DECAL Download: Recent Episodes
Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
Your source for news and information from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. You will hear from Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs and special guests to give you an update on all things DECAL.
Send us Fan Mail
This week we’re focused on the Georgia Public Library Service where a transition in taking place. After more than a decade of service, Julie Walker has retired and Angela Stanley has been appointed to succeed her as State Librarian and Vice Chancellor for Libraries & Archives. On this episode, we talk with them both!
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
This week we’re talking about an exciting new resource from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning: DECAL FAST, which stands for Family Access to Services & Tools. For families looking for high-quality child care or early education, DECAL FAST is designed to make the search easier, faster, and more user-friendly. Joining us to talk about DECAL FAST and how you can use it for your next childcare search is Sushma Sanissetty, Developer; Shravanthi Korada, IT Business Analyst; Sonja Steptoe, Assistant Director of Business Supports & Operations; and Bridget Ratajczak, Child & Family Development Manager.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
Across Georgia, a new school year is beginning, and that means thousands of four-year-olds are walking into Georgia’s Pre-K classrooms for the very first time. For many children and families, Pre-K is a first school experience, a chance to build confidence and independence, and an important step toward kindergarten and lifelong learning. Joining us to talk more about Georgia’s Pre-K Program and the start of a new school year is Susan Adams, Deputy Commissioner of Georgia’s Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports, Janika Young is Assistant Director of Pre-K Operations, and Maria Moor is Quality Support Specialist. Then we check in with Bethany Whetzel with Georgia's Office of the State Treasurer as the July 31 deadline approaches for this year's We Care Child Care Sweepstakes.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
The early years of birth to five are a time of rapid growth in a child’s body, brain, and social-emotional development, and they can shape lifelong health and learning. Today, we’ll explore what parents, caregivers, and early childhood professionals should know about preventive care, nutrition, sleep, safety, developmental milestones, and when to seek support if something doesn’t seem quite right. This is our regular feature Small Wonders, partnering with the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Our special guest is Dr. Nicola Chin, President of Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Chin is a pediatrician in Atlanta and is affiliated with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. She received her medical degree from Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and has been in practice for more than 20 years.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
This week our focus is on Georgia’s 2Gen Leadership Academy…a first-of-its-kind, cross-agency program that brings together leaders from state government and nonprofits. Their goal is to help families thrive by supporting both children and the adults who care for them. The academy was developed by the Georgia Children’s Cabinet and facilitated by the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. Joining us to talk about Georgia’s 2Gen Academy are four recent graduates of the 4th cohort of the program, all from DECAL. And they are Colette Bolds, CCS Special Investigations Manager; Shayna Funke, Director of Research Partnerships & Business Support; Melinda Knowles, CAPS 2Gen Strategies and Partnerships Project Manager; and Mia Obiwo, Workforce Policy and Process Administrator.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
This week we’re highlighting an important partnership that helps support the quality of child care in Georgia and strengthens the professionals who provide this care every day: our work with Child Care Resource and Referral agencies, or CCR&Rs. Joining us are Kristin Blevins, Professional Learning Specialist here at DECAL; Dana Driggers is Assistant Director of Operations for Child Care Resource & Referral of Southeast Georgia in Savannah; Cindy Fick is Operations Director for Child Care Resource and Referral of Southwest Georgia in Albany; Ricci Lewis-Johnson is an Early Childhood Specialist with Leap Early Learning Partners in Augusta; and Kristen Groover with Quality Care for Children: Central West in Atlanta.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
Her name may strike fear in the hearts of litigants across the nation and around the world, but now TV’s Judge Hatchett has published a new book encouraging children ages 3-8 to dream boldly, build confidence, and see themselves as leaders, creators, and changemakers. Joining us for this week’s DECAL Download is Atlanta native, attorney, former Fulton County Juvenile Court Judge, and nationally recognized TV personality Judge Glenda Hatchett.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
This week we’re talking about the transformative power of arts education for young learners. All across Georgia, DECAL partners with the Alliance Theater in a program bringing drama, music, puppetry, and dance to enhance language, literacy, and math skills for rising Pre-K and Kindergarten students participating in our Summer Transition Program. Joining us to talk about our partnership is Chris Moses, Artistic Director with the Alliance Theater, Susan Adams is our Deputy Commissioner for Georgia’s Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports, and Devon Porter is Summer Transition Program and Outreach Manager.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs is the guest on this episode of Georgia Focus with John Clark, heard on more than 170 radio stations statewide on the Georgia News Network.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
On this week’s episode we’re joined by a remarkable group of college interns who have spent the semester working with us. Throughout their time here, they’ve contributed their talents, learned new skills, and become a valued part of the DECAL team. Let's meet Gabrielle Banks- Communications- Kennesaw State; Kiersten Harris- Pre-K- GA Military College; Tanvi Kattula- IT -University of Georgia; Zeniya Lukonde- Legal- Spelman College; Ana Onofre- Communications- Kennesaw State; and Shreya Shankar- QIP -Emory University.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
This week’s episode spotlights our Georgia's Early Childhood Educators of the Year. On Friday, April 24, these inspiring teachers were honored along with our Georgia’s Pre-K Program Teachers of the Year at a luncheon hosted by the Metro Atlanta Chamber and sponsored by MTX Group Inc., the Georgia Lottery Corporation, and more. Joining us to talk about the Early Childhood Educators of the Year is Miranda Murphy, Practice and Support Services Outreach and Project Manager; Laura Wagner is Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning; and our Early Childhood Educators of the Year are Gleydis Estrada, The Golden Age Family Child Care Learning Home in Lawrenceville; Kenyetta Robinson, Lifetime Youth Learning Center in Union City; and Gloria Linley, Towne Lake Academy, South Campus in Woodstock. Dawan Barfield from GEEARS serves as Gleydis’s interpreter for this podcast.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
On this week’s episode we are reviewing legislative developments from the 2026 Georgia General Assembly and their effects on DECAL and early childcare and education across the state. With new laws and policies shaping the future of Georgia's youngest learners, we'll unpack what these changes mean for families, providers, and the broader community.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
This week’s episode is all about “Quality Rated Myth Busters,” where we'll bust some common misconceptions and shine a light on how Georgia’s Quality Rated system really works. If you’ve ever wondered how early care and education programs are assessed, improved, and recognized for their efforts, you’re in the right place!
