Early Childhood

Beyond red dye No. 3: Here's what parents should know about food colorings
Food companies have two years to get red dye No. 3 out of their products. But other synthetic dyes have also raised concerns, because of behavioral issues in kids. Here's what parents need to consider.
More Minnesota kids get exempted from required vaccinations. Here’s what’s happening
Nonmedical exemptions for required childhood vaccinations have risen steadily since 2020. Medical professionals say exemption counts are near the point where Minnesotans should be extremely concerned, especially when it comes to schools.
Water safety for the kids who need it most
Children of color and children on the autism spectrum are less likely to know how to swim than their peers. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about efforts to bring water safety and swim lessons to communities most at risk.
For kids with rare genetic disorders, customized CRISPR treatments offer hope
The gene-editing technique is effective for treating some illnesses but it’s been too expensive to consider it for rare conditions. A new approach in the works could make it more widely available.
Childhood vaccination rates in Minnesota: 4 questions, answered
Local pediatricians are worried about the state’s slide in vaccinations. They’re seeing skepticism rising among parents, and politicians sowing doubts. MPR News asked Dr. Andrea Singh, who leads the pediatrics department at Park Nicollet, about what pediatricians are seeing.
A Minnesota election for the ages? Yes, ages 4 through 10
Teachers in some schools around Minnesota held mock elections Monday as a way to teach students how the voting process works and have a little fun. At one Minneapolis elementary school, it made for some interesting conversation.
Drowning deaths of two autistic kids push water worries to the surface in Minnesota
The recent deaths of two Twin Cities-area children have renewed calls to do more to help protect autistic kids, who experts say can be drawn to water. Advocates, though, say the need goes beyond children on the spectrum.
St. Paul’s proposed tax hike to fund child care: 5 questions, answered
A St. Paul ballot question next month asks voters if they’ll authorize the city to levy property taxes to fund child care for low income families up to $20 million over 10 years. The mayor says he won’t implement the tax hike even if voters approve it. Here’s what to know.