The Georgia Department of Community Affairs, in partnership with Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, and Childcare Resource and Referral has awarded Tickle Me Pink Daycare and Learning Center a $20,000.00 playground grant.

The funding is a part of the Federal Race to the Top- Early Learning Challenge grant. DECAL and DCA award economic development incentive packages for child care programs to expand or to open new child care programs to serve infants and toddlers with high needs in Georgia’s Education Empowerment Zones that are Quality Rated. 

Tickle Me Pink Daycare and Learning Center will have its Opening Ceremony of the new playground Monday October 17, 2016 at 10:00a.m. “We are excited about our new playground equipment,” stated Pamela Carter, Director and Owner of Tickle Me Pink.  “We strive daily to provide quality in every aspect of our learning center. This new playground equipment will definitely support our ongoing efforts.” Tickle Me Pink Daycare and Learning Center has provided childcare to families for over 17 years.  They were previously located on West Gordon Street adjacent to the now S.L. Mason Elementary. They are now located at 252 N. St. Augustine Rd., Valdosta, Georgia.

To be eligible for a Child Care Expansion Grant, applicants must have earned a one, two or three  star rating through Quality Rated, Georgia’s system to assess, improve, and communicate the quality of care a child care program provides. The applicant must also be located in, or expand its business to, one of Georgia’s E3Z counties.