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
Today, we’re looking at Child Care Services and some new resources they’ve created to make compliance easier and more approachable for early childhood programs. Through a new Resource Suite, CCS has taken comprehensive guidance documents and broken them down into manageable, topic-focused resources that use everyday language and offer practical tips for success.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
This week’s episode is dedicated to a truly historic moment: On April 22, Governor Brian Kemp announced that Georgia’s Pre-K Program has met all 10 of 10 quality benchmarks established by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), positioning the state as a national leader in early childhood education. Georgia Pre-K is the largest program in the nation to meet all 10 benchmarks, and the first universal program to do so.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
Our Child Care Services Division is inviting all providers to a special Lunch and Learn, happening on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at noon. They’re looking specifically at required reports…which can be confusing. Sometimes providers are submitting reports they don’t need to, or missing the ones that are essential. Joining us to talk about the CCS Lunch and Learn is the team working on the project: CCS Coordinators Kaycee Purvis and Rebecca Mullinax and Consultants Kajora McCoy and Christina Jennings.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
Each year, DECAL’s Look Again campaign serves as a crucial reminder for parents, caregivers, and educators about the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles. We're proud to highlight the collaborative efforts with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration, joining forces to raise awareness and prevent tragic incidents of pediatric vehicular heatstroke. Joining us to talk about the Look Again campaign are Kesha McNeal and Rukiya Thomas with Child Care Services; Allen Poole is Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Robert Hydrick, Communications Manager for the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety; and Angel Upshaw, Media Relations Specialist.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
DECAL celebrates Children’s Mental Health Week in Georgia May 4th – 8th, as we have done for the last six years in the first full week of May. Similar to Georgia’s Pre-K Week, and Inclusive Early Learning Week, this special week in May reminds us that the early years in a child’s life provide a key opportunity to establish safe and secure relationships and support healthy social and emotional development also known as mental health.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
On this week’s episode, we’re talking about the Georgia’s Pre-K Summer Transition Program, a dynamic initiative that is held during June and July, offering high-quality instruction with a focus on language, literacy, and math. The STP has proven to reduce the achievement gap among young learners and provide essential support for children as they prepare for Pre-K and Kindergarten. Joining us this week to talk about the Summer Transition Program is Meghan McNail, Director for Pre-K Instruction and Regional Operations, and Devon Porter, Summer Transition Program and Outreach Manager. Also joining us are Jeff Randa, Project Director for Easter Seals North Georgia, and Pam Weiser, Project Director for Fulton County School District.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
It's never too early to start planning a summer your children will remember! In this episode, we dive into how the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is making it easier for families to find safe, affordable, and high-quality summer camps. Whether you're seeking guidance from knowledgeable call center specialists, using a handy checklist, or exploring online resources, DECAL equips parents with the tools and support needed to make confident choices for summer care.
Joining us are Sonja Steptoe, Assistant Director of Business Supports and Operations, and Katrina Bernard, Manager of the Quality Rated Family Support Call Center. Together, they share expert advice and helpful tips on how to navigate your search for the perfect summer camp in Georgia this year.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
For nearly two decades, Mindy Binderman has been a nonprofit leader and advocate for early childhood policy here in Georgia dedicating her career to advocacy, policy development, and driving systemic change. Recently the founding Executive Director of the Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students or GEEARS announced that she will soon take on the new role of Chief External Affairs Officer at the Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF), a national leader in community development financial services. Joining us to talk more about early childhood education in Georgia and her new role at LIIF is Mindy Binderman.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
High-quality educational programming plays a critical role for children from birth to age five, as these early years are foundational for brain development, language acquisition, social-emotional growth, and the establishment of lifelong learning habits. Today we’re excited to welcome back Laura Evans, Vice President of Education at Georgia Public Broadcasting who has spent more than a decade developing and sharing free, high-quality digital learning resources for Georgia's educators, students, and families.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
Planning for college can start earlier than many families realize. DECAL and Georgia’s Path2College 529 Plan are sponsoring the annual Path from Pre-K to College Sweepstakes, an initiative to help families begin saving for their children’s education while they are still in Pre-K. Joining us is Bethany Whetzel, Treasury Program Director for Georgia's Office of the State Treasurer. Then, March 19, 2026, was Pre-K at the Capitol Day where Voices for Georgia's Children helped us announce the dates for this year's Georgia's Pre-K Week, October 5-9, 2026. We look back at the resolutions passed in the House and Senate and talk with legislators.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
Across the country, from March 15th to the 21st, we are shining a spotlight on the providers, the sponsors, and the food service professionals who are quite literally stirring goodness into the lives of children and adults. Today we’re going beyond the meal patterns and the paperwork to talk about the real-world impact of the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Joining us today is Tamika Boone, Nutrition Services Director, and Cindy Kicklighter, Marketing and Outreach Manager, to talk about how they are fueling healthy futures, one plate at a time.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
On today’s episode, we’re looking into the findings of a recent study examining the early childhood care and education workforce in Georgia. We'll explore the challenges educators face, the opportunities for professional growth, and how these insights could shape the future of early childhood learning across the state. Joining us to talk about the State of Early Care and Education in Georgia is Dr. Mia Obiwo, Workforce Policy and Process Administrator, and Stephen McGarity, Instructional Research and Data Quality Manager.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
In a field where the well-being and developmental growth of our youngest children is at stake, it’s essential that standards, policies, and regulations are upheld with diligence and integrity. DECAL’s Audits and Compliance Team serves as the guardians of quality, ensuring that early childhood programs across Georgia meet state requirements, maintain financial transparency, and provide safe, nurturing environments for children and their families. Joining us to talk about Audits & Compliance at DECAL is Ben Appling, Director of Audits & Compliance, LeighAnn Hendrix is CAPS Compliance Manager, and Aleisha Golden is Senior Manager of Risk Management and Program Integrity.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
This week we’re delving into a topic that’s both exciting and essential: hiring at DECAL. Whether you’re interested in joining our team or just curious about what it takes to work in state government --- specifically early care and learning --- this episode is for you. Joining us to talk about hiring at DECAL is Sheryl Young-Wilhite, our director of Human Resources, who is here to discuss the qualities we look for in candidates, and tips for navigating our hiring process.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
