Troy University’s Coleman Center for Early Learning and Family Enrichment has been awarded three grants that will fund classrooms for 54 children.

The Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education recently awarded three First Class Pre-K grants to the Coleman Center, an early learning center located at Troy University’s Dothan Campus.

The grants will lead to the creation of three First Class Pre-K classrooms specifically for 4-year-olds.

“Troy University is proud that, through the Coleman Center, we’re able to provide this wonderful early learning experience for the children of our community,” said Nancy Mitta, Director of the Coleman Center.

These First Class rooms will operate in conjunction with the other classrooms at the Coleman Center, which serve a variety of ages from infants to 4-year-olds.

The First Class rooms will operate on a Dothan City Schools schedule, operating from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on weekdays, but parents can keep their children enrolled after those hours for a fee.

Parents who apply must register their children for a waiting list.

“If for some reason somebody doesn’t get into one of those First Class grant-funded classes, we have made arrangements to place all children in need of a pre-k education,” Mitta said.

The center, which will be located in the currently-under-construction Coleman Hall, is scheduled to open Sept. 9, but parents are encouraged to apply now by visiting www.troy.edu/about-us/dothan-campus/coleman-center.

To apply directly to the First Class Pre-K waiting list, visit https://alprek.asapconnected.com.