Early Childhood

Parents are key when it comes to limiting screen time for kids, study finds
Early adolescence is a time when kids are becoming more independent and spending more time on social media. When it comes to curbing screen time in this age group, new research suggests some parental strategies work better than others.
Amazon, Target and other retailers pull weighted infant sleepwear over safety fears
Federal regulators, medical experts and safe-sleep advocates have warned of the potential danger of weighted infant sleepwear, but manufacturers say their products have helped millions of families.
Minnesota child care providers say state licensing needs an overhaul. Officials agree
Family child care businesses in Minnesota are closing faster than new ones can open, even as demand grows. Observers say the state’s system to license new providers needs to be remade. State officials are working on it, but change comes slowly.
Walz taps assistant commissioner to lead new child-focused department
Tikki Brown has been part of the team planning for the new department since it was announced in 2023. It’s set to open in July and oversee programs four young children currently divided up among four state agencies.
Child care closures renew worries around the economics of early learning
The University of St. Catherine’s decision to close its 93-year-old early childhood center is rekindling worries about the financial health of child care operations. Minnesota’s spending more but the needs and challenges are outrunning the new money.
Shots can be scary and painful for kids. One doctor has a plan to end needle phobia
Research suggests the biggest source of pain for children in the health care system is needles. One California doctor says the fear of needles is a serious problem, but proposes some simple solutions.