Early Childhood

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.
MPR News launches ‘Footnotes’ service for caregivers of young children
MPR News is excited to announce the launch of its new messaging club, Footnotes. This service provides early childhood news updates and essential information about children aged 0-5 for their caregivers.
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.
Early childhood champion Carolyn Smallwood on nurturing young children
What happens to us when we’re very young children can set us up for life. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the CEO of the nonprofit Way to Grow about what we can do to nurture kids’ development.
Officials search for more staff, other fixes for growing child care crunch in Duluth
Officials, providers and parents gathered in Duluth this week to discuss possible solutions to the child care crisis in the city. The news three large day care centers will close soon is adding to an already large shortage of child care slots