DECAL Scholars is a transformative initiative designed to support early childhood educators on their journey to earning a degree or credential. From personalized educational counseling to scholarship assistance, DECAL Scholars is making a real difference for those who dedicate their careers to giving Georgia’s youngest learners the best possible start. Joining us this week to talk about DECAL Scholars is Dr. Christi Moore, Director of Workforce Supports and Learning here at DECAL, and Charlotte Pelz, Vice President of Education at Care Solutions.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
On this episode we’re focusing on an exciting opportunity for Pre-K programs here in Georgia: the Pre-K Classroom Refurbishment Funding. These funds bring a chance to further enhance learning environments with a one-time payment of $15,000 per eligible classroom. Joining us to talk about Pre-K Classroom Refurbishment Funding is Meghan McNail, Director for Georgia’s Pre-K Program Instruction and Regional Operations, Cheryl McChargue, Project Director from the Coweta County School System along with one of her Pre-K teachers, India Jackson, and Dr. Clarice Ford-Kulah, project director from Bethesda Christian Academy in Gwinnett County, along with her Pre-K teacher, Snova Pennerman.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
Nutrition plays a crucial role in early care settings by supporting children's growth, development, and ability to learn. Establishing healthy eating habits during these formative years sets the foundation for lifelong wellness and academic success. We recently welcomed back to DECAL Monica Griffin, our new Nutrition Education and Physical Activity Supervisor. Monica brings over 15 years of experience as a registered dietitian, supporting early care and education programs throughout Georgia. She was with us before as Nutrition Education Manager, then went to work for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Quality Care for Children. Catch up with Monica on this week's podcast.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
This week we’re preparing to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Inclusive Early Learning Week, happening all across Georgia February 9-13, just before Valentine's Day. This milestone event honors a decade of commitment to supporting children with disabilities and their families. Joining us to talk about Inclusive Early Learning Week is Katie Hagan, SEEDS Program Director, and Veronia Thomas, Director of Practice and Support Services. From GEEARS, the Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students, is Research Manager Caitlyn Sanders. And Jennifer Jones is Executive Director of a nonprofit called Apparo Academy in Augusta, an early learning program that supports children with special needs using a unique model.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
Today, we’re diving into highlights of the annual Media Symposium hosted by the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, held on January 9, 2026. One of the standout sessions was a dynamic panel focused on early learning, featuring Dr. Bentley Ponder, Deputy Commissioner for Quality Innovations and Partnerships, Kristen Bernhard with Primrose Schools, Shawnell Johnson with Promise All Atlanta Children Thrive, and Ellyn Cochran from Quality Care for Children.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
On Monday, January 12, 2026, the Georgia General Assembly continues its 158th session…which began with the 2025 General Assembly in the traditional two-year cycle. It gets pretty busy around the Gold Dome and even here next door at the Twin Towers. From budget battles and education reform to healthcare, transportation, and election law changes, there is a lot going on. Joining us today to preview the session is Polly McKinney, Advocacy Director for Voices for Georgia’s Children and a partner at Lexicon Strategies; Liz Young is Director of Government Relations and Special Projects here at DECAL, Rian Ringsrud is our Deputy Commissioner for Finance and Administration, and our special guest Greg Bluestein is Chief Political Reporter with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. We will also hear from State Rep Rick Townsend who joined us in Brunswick for a recent podcast on our Chop, Look, Listen campaign and took a moment to do a little legislative prognosticating.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
This week, we are excited to shine a light on Helping Mamas, a remarkable nonprofit organization here in Georgia dedicated to connecting essential baby supplies to families in need. From diapers and wipes to car seats and strollers, Helping Mamas plays a critical role in ensuring every child has the basics for a healthy start in life. Joining us to talk about Helping Mamas is Jamie Lackey, Founder and CEO, Laura Wagner, Executive Director of our Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning, and Quandra Obi, Special Assistant to Commissioner Jacobs and a member of the leadership team that raised the most money for our recent $5,000 donation to Helping Mamas.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
Some Georgia high school students are getting a jump start on their careers in early childhood education by taking classes on the subject as early as high school. For example, Maxwell High School of Technology in Gwinnett County offers early childhood education offerings that include a fully operational Georgia’s Pre-K Program classroom. Joining us to talk about the program is Karey McFall, an Early Childhood Education Instructor, along with Laurynn Martin, a paraprofessional and former student at the program, plus current students Aubrey Hoyt and Justin Davilla Mora. And Rokeya Stone is a Georgia’s Pre-K Program Specialist who works with the team at Maxwell High School of Technology.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
This week we’re excited to talk with the talented college interns who joined us during the 2025 fall semester and learn more about the projects they tackled, and the valuable lessons learned along the way. We are proud to introduce Ariana Banhan from Georgia Tech, Christine Bonaparte from Emory University, Jaida Hayes from Clayton State University, Kiersten Harris from Georgia Military College, Nava Pidugu from Georgia State University, and Zeniya Lukonde from Spelman College. Also joining us is Mark Dock, Senior Manager of Human Resources here at DECAL.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
This week an insightful conversation with Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs as she shares updates on early childhood education, key initiatives shaping the future of Georgia’s youngest learners, and what’s ahead for families and providers. In this candid discussion, Commissioner Jacobs answers listener questions, highlights recent accomplishments, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how DECAL is working to support quality care and education across the state.
Support the show
Send us Fan Mail
Today a special episode of DECAL Download coming to you from Brunswick, Georgia…the site of a recent media event announcing the launch of Chop, Look & Listen, our new statewide campaign to prevent children from choking during meal times at child care, at home, or anywhere. Joining us today to talk about Chop, Look and Listen is State Rep Dr. Rick Townsend who represents this area in the Georgia General Assembly and Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner for Child Care Services.
Support the show
Send us a text
On this week’s episode, we’re taking you outside the studio to Seven Branches Academy in Alpharetta, Georgia, where October 28 we held the first of two Chop Look Listen events. This groundbreaking statewide initiative is all about keeping our youngest learners safe from one of the most preventable risks in child care: choking. Every year, thousands of children nationwide are treated for choking incidents, often caused by food, small toys, or everyday objects. These numbers remind us just how important it is for parents, caregivers, and educators to stay vigilant and informed.
Support the show
Send us a text
For many kids across Georgia, summer vacation means more fun and free time. But for kids facing food insecurity, made worse by COVID’s impact on already tight-family budgets, no school can also mean limited access to affordable, nutritious foods. That's where Happy Helpings comes in…it’s the summer food service program funded by USDA and administered by DECAL. Joining us today with an update on Happy Helpings Georgia is Cindy Kicklighter, Nutrition Marketing and Outreach Manager, and Joann Kilpatrick, Marketing and Outreach Specialist.
