Volunteers of America surprises Sorrento preschool with $15K classroom makeover

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Emery’s Child Care and Preschool is one of four centers in the Greater Baton Rouge area selected for the 2025 Project PlaySmart makeover.

A few lucky childcare centers in the Greater Baton Rouge area just received a major boost—thanks to Volunteers of America South Central Louisiana and their ongoing mission to improve early childhood education across the state.

Emery’s Child Care and Preschool in Sorrento was surprised with a $15,000 classroom makeover as part of the 2025 Project PlaySmart initiative. The reveal was filled with joy as staff, parents, and students celebrated the transformation of their learning space.

“They’re just going to be able to be so creative in this new space,” said Melissa Tramonte, Director of Emery’s Child Care and Preschool.

The makeover equipped the center with updated furniture, vibrant learning materials, and new toys designed to support early childhood development through play-based learning.

The funds came from the Louisiana School Readiness Tax Credit Program, which allows area businesses to direct their tax dollars toward early education improvements.

“We use School Readiness Tax Credits,” explained Tonya Harden, Director of Partnerships and Childcare for Volunteers of America. “Those are donor funds from area businesses, and we pour that right back into the community.”

For Tramonte, the investment in her center means more than just aesthetics—it’s about legacy.

“I come from a family of eight children, and at Christmas time when we gather, we’re close to one hundred now. So babies is what we know,” she said, smiling.

Since 1996, the Partnerships in Child Care (PICC) program has served 23 parishes across Louisiana, offering support for providers and families of children from birth to age five. This year, Emery’s was one of two Grand Prize winners. Two additional centers received $10,000 runner-up prizes.

“We learn through play, but what better way to have additional things in that classroom that prepare you for success in life,” said Dr. Moquita Winey, Lead Agency Administrator with the Ascension Ready Start Network.

With support from donors and community partnerships, Project PlaySmart has now delivered 63 classroom makeovers statewide—and counting.

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