While school has started for most children across southeastern Minnesota, it’s still a week away for Head Start students. Classes at Brookside begin next Monday. There will be wonderful photo opportunities about 7:55 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. next week as the 3- and 4-year-old students get off the buses and enter school for the first time.

6 things to know about Head Start

1. It’s a free preschool program focusing on parent and child development for financially qualifying families.

2. The program assists families in developing and achieving self-reliance through services related to health, nutrition, education, parent involvement, social services, mental health and disabilities.

3. The program serves children birth to age 5 and their families.

4. Location in Albert Lea is at Brookside

5. 68 children are enrolled in Albert Lea.

6. Head Start was established in 1965 and has served more than 32 million children since its inception.

Jon Losness

Rochester