Support the show
Send us a text
This week we’re introducing a new feature on DECAL Download called Small Wonders. Partnering with the American Academy of Pediatrics, Small Wonders will bring you trusted expert advice on raising young children from birth to age five. Joining us for this first installment of Small Wonders is Dr. Nicola Chin, a pediatrician here in metro Atlanta. Dr. Chin is a native of Jamaica, West Indies. She attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology for her undergraduate studies and received her medical degree at Temple University School of Medicine. She has practiced for the last twenty years in the Atlanta area and currently works with Morehouse Medicine at East Point/ Morehouse School of Medicine.
Support the show
Send us a text
Meals and snacks can be dangerous. Choking accidents remain a leading cause of injury and even death among young children both in child care settings and at home. In 2024, Georgia suffered two incidents where toddlers in child care choked while eating fruit and later died…one in Brunswick and one in Alpharetta. In response to those tragedies, DECAL has created a new campaign to equip caregivers, educators, and parents with practical tools and strategies to keep children safe. It’s called Chop, Look & Listen. Joining us to discuss the new campaign is Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner for Child Care Services, and Candice Gilbert, CCS Training and Communications Manager.
Support the show
Send us a text
On September 30, DECAL named our new Georgia Pre-K Program Teachers of the Year for the 2025-2026 school year with surprise visits to their classrooms. We were thrilled to spotlight two remarkable educators who have shown exceptional commitment and passion for early childhood education and today we get to meet them both personally. Joining us are your new Georgia’s Pre-K Program Teachers of the Year for 2025-2026, Autumn Hart from Bundle of Joy Academy in Marietta, representing private schools, and Teresa Swaim from West Jackson Elementary School in Hoschton, representing public schools. Also, Devon Porter, Summer Transition Program and Outreach Manager.
Support the show
Send us a text
Today we’re discussing a topic that’s bringing well-deserved recognition—and financial support—to the educators who are the backbone of our child care system: the Quality Rated Workforce Bonuses. Funded by DECAL, this annual $500 bonus is a way to say “thank you” to the teachers and staff who go above and beyond in serving children and families. Joining us with an update on the Quality Rated Workforce Bonuses is Rachel Lee, Assistant Director of Quality Assurance and Business Operations for Quality Innovations and Partnerships.
Support the show
Send us a text
Open Enrollment for health benefits is a pivotal time for employees here at DECAL. During this annual window…this year October 20 to November 8…staff members can review, select, or update their health insurance and related coverage options to best meet their needs and those of their families. Joining us to talk about Open Enrollment is Sabrina Henry, Senior Manager of Human Resources.
Support the show
Send us a text
It's Georgia Pre-K Week and we're talking with Coy Bowles, a Grammy award-winning guitarist for the Zac Brown Band and advocate for children’s education and creativity, and Malcolm Mitchell, former Georgia Bulldog, Super Bowl champion, and literacy advocate, about their new book Every Amazing Story. The book takes young readers on a creative journey that shows every child they have a voice and a story worth telling.
Support the show
Send us a text
This week we’re excited to spotlight a very special occasion: the 15th annual Georgia’s Pre-K Week, taking place October 6th through 10th, 2025. For fifteen years, this tradition has united leaders and communities across Georgia to celebrate the power of early education. Again this year we are partnering with Voices for Georgia’s Children, and we have a very special book for every Pre-K student and classroom. Joining us to talk about Georgia’s Pre-K Week is Judy Fitzgerald, Executive Director of Voices for Georgia’s Children; Joshua England is Advocacy Specialist at Voices; and Devon Porter is Manager of Outreach and the Summer Transition Program for Georgia’s Pre-K.
Support the show
Send us a text
This week we’re talking with the Georgia Foundation of Early Care and Learning about a new round of Early Literacy Alignment Mini-Grants. With up to $5,000 in funding, these grants bring public elementary schools and local child care programs together to foster innovative, vertically aligned literacy practices. Joining us to talk about the Early Literacy Alignment Mini-Grants is Laura Wagner, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning, and Paige Buzbee, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Public Education.
Support the show
Send us a text
This week we’re focusing on a topic that’s essential for the safety and well-being of our youngest learners, criminal background checks. Whether you are a parent, provider, or educator, understanding how DECAL conducts these checks is crucial to ensuring that our early care environments remain safe and trustworthy. Joining us to talk about Criminal Background Checks in Georgia is Ira Sudman, DECAL General Counsel, and Greg Brown, Legal Services Officer.
Support the show
Send us a text
This week we’re talking about a significant development that promises to enhance support for families in our community. DECAL has created the Quality Rated Family Support Call Center that can be reached through the popular 877-ALL-GA KIDS phone number the agency created many years ago. Joining us to talk about the new Quality Rated Family Support Call Center is Sonja Steptoe, Assistant Director of Business Supports and Operations; Katrina Bernard, Quality Rated Family Support Call Center Manager; and Anna Buchmann, the Lead Specialist in the Family Support Call Center.
Support the show
Send us a text
The third cohort of the Georgia 2Gen Academy celebrated its graduation in early June marking a significant milestone in the state’s commitment to fostering holistic support for children and families. Joining us to talk about their experience with Georgia’s 2Gen Academy are Quandra Obi, Special Assistant to Commissioner Jacobs and Board Liaison, Bridget Ratajczak, DECAL’s Child and Family Development Supervisor, Amanda Tarpley, CAPS Provider Relations Director, and Jill Taylor, Director of Community Partnerships and 2Gen Outreach.
Support the show
Send us a text
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on a vital aspect of child care—preparing for provider inspections. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned pro, the inspection process can feel daunting, but knowledge is the key to confidence. That’s why CCS has been offering a series of Lunch & Learn webinars breaking down what providers need to know before, during, and after inspection day. Joining us this week to talk about CCS inspections is Kaycee Purvis, CCS Central East Region Coordinator, Rebekah Mullinax, Southeast Region Coordinator, and Kajora McCoy, Central East Region Lead Consultant.
