Northwest Georgia Housing Authority, serving Rome and Rockmart, recently received a $1.6 million federal grant.

The Authority will provide additional money from its unrestricted funds to construct a new educational facility at 1030 North Piedmont Avenue, Rockmart. The building will be located on 2.4 acres near the Floyd Primary Care facility.

The 10,500-square-foot multi-purpose facility will also provide space for an after school tutorial program and adult literacy program.

The project is expected to go to bid in October. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2013 and completed in about 12 months.

“We are excited to be in Rockmart,” said Executive Director Sandra Hudson, NWGHA. “This project has been planned for several months and will provide additional educational opportunities in the community.”

The Capital Fund Educational and Training Facility (CFCF) will also house Rockmart’s House of the Children Academy.

The Academy will utilize the Montessori philosophy under the supervision of Ms. Shemi Kumar, owner of the Montessori School of Rome.

It will serve children ages 6 weeks to 4 years. Included will be the infant, toddler and primary programs.

The infant program includes music, song/rhyme, language development, exercise / stimulation, gross and fine motor skills.

Toddlers – 18 months to 3 years – are engaged thematically through music, movement, story time and play.

Academics are introduced in the primary program – ages 3 and 4 – through concrete manipulative materials. The child is encouraged to develop practical life skills.

The current cost of tuition is $80.00/week. Staff - lead teachers must have a four-year degree.

The Academy is available for public housing children and other youngsters in Rockmart.

Anyone interested in childcare services at Rockmart’s House of the Children Academy can pre-register by calling 706-378-3940.