Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital’s Family Tree receives grant for early childhood learning

ALBANY — Officials said the Family Tree Child Development Center at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital has been awarded an $80,000 grant from Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning and the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement.

Officials said the state-funded grant is geared toward implementation of strong language and literacy instructions in infant and toddler classrooms. The announcement of the grant was made last week.

“We are so grateful to be receiving this grant funding,” said Family Tree Director Lisa Kingry. “Children are our future, and early literacy is vital to every child’s success. This money will give our infant and toddler teachers the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills needed to help develop critical early language and literacy skills.”

The Family Tree is one of 16 early learning centers across the state awarded the grant, and one of three south of Macon. It is part of an effort among state officials to advance Gov. Nathan Deal’s goal that every child in Georgia reads on grade level by the end of third grade.

Officials said the funding will provide infant and toddler teachers with coaching and professional development on building early literacy skills.

The program at The Family Tree is Quality Rated through DECAL. By participating in Georgia’s Quality Rated program, facilities make a commitment to work continuously to improve the quality of child care they provide to children and families.

The Family Tree serves children of Phoebe employees and provides early childhood care and education in addition to early and late-hour care. The center began in the 1980s, and the first director was hired in 1990. The current facility was renovated in 2008 and is licensed to serve 269 children, ages six weeks to 11-years-old.

The staff includes 32 teaching personnel — including teachers, aides and assistants — and four administrative personnel.