Support the show
Send us a text
Today we’re talking about the recent digital transformation of the DECAL Homepage at decal.ga.gov, freshly updated as of June 30. The new Homepage is more intuitive than ever, streamlining the user experience and putting information right at your fingertips. Plus, with the addition of the innovative Ask CALI chatbot, finding answers and navigating resources has never been easier. Joining us to talk about the new DECAL homepage and AskCALi Chatbot is Dermaine Smith, Director of Enterprise Technology and Innovation; Aparna Sikha, Director of Developmental Operations and Engineering; Robin Reid, Senior Web Developer; and Barbara Sanders, Senior Business Analyst.
Support the show
Send us a text
This week we’re turning our attention to one of the most important milestones in early childhood education: preparing for Georgia’s Pre-K Program. We have assembled a panel of experts to explore what families, educators, and communities can do to ensure children are ready for a successful year of learning and growth. Joining us this week are Georgia’s Pre-K Program Specialists Alice Lasseter, Rokeya Stone, and Perri Walden. Meghan McNail is Director of Georgia’s Pre-K Program Instructional and Regional Operations, and Devon Porter is Manager of Outreach and the Summer Transition Program.
Support the show
Send us a text
For the second time, DECAL has awarded Community Impact Grants—a bold step aimed at closing opportunity gaps and fostering long-term positive outcomes for children birth to eight and their families. Designed to encourage collaboration across sectors, Community Impact Grants challenge non-profits, school systems, and government entities to come together and craft community-specific solutions. Joining us this week to talk about Community Impact Grants is Jill Taylor, DECAL Director of Community Partnerships and 2Gen Outreach; and grant recipients Tatjyana Elmore, President of the Black Child Development Institute-Atlanta, and Allison Garefino, Clinical Director of Children and Family Programs at Kennesaw State University.
Support the show
Send us a text
Prevent Child Abuse Georgia has rebranded to Positive Childhood Alliance Georgia. This shift marks a change in the organization’s evolving commitment to creating safe and nurturing environments for children. In this episode we speak with Jennifer Stein, Executive Director at PCA Georgia to understand what inspired this change and what the future looks like for the organization.
Support the show
Send us a text
Today we’re talking about building learning environments where every child, regardless of ability, can thrive. DECAL has introduced an exciting initiative, the Adaptive Learning Mini-Grant Opportunity! Joining us this week is Peggy Sutton, Jenn Dover, Esther Whitaker, plus Shaheen Ehani, Director at Kids Galaxy of Marietta, and Abby Brooke, Assistant Director of Doodlebugs Childcare. Both are recipients of the mini-grant.
Support the show
Send us a text
This week we’re talking about a great partnership between DECAL and Georgia’s Path2College 529 Plan: the annual We Care, Child Care Sweepstakes. Now open for entries, this initiative will award four Georgia families—each from different regions—a $1,529 college scholarship for their child. At the same time, the child care program each winner attends will receive $1,529 cash to bolster early learning efforts. Joining us this week to talk more about the We Care Child Care Sweepstakes is Bethany Whetzel, Treasury Program Director for the Georgia Office of the State Treasurer.
Support the show
Send us a text
With a workforce of 800 employees spanning Georgia, the DECAL team travels extensively between cities to visit child care programs and engage with community partners and advocates. Through their experiences, they have accumulated valuable insights regarding the best dining establishments in Georgia…from sit-down meals to sweet treats to enjoy along the highways and byways. Joining us to talk about the Best Places to Eat in Georgia is Brittany Marks and Clayton Adams with our Early Education Community Partnerships team, Kimberly Stoy with Child Care Services in Southeast Georgia, and Ira Sudman, General Counsel for DECAL.
Support the show
Send us a text
At their May 15 quarterly meeting, members of the Board of Early Care and Learning elected new officers. The 14-member body is an advisory board to Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs and the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, all appointed by Governor Brian Kemp to seat representing their congressional districts. Joining us to talk about their new roles on the Board of Early Care and Learning is Kristy Beam who is from Atlanta representing the Fourth Congressional District, who now serves as Chair; Kristin Morrisey is from Cumming and represents the Seventh Congressional District, who now serves as Vice Chair; and Cristina Washell, from Cleveland, representing the Ninth Congressional District who was elected secretary.
Support the show
Send us a text
This week we're diving into the new CAPS Advisory Councils…one for parents and one for providers. These groups are here to share insights and feedback on the Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program to help make it better and easier to access. Joining us is Elisabetta Kasfir, Deputy Commissioner for Federal Programs, Amy Roys, CAPS Director for Development and Partnerships, and Melinda Knowles, CAPS Manager for Development and Partnerships.
Support the show
Send us a text
Today we’re diving into the exciting world of internships with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. Whether you're a student considering a career in early childhood education or someone looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young children, this episode is packed with valuable insights and information that will guide you through the internship opportunities available. Joining us to talk about their Intern Experience here at DECAL is Gabrielle Meeks, recent graduate from Georgia Tech, and Njambi Karobia, recent graduate from Georgia State University. Also joining us is Mark Dock, Senior Manager of Human Resources, and Trey Freeman, who served as a DECAL Intern and is now employed fulltime as a Human Resources Assistant.
Support the show
Send us a text
From 2020-2023, DECAL received $2B+ in federal relief funds, fueling initiatives for Georgia’s child care providers, workforce & families. Dive into the impact w/ insights from DECAL & Child Trends. Joining us to talk about COVID-19 relief funding and to help us follow the money is an impressive panel of guests: Shayna Funke, DECAL Director of Research Partnerships and Business Supports; Rob O’Callaghan, DECAL Director of Institutional Research and Data Quality; and from Child Trends, Dr. Dale Richards, Research Scholar and Dr. Rachel Abenavoli, Research Scientist.
Support the show
Send us a text
DECAL has recently announced the launch of our Quality Rated Workforce Bonus payments, a groundbreaking effort that stands among the first of its kind in the nation. This initiative underscores DECAL's unwavering commitment to investing in our dedicated teachers and support staff. These professionals play an essential role in providing high-quality early education and care for our young children, ensuring they have the best possible start in life. Joining us to delve deeper into the Quality Rated Workforce Bonuses is Denise Jenson, the Director of Development and Business Operations for Quality Innovations and Partnerships, and Dr. Bentley Ponder, the Deputy Commissioner for QIP. They will share their insights and provide us with a comprehensive understanding of this innovative program.
