Columbus Technical College in partnership with Enrichment Services celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Child Development Center on the institution's campus. 

This new Early Head Start Center will deliver on the community’s desire to create a safe haven for children in the expanded Chattahoochee Valley area.  Martha Ann Todd, President of Columbus Technical College said, “We are grateful to be in the business of helping students to become the best version of themselves and understand that we accomplish this through an unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality teaching and learning environment.  This new partnership is a bold reflection of that commitment.”  

A private reception and tour of the location was held on campus in Patrick Hall located at 928 Manchester Expressway.  The event took place on Monday, August 1 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Local dignitaries and esteemed members of the educational community were on hand to commemorate the occasion including Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson, Muscogee County Superintendent Dr. David Lewis, Chief of Staff Kenneth Cutts with Representative Sanford Bishop's office, Georgia House District 140 Representative Teddy Reese, Kelvin Thomas with Department of Early Childhood and Family Services, Belva Dorsey and Tracy Belt with Enrichment Services, Allison Setterlind with Bright from the Start and Jill O'Meara with Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL).

This new venue offers spacious rooms and the latest equipment and furnishings granting endless possibilities for children to learn and play.  Services will be dedicated to early childhood development, health, and family well-being for infants, toddlers, and families. The program will also serve expectant mothers and children six weeks to two years old by providing comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and family services. 

President Todd said, “The Columbus Tech Early Childhood program will be a strong partner with this Early Head Start program.  Our students will serve as interns and gain the valuable lab experience needed to be successful in their careers. In addition, this location will serve children while simultaneously allowing their parents access to higher education opportunities on the same campus.  We know that access to and completion of high-quality postsecondary education and training bring a range of benefits to graduates and their families, including enhanced economic stability and mobility, improved health and well-being, and better educational outcomes for the entire family.”

Columbus Tech has also partnered with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) to announce available funding through Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) that helps low-income families pay for childcare through scholarships awarded to parent(s) who work, attend school/training, or participate in work-related activities.  For more information about these services visit the CAPS website at www.caps.decal.ga.gov, call 1-833-4GA-CAPS (1-833-442- 2277) or determine eligibility athttps://caps.decal.ga.gov/en/EligibilityRequirements.