After a yearlong process, the Brooklyn Center School District has cleared the last of many hurdles to open its Baby Steps program, which combines a high school diploma program for teen moms and dads with on-site child care and other family services. Despite many delays, the program is set to open -- at first to Brooklyn Center students and their infants -- on Dec. 3.

The center, at 6879 Shingle Creek Pkwy., about a mile from Brooklyn Center High School, will offer day care at no cost to qualifying students, as well as health care, dental care, mental health care, parenting and life skills classes and financial services. The district will provide services largely through existing partnerships.

Of the district's partners, Community Education Director Michelle Trelstad said, "We're providing them with the space and the girls, and they're providing us with the services."

There will be an open house at the center from 2:30-5:30 p.m. on Nov. 26.