Support the show
Send us a text
For the twelfth consecutive year, DECAL is reminding families and caregivers of children to increase their awareness of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles. This year’s “Look Again” campaign aims to ensure that families, child care providers, and the public understand how to prevent pediatric vehicular heatstroke and stay vigilant during Georgia's hottest months.
Joining us today to discuss this important mission are some very special guests: Allen Poole, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Dr. Andrew Grundstein, Professor of Geography and a member of the Atmospheric Sciences program at the University of Georgia, Rukiya Thomas and Kesha McNeal, Regional Managers in DECAL’s Child Care Services Division.
Support the show
Send us a text
Today, we're discussing the pivotal changes and initiatives that are reshaping literacy training in Georgia. Beginning July 1, all child care providers will be required to obtain at least 2 hours of state-approved language and literacy training annually. This move underscores DECAL’s commitment to enhancing language and literacy outcomes for even our youngest learners. Joining us to talk about DECAL’s language and literacy efforts is Jennifer Bridgeman, Director of Process and Policy in our Child Care Services Division, and Dr. Christi Moore is Director of Workforce Supports and Learning.
Support the show
Send us a text
This week we’re diving into an impactful program designed for early care and education professionals called Physical Activity Learning Sessions, or PALS. This training initiative is centered on enhancing the knowledge of physical activity best practices for children from birth to five years old. Here to talk about the transformative potential of PALS is Diana Myers, Nutrition and Physical Activity Supervisor here at DECAL.
Support the show
Send us a text
In 2024, film and television productions spent $2.6 billion in Georgia. If you’re a parent or know someone with young children who want to get into the world of TV and movies, today’s episode is for you. Whether it’s a background role or even the start of something bigger, acting in movies and TV can be an awarding experience, but it’s important to know how to get involved in the right way. Joining us to talk more about TV and filmmaking here in Georgia is Tess Hammock, an expert in the entertainment industry and the host of Casting Call with Tess Hammock seen on FOX 5’s Good Day Atlanta.
Support the show
Send us a text
DECAL will celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week in Georgia May 5th – 9th, as we have done for the last five years during the first full week of May. Similar to Georgia’s Pre-K Week, and Inclusive Early Learning Week, this special week reminds us that the early years in a child’s life provide a key opportunity to establish safe and secure relationships and support healthy social and emotional development. Joining us to talk about Children’s Mental Health Week is our own, Laura Lucas, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Director at DECAL and our guests: Annie Stewart, Child and Adolescent Clinician, and Gloria Julio the Director of Play Therapy, both from Centerville’s One Stop Program at View Point Health.
Support the show
Send us a text
Licensed Family Child Care Learning Homes and Child Care Learning Centers in Georgia who two or three-star Quality Rated are eligible for grants aimed at fostering early language and literacy skills of infants and toddlers. The LITTLE grants, standing for Lifting Infants and Toddlers Through Language-Rich Environments, equip providers with increased knowledge and skills in building responsive relationships, and developing and maintaining a social, emotional, and intellectual climate. Joining us to talk about LITTLE grants, as well as other services available through our Infant Toddler Specialists, is Thea Stevens, Infant Toddler Program Manager; Savannah Ennis who is an Infant Toddler Specialist for the southeast region, and Jewell Moore, First Steps Infant/Toddler Center in Vidalia, a previous LITTLE grantee.
Support the show
Send us a text
Today we are diving into a topic that impacts just about everyone in this age where technology is a part of our day-to-day lives. That topic is how to protect our “personally identifiable information”, also known as PII and application security. From financial transactions to healthcare records, protecting ourselves in the digital world has become increasingly important. Joining us this week to talk about protecting your personally identifiable information is Dennis Brice, Chief Information Officer at DECAL, and Rahda Datla, our Chief Technology and Security Information Officer. With their experience and knowledge, we will discuss threats, solutions, and steps that everyone can take to protect their digital identity.
Support the show
Send us a text
Recently administrators and advocates for early childhood education visited the State Capitol where the House and Senate proclaimed that Georgia’s Pre-K Week will be observed October 6-10, 2025, with legislators visiting classrooms to read to our young learners. Joining us this week on the podcast is Judy Fitzgerald, Executive Director of Voices for Georgia’s Children, Meghan McNail is Director of Pre-K Instruction and Regional Operations, Liz Young is our Director of Government Relations and Special Projects, plus special audio from our day at the Capitol, proclamations in the House and Senate, and interviews with legislators in the hallways.
Support the show
Send us a text
Today, we're excited to share significant changes happening within DECAL’s Community Partnership Team. In a bold move to enhance collaboration and engagement, the team is shifting its outreach strategy from a broad regional approach to a more focused, subregion-specific model. Joining us to discuss our Community Partnership Team is Jill Taylor, Director of Community Partnerships and 2Gen Outreach, and Dajuana Robinson, Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager.
Support the show
Send us a text
On this week’s podcast, we’re thrilled to announce that DECAL’s own Workforce Supports Supervisor Angela Shelton has been accepted into the 2025 cohort of the National Association of State Leaders in Early Education (NASLEE) Leadership Academy. This prestigious 12-month executive leadership program is specifically designed for state early education administrators. Angela joins us to talk about this great honor. Then, Bethany Whetzel, Treasury Program Director with the Georgia Office of the State Treasurer, will provide details on this year’s Pre-K to College Sweepstakes!
Support the show
Send us a text
The CAPS 2Gen Student Parent Pilot is an innovative initiative launched by DECAL in collaboration with the Technical College System of Georgia and WorkSource Georgia OneStops. This pilot program focuses on supporting the Student Parent Priority Group by addressing barriers to educational success through a holistic, family-centered approach. Joining us to talk about the CAPS 2Gen Student Parent Pilot is Amy Roys, CAPS Director for Developments and Partnerships, and Carolyn Morkeh, CAPS Student Parent 2Gen Manager.
Support the show
Send us a text
Today we are discussing a critical issue: preventing choking in childcare settings. Choking is a leading cause of injury and even death in young children, but it is preventable with the right knowledge and practice. Joining us to talk about the prevention of choking in child care is Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner of Child Care Services; April Rogers, CCS Director of Enforcement Operations; and Diana Myers, Nutrition and Physical Activity Supervisor.
Support the show
Send us a text
If you’re passionate about teaching in Georgia’s Pre-K Program, making a difference in the lives of young learners, and want to be recognized for your hard work, this episode is for you! DECAL is now accepting applications for Georgia’s Pre-K Program Teachers of the Year for 2025-2026. Joining us to talk about our Pre-K Teachers of the Year, the application process, and maybe some tips for standing out from the crowd is Devon Porter, Summer Transition and Outreach Manager for Georgia’s Pre-K Program.
