Expansion to Central Georgia Technical College’s Early Childhood Learning Center on its Macon campus is bringing a three-year-old preschool childcare program to families and with the announcement of a new grant aimed at cutting tuition cost, children of students enrolled at the College will have greater access to affordable, quality childcare.

The newly renovated space provides opportunities for up to 20 children to grow, learn, and play in the

College’s Quality Rated program. Children must be three at the time of enrollment and can participate in the preschool program at any point in the year as long as they meet the age requirement.

“Families want their children in affordable, quality childcare,” said Brett Copeland, CGTC’s assistant director of Childcare.  “Expanding our Macon center to house Georgia Pre-K and three-year-old preschool gives families a multi-year childcare option in a Quality Rated environment.”

“Now children and families can learn together on the same campus, even when their degree or diploma program last more than a year.”

Thanks to the Quality Rated Subsidy Grant, half of the Preschool program’s available slots will be completely free to eligible families based on key determining factors including income, school, and work.

These spots are available to students and the community.

Even without the new grant, affordable childcare is attainable for students at CGTC. Currently attending students who are recipients of the Pell Grant may be eligible for discounted rates, saving as much as $47 per week. Information regarding the requirements for the Pell Grant is available in the College’s Financial Aid Office.

The standard rate for childcare per week is $130. Families may be eligible for other financial assistance to help cover costs.

Enrollment for the three-year-old preschool program is open.

Additionally, the Center continues to offer the Lottery Funded Georgia Pre-k Program, free to children who are 4-years-old by September 1 of the 2018-2019 school year. Twenty-two spaces are available and enrollment is open.