Early Childhood Focus

Minnesota / Anti-crime Group Praises Value of Preschools

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:57:55 PST

EXCERPT FROM: Pioneer Press
By Emily Gurnon
Can coloring, playing with blocks and singing "Baby Beluga" cut crime?

Minnesota Law Enforcement Leaders Say Quality Early Learning Programs Reduce Violent Crime, Save Millions in Special Education Costs

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:51:37 PST

EXCERPT FROM: PRNewswire
By PRNewswire
MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Area law enforcement officials will hold a news conference Tuesday to release a new report showing that investing more in voluntary high-quality pre-kindergarten programs not only reduces crime over the long run but also saves millions of dollars in the state's education budget in the short term. The report will document that investments in pre-k programs can reduce the need for special education placements and other K-12 education expenses when pre-k children advance to later grades.

Big Demand for 24-Hour Childcare in North Metro

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:41:22 PST

EXCERPT FROM: Fox 9 News
By Dawn Stevens
BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. - Arena Early Learning Center in Brooklyn Center started because of growing demand from parents who worked second and third shifts. The daycare caters to kids 24 hours a day and has extra security.

Who's Watching the Children? Unaffordable Childcare in Minnesota

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:38:48 PST

EXCERPT FROM: Twin Cities Daily Parent
By Mary Turck
In Minnesota, paying for quality childcare has gotten much more difficult since 2003. Unaffordable childcare and lack of government support means lost time for workers and employers, and increases in the achievement gap for lower-income children. According to the "Status of Women and Girls in Minnesota" report, "Minnesota accredited childcare costs exceed college tuition."

LETTER: State Case Illustrates National Problem

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 09:39:17 PST

EXCERPT FROM: Austin Daily Herald
By Linda k. Smith
I was deeply troubled when I read that a Plymouth, Minn., man charged with possession and distribution of child pornography
has worked and volunteered in a number of child care facilities in Minnesota. As a mother and grandmother, it concerns me
that an individual � now charged with a horrible crime � had numerous opportunities to be in contact with small children.

Stearns Presses for Child Care Subsidy Change

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:14:40 PST

EXCERPT FROM: St. Cloud Times
By Kirsti Marohn
Stearns County will get less money this year to help low- and moderate-income families pay for child care despite a growing number who are waiting for aid.

A Leap of Faith; Local Couple Opens Childcare In Spite of Tough Economy

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:04:06 PST

EXCERPT FROM: Caledonia Argus
By Craig Moorhead
In the midst of the worst economic climate since the Great Depression, a local couple has chosen to open a new business in Caledonia. Troy and Emily Schroeder opened Kid�s Corner Daycare, located at 519 Old Highway Drive, Nov. 2. The business provides full-time employment for Emily and five staff members, and is currently licensed for up to 42 children, with space for more. Emily talked about what the first month has been like during a recent interview.

Outsourcing Won't Hurt Licensing, County Official Says

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:08:21 PST

If Olmsted County wants to look for an example of outsourcing its child-care licensing, it can view Mower County's experience.

More Wait for Child Care Help in Stearns County

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:36:24 PST

another indication of Central Minnesotans� financial struggles, the number of Stearns County families awaiting child care assistance is growing at a record rate.

MN Has 3rd Highest Child-Care Costs In Nation

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:23:02 PST

Child-care costs in Minnesota are the third highest in the nation, based on the price of care as a percentage of the median income for a two-parent family, according to a new report from the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies.

Someplace Special Childcare to Close in June

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:05:09 PST

After 20 years of providing quality day care for children, Someplace Special Childcare will close in June.

Rochester Officials Unsurprised about Efficacy of Early-Childhood Education

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:51:59 PST

Teaching children how to count before kindergarten can save millions of dollars in the long-term, according to a recent study.

Children Hurt by Struggling Economy, Too

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:23:31 PST

With a down economy, the Sherburne County Social Services Department is seeing increases in issues related to children.

Families Cut Back on Child Care to Save Money

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:45:45 PST

ESCANABA - Local child care directors and coordinators say enrollment in daycare is noticeably down. One reason for this may be that more parents are turning to relatives and friends for care to help save on daycare costs.

Child Care Programs Feel the Pinch as Parents Struggle to Cope with Job Cuts in the Ailing Economy

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:17:07 PST

In 32 years, Linda Smith has had little trouble filling open slots at her day care on St. Paul's East Side.

The Down Economy Hits Child Care Providers

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:23:02 PST

The economic crisis is forcing parents to make tough choices about their children's day care. As families tighten their belts to weather the downturn, some parents are pulling their kids out of care to save money. The change has providers worried about their own future as they struggle to fill enough slots to make ends meet.

New Rochester Child Care Center to Focus on Education

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:42:50 PST

Primrose School, a new child-care center, is rising on Rochester's southwest side. Local business leaders and the center's owners gathered Tuesday to officially break ground at the already-underway construction project.

Heading To Kindergarten Bilingual, Global Citizen

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:56:05 PST

There is a lot of talk these days about the importance of early childhood education. Studies show that half the students entering kindergarten are not prepared for it. At least one Pre-K program is giving students a big head start, not only on their A, B, Cs, but on making their way through the multi-cultural world they live in.

New Survey Uncovers Role of Grandparents in Child Raising

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:44:19 PST

Last week, the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) released the results to a nationwide survey of grandparents.

Survey Reveals Grandparents Role in Child Care

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:40:32 PST

This past week the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) released the results of a nationwide survey of grandparents.