While it eases the burden on families, private child care operators worry they “can’t compete with free.”
by Kyra Miles

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After the shootings: How communities heal

After the shootings: How communities heal

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two therapists and a violence researcher about the grief, anger and fear that follows public shootings and the long and difficult process of healing afterwards. 
by Angela Davis, Nikhil Kumaran and Cari Dwyer

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Why child care costs so much in Minnesota

Why child care costs so much in Minnesota

Minnesota has the third-highest average cost of infant child care in the country. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about why child care is so expensive, who's affected most and what ideas for solutions are on the table. 
by Angela Davis and Nikhil Kumaran

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Are ‘COVID kindergartners’ ready for school?

Are ‘COVID kindergartners’ ready for school?

More than 3.6 million children born in 2020 amid the COVID-19 global pandemic are walking into elementary schools across the country this fall.
by Vanessa Romo

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How to get your kids ready to go back to school without stress — 5 tips from an experienced school counselor

How to get your kids ready to go back to school without stress — 5 tips from an experienced school counselor

The shift from summer vacation to going back to school can be tough for children and their families. Beyond adjusting to new routines, the transition requires handling a mix of emotions. While some kids might feel excited about new teachers and classmates, others may experience anxiety, sadness or uncertainty about the upcoming school year.

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Born during COVID, starting school now: The challenges facing this year’s kindergarten class

Born during COVID, starting school now: The challenges facing this year’s kindergarten class

They’re five years old and full of surprises — children born during the first months of the pandemic are starting kindergarten! MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about the challenges they may face and how schools and parents can help them thrive.  
by Angela Davis and Cari Dwyer

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How a Minneapolis preschool nurtures a legacy of education and community building

How a Minneapolis preschool nurtures a legacy of education and community building

For almost 150 years, Pillsbury House in Minneapolis has provided a safe space for children and families to learn and grow. MPR News went to its early education center to see how Pillsbury is adapting to a changing world for youngsters and their adults.
by Kyra Miles

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