DOUGHERTY COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) – PREP Academy of Learning has expanded its services and now offers preschool through a new location in Albany.

The daycare center, previously operating out of two separate sites, has combined operations into one larger facility on Archwood Lane. The new location has space for up to 127 children, providing significantly more room than the previous locations combined.

In 2024, US News reported that parents spend almost 20% of their income on childcare. For those who qualify, PREP Academy of Learning accepts CAPS benefits to help lower the cost for low-income families.

“It’s very important that parents have some support so that they can work and make sure their child is attending a daycare that is of quality,” said Monica Henderson, Owner and Director of PREP Academy of Learning.

PREP Academy is now a proud member of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, as they joined this week.

“We’re always excited to have new members join the chamber, especially those that are expanding. They will benefit from all the Chamber does such as connecting, advocating, and really just helping push our community forward,” said Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Interim President and CEO, Matt Reed.

Recently, the daycare received a state-funded Pre-K Grant. This grant allows them to offer free preschool to children who turn four years old on or before September 1st. The free Pre-K program will officially begin this fall with one class.

“We had a lot of parents here who chose to, before we received the grant, they chose to let their child stay here because we had our own private pre-K but they had to pay,” explained Henderson. “Well now, once they turn four, they are already here, so that ensures we will have a full pre-K class the entire year.”

As a former Dougherty County educator herself, Owner Monica Henderson says she hopes to expand her childcare business with the eventual goal of opening a K-2nd Grade charter school right here in Albany.

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