Support the show
Send us a text
For the fourth consecutive year, DECAL and the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning are recognizing three individuals as Georgia’s Early Childhood Educators of the Year for 2024-2025. Joining us to talk about serving as Georgia’s Early Childhood Educators of the Year is Zina Hadjaz from The Quadrilingual Academy in Smyrna, Infant Teacher of the Year (0-15 months), Laura Silva from My Little Geniuses in Marietta, Toddler Teacher of the Year (15-36 months), and Samantha Mullins from Our House at Central in Atlanta, Preschool Teacher of the Year (36-48 months). Also joining us is Miranda Murphy, Outreach Project Manager for Practice and Support Services, and Laura Wagner, Executive Director for the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning.
Support the show
Send us a text
The 2025 Georgia General Assembly is in session and one of the heavy lifts, as usual, is the Governor’s budget for FY2026. Joining us to talk about the proposed FY2026 state budget and its impact on DECAL is Rian Ringsrud, Deputy Commissioner of Finance and Administration.
Support the show
Send us a text
This week we’re diving into an exciting new addition to one of Atlanta’s cultural gems. In January, the Atlanta History Center unveiled a brand-new 5,000 square foot interactive exhibit where children ages 1-8 can experience the city through play, exploration, and story telling. Joining us to talk about the new Goizueta Children’s Experience is Shatavia Elder, Vice President of Education at the Atlanta History Center.
Support the show
Send us a text
The Georgia Foundation for Early Care + Learning, in partnership with the Georgia Foundation for Public Education, is excited to announce the second round of funding for the Early Literacy Alignment Mini Grants. These grants aim to support local school systems and child care programs in their efforts to enhance early literacy outcomes by providing targeted professional development for educators on the science of reading. Joining us today are Laura Wagner, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning, and Jaclyn Colona, Director of Grant Strategies at the Georgia Foundation for Public Education.
Support the show
Send us a text
Children in inclusive high-quality childcare programs learn to be accepting of others and knowledgeable about the unique abilities of others. When childcare providers offer inclusive care, they meet the educational needs of each child allowing everyone to thrive. That’s why every year in February we celebrate Inclusive Early Learning Week. Here to talk about the importance of inclusion in early childcare and Inclusive Early Learning Week are Inclusion and Behavior Support Supervisor Margaret Freeman and Specialist Esther Whitaker; Rachel Robertson, Georgia’s Pre-K Teacher of the Year; and parents Jim and Lauren Tiller. Inclusive Early Learning Week is February 10-14, 2025.
Support the show
Send us a text
Homelessness is a growing concern in Georgia, with close to 10-thousand people across the state facing housing instability due to poverty, rising housing costs, unemployment, and systemic barriers to affordable housing. The impact of homelessness on children is profound and our CAPS Program has been working with child care providers to better understand how to serve families facing homelessness. Joining us this week to talk about homelessness and child care in Georgia is Ann Panzica, CAPS Provider Relations Education and Outreach Manager, Rachel Fowler, CAPS Provider Relations Education and Outreach Coordinator, and Olivia Kyle, CAPS Policy and Process Improvement Administrator.
Support the show
Send us a text
Today we’re shining a spotlight on the next generation of leaders and innovators who are making their mark in early care, education, as well as other areas. We are talking with our amazing interns….bright, passionate individuals who have been bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to support Georgia’s youngest learners and their families. Joining us today is Aixmar Parra, a sophomore at Oxford College of Emory University, Jaslin Stanley, from Georgia State University, and Kayla Little, a student at Kennesaw State University. Also with us is Mark Dock, Senior Manager of Human Resources.
Support the show
Send us a text
A grant administered by DECAL and the Technical College System of Georgia is helping identify and pay for the tuition of adult education students looking to work in early childhood education…a field that has seen a severe shortage of qualified workers. It’s called the Early Childhood Care and Education Pipeline Grant and Commissioner, so far it has supported close to 200 students. Joining us to talk about the Pipeline Grant is Dr. Christi Moore, Director of Workforce Supports and Learning; TCSG Executive Director of Adult Education Bobby Creech, and Sescily Bell of Covington, a working mother of seven, and student at Georgia Piedmont Technical College who recently benefited from the grant.
Support the show
Send us a text
Opening Day for the 2025 Georgia General Assembly is Monday, January 13, and on today’s podcast, as lawmakers head back to the state capitol, we’re previewing some of the key issues, proposed bills, and political dynamics to watch. Joining us to talk about the upcoming legislative session is Liz Young, DECAL’s Director of Government Relations and Special Projects; Polly McKinney, Advocacy Director with Voices for Georgia’s Children; Rian Ringsrud, Deputy Commissioner for Finance and Administration here at DECAL; and Ira Sudman, General Counsel for DECAL.
Support the show
Send us a text
It’s never too early to be thinking about your child’s college education…even for our youngest learners, ages birth to five. Now four lucky children in Georgia are getting an early start on their college savings plan thanks to Path2College 529 Plan and the We Care Child Care Sweepstakes. Joining us this week is Bethany Whetzel, Treasury Program Director with the Georgia Office of State Treasurer.
Support the show
Send us a text
In October at our All Staff Meeting, we recognized five DECAL employees with Spirit of DECAL Awards. More than 800 employees nominate their peers who personify one or more of the five DECAL Values , which are Delivering Stellar Customer Service, Exhibiting Organizational Excellence, Creating Positive Relationships, Always Valuing Others, and Leading the Way. Then Commissioner Jacobs selects the five final winners we recognize with trophies during a special ceremony at the All Staff Meeting. This week we’re thrilled to have all five of this year’s Spirit of DECAL Award winners on the podcast. They are CAPS Provider Relations Education and Outreach Manager Ann Panzica, Audits and Compliance Manager LeighAnn Hendrix, CAPS Family Support Coordinator Jason Lewis, CCS Compliance Consultant Ashley Richards, and IT Senior Business Analyst Barbara Sanders.
