Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Administrator’s Corner by John Double

This month we celebrated National Community Education Day on Thursday, Nov. 14. Minnesota was the fourth state to pass legislation approving community school programs in 1971.

Community Education provides a wide variety of learning opportunities in our community for learners of all ages. Our Albert Lea Community Education is part of our school district supporting lifelong learning for our community.

In a recent gathering with caregivers and staff members, we had the opportunity to deliver promising news about the future of the Tiger Cub Child Care Center. The district is committed to child care and the Tiger Cub Child Care Center moving forward and past the 2024-25 school year. This announcement has been met with enthusiasm, as quality child care remains a significant need in the community.

One caregiver shared, “Tiger Cub has been an invaluable part of our family’s life. It has provided a consistent and nurturing environment where our children have experienced tremendous learning and growth. The dedicated staff offer not just care, but love and support that has given us peace of mind as parents. The quality of care and education at Tiger Cub has allowed us to remain in this community, knowing our children are in good hands. We are deeply grateful for the positive impact Tiger Cub has had on our family, and we look forward to future years with them.”

While the Tiger Cub Child Care Center cannot fulfill the entire demand for child care in the community, it serves as a part of a larger, community-wide solution. The center looks forward to continued collaboration with local partners, including the city, county, ALEDA, and the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber, as they work together to address the broader needs of families.

Community Education also offers wrap-around care for those students attending one of our qualifying Early Learning opportunities. Knowing that barriers such as child care around learning opportunities, transportation and finances can impact participation in preschool experiences, our WrapAround Care program is another way we are providing options for families to access early education with our school district.

Each of these opportunities accepts different financial assistance programs, for those who qualify, and their extended hours assist families with working around their daily schedules. Contact our Community Education offices as you look to continue your journey in lifelong learning, and we will continue to gather, discover and grow together.

John Double is the director of Albert Lea Community Education.