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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:
Measles remains a danger to health even years after an infection

Measles remains a danger to health even years after an infection

The measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico is now close to 300 cases. Most are unvaccinated children. People usually recover, but doctors are stressing how dangerous and long-lasting it can be.
by Maria Godoy

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Some Minnesota child cares closed Monday to call for more state funding

Some Minnesota child cares closed Monday to call for more state funding

Hundreds of providers, teachers and families were expected to take part in a “Day Without Childcare” to underscore the need for more funding, affordability and accessibility for kids and parents, as well as living wages for staff.
by Cathy Wurzer and Gracie Stockton

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As the Texas outbreak grows, how contagious is measles, really?

As the Texas outbreak grows, how contagious is measles, really?

Vaccination eliminated measles from the U.S. 25 years ago. But it can still spread in pockets where vaccination rates are low, like the west Texas county with a current outbreak. Here’s how fast.
by Maria Godoy and Alyson Hurt

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As measles cases rise, a new book warns parents not to underestimate the disease

As measles cases rise, a new book warns parents not to underestimate the disease

As childhood vaccination rates drop in the U.S., outbreaks of measles are rising. In his new book, Booster Shots, Dr. Adam Ratner makes the case that this is a bad sign for public health.
by Maria Godoy

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Child care options start to rebound as Minnesotans return to the office

Child care options start to rebound as Minnesotans return to the office

The state’s child care centers have long struggled with staffing and funding shortages that worsened in the COVID-19 pandemic. Five years later, though, operators see reasons to be optimistic as big companies call back workers, creating more need for child care. 
by Kyra Miles

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In her new memoir, Sarah Hoover offers an unflinching take on the first year of motherhood

In her new memoir, Sarah Hoover offers an unflinching take on the first year of motherhood

Sarah Hoover holds nothing back in her memoir, “The Motherload,” which grapples with the rage and disassociation she felt after the birth of her first child.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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In Duluth, free water safety classes pay off for preschoolers and parents

In Duluth, free water safety classes pay off for preschoolers and parents

Water is important to Minnesota’s identity, but for some in the land of 10,000 lakes it can bring more dread than joy. An effort in the Duluth Public Schools to teach preschoolers to swim is helping ease water fears and even coaxing some parents into the pool.
by Kyra Miles

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Beyond red dye No. 3: Here's what parents should know about food colorings

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.
by Maria Godoy and Allison Aubrey

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