Classes start after Labor Day at a new Head Start school built by MGM near the casino it operates in downtown Springfield.
The new $4 million, 10,000 square-foot pre-school center is a “dream come true” for long time Springfield-area Head Start director Janis Santos.
In addition to classroom space for 88 children under 5 years of age, there will be opportunities for parents to receive workforce development training that could lead to a job at the nearby resort casino complex.
"Giving our parents the skills they need to earn a decent wage is so important, so this was just such a good fit for head start," Santos said.
Although MGM paid for the center, there is no preferential treatment for it employees. The Head Start program adheres to strict federal poverty level guidelines when enrolling children.
