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Minnesota Now with Nina Moini
Cathy Wurzer, Dan Kraker and Alanna Elder

Local lawmakers struggle with Duluth child care crisis

two teachers and toddlers in a preschool classroom
Teachers Anissa Anderson and Lindsey Melchior play with children at the Spirit Valley Early Childhood Education Center in Duluth on Sept. 11. The YWCA Duluth, which operates the center, is looking for another organization to run it.
Dan Kraker | MPR News

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The impending closure of three large child care centers in Duluth is raising awareness of what parents and providers are calling a crisis situation in child care. The closures have left parents of about 200 children scrambling to find new care.

But there’s already a shortage of around 1,000 child care slots in Duluth. Statewide, recent estimates put the need at more than 40,000 child care slots in greater Minnesota.

MPR News’ Duluth correspondent Dan Kraker attended a press conference following a meeting between state lawmakers, Duluth officials, parents and child care providers to talk about the situation. He joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to share the latest developments.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.