Support the show
Send us a text
The Board of Early Care and Learning is DECAL’s 14-member advisory board that meets quarterly to help support the agency’s mission and vision throughout the year. Governor Brian Kemp appoints members to the board based on the congressional districts where they live. Joining us to talk about their new roles on the Board of Early Care and Learning is Maria Franklin from Adairsville, a board-certified behavior analyst at North Georgia Autism Center who serves the 11th Congressional District; Joyce Ann Freeman from Bowden is the early childhood care and education program chair and a full-time early education instructor at West Georgia Technical College serving the 3rd Congressional District; Dr. Sylvia Washington from Rome is a pediatrician with a background in clinical practice, academia, and community service, serving the 14th Congressional District; and Karen Jones is from Warner Robins serving the 8th Congressional District. She has been an educator for 27 years and is currently employed with the Houston County School District as a program specialist.
Support the show
Send us a text
In today’s increasingly digital world, safeguarding personal data and securing online assets are more critical than ever. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the demand for legal experts who can navigate the complexities of cyber security and privacy law are on the rise. Joining us to talk about the complex world of cybersecurity and privacy is Sarah Dixon-Morgan, our new Cybersecurity and Privacy Attorney and Privacy Officer.
Support the show
Send us a text
When the Georgia General Assembly passed legislation in 2023 focused on improving literacy among students kindergarten to third grade, they called for the appointment of a Statewide Literacy Coach to serve the Georgia Council on Literacy. They found this person in a longtime educator who has served as teacher, administrator, and Literacy Master Teacher with the Atlanta Public Schools. Sarah Richards started in this role last July and is part of the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement.
Support the show
Send us a text
DECAL has named its Georgia’s Pre-K Teachers of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year and it was just in time for our 14th annual Georgia’s Pre-K Week. We name a winner from a public school and private school, and this year’s winners are from Lincolnton and Watkinsville. Joining us on the podcast this week is public-school winner Elizabeth Arthur from Lincoln County Elementary School, and private child care center winner Rachel Robertson from Oconee Preschool Academy. Also joining us is Meghan McNail, Director of Georgia’s Pre-K Instruction and Regional Operations.
Support the show
Send us a text
If you’re looking for financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, child care and more, there is a one-stop shop for community resources near you! It’s called Find Help Georgia, a comprehensive online directory to help strengthen families. And we're coming up soon on our second annual Find Help Georgia Forum. Joining us to talk about Find Help Georgia is Amy Roys, CAPS Director for Development and Partnerships, and Melinda Knowles, CAPS Development and Partnerships Project Manager.
Support the show
Send us a text
Last month more than 800 DECAL employees gathered at the Cobb Galleria Center for our All Staff Meeting. This event officially celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, as well as the 10th anniversary of our longest serving Commissioner, Amy Jacobs. That seemed like a great time for another Chat with the Commissioner.
Support the show
Send us a text
Open Enrollment for the State Health Benefits Plan runs now through November 8. It’s a very important time of the year, as many employees are re-evaluating their health needs and seeking to protect their financial well-being. Joining us to talk about Open Enrollment is Sabrina Henry, Senior Manager of Human Resources.
Support the show
Send us a text
From Calhoun to Savannah, our Quality Rated and CAPS teams have been holding stakeholder meetings all across Georgia to highlight policy revisions happening with both programs beginning this month. With pandemic relief funding ending, DECAL has faced some difficult choices focused on ensuring that the needs of families, providers, and the child care workforce are considered. Joining us to talk about policy revisions at CAPS and Quality Rated is Elisabetta Kasfir, Deputy Commissioner of Federal Programs and Eligibility, and Dr. Bentley Ponder, Deputy Commissioner of Quality Innovations and Partnerships.
Support the show
Send us a text
As the foundation of a child’s educational journey, early childhood education is pivotal, yet the professionals who dedicate their lives to this field often face unique challenges that require our attention. Recently DECAL’s Workforce Supports and Learning Division formed a Workforce Task Force aimed at understanding the needs, struggles, and aspirations of early childhood educators across the state. Joining us this week to talk about their findings is Dr. Christi Moore, DECAL Director of Workforce Supports and Learning,
Support the show
Send us a text
Today we’re unpacking a critical issue that touches nearly every family in Georgia: the State of Child Care. Recently our Child Care Services Division completed a comprehensive study on the current state of child care across the state, especially after a worldwide pandemic...and there were some surprises. Joining us this week to talk about the State of Child Care in Georgia is Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner of Child Care Services, and Shayna Funke, Director of Research Partnerships and Business Supports in our Quality Innovations and Partnerships Division.
Support the show
Send us a text
Voices for Georgia’s Children and DECAL are proud to announce that the 14th annual Georgia Pre-K Week is set to take place from October 7th to 11th, 2024. This event celebrates the 32nd year of Georgia’s Pre-K Program and highlights the importance of early childhood education across the state. Joining us to talk about Georgia Pre-K Week 2024 is Susan Adams, Deputy Commissioner for Georgia’s Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports, Judy Fitzgerald is Executive Director at Voices for Georgia’s Children, and we’re honored to have State Representative Jan Jones, who serves as Speaker Pro Tem for the Georgia House of Representatives.
Support the show
Send us a text
When you think about DECAL, you think about CAPS, Child Care Services, Georgia’s Pre-K Program, Nutrition…but we also hope you think about our support services like SEEDS which stands for Social Emotional Early Development Strategies. This is a program designed to increase social and emotional development among our youngest learners and decrease challenging behaviors in early childhood settings. Joining us to talk more about SEEDS is Fachelle Garner and Emily Graham are Inclusion and Behavioral Support Specialists.
Support the show
Send us a text
This week we’re highlighting early childhood workforce development opportunities in the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health space. Joining us is DECAL’s Laura Lucas, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Director, Dr. Bentley Ponder, Deputy Commissioner of Quality Innovations and Partnerships, and our guests from Georgia State University’s Georgia Association for Infant Mental Health (also known as “Georgia AIM”), Raynell Washington, Dr. Jordan Murphy from the Center for Interrelational Science and Pediatrics, and Audrey Idaikkadar, from Resilient Georgia.
Support the show
Send us a text
Since Fall 2019, DECAL has had a group of volunteers working in their communities to share information with families about the resources available in our state. Our DECAL Family Peer Ambassadors are fathers, mothers, grandparents, foster parents, and other kinship caregivers of young children. They serve as leaders in their community, providing families of young children with information about child development and strategies they can use to support their children’s school readiness along with different resources available to families of young children. This month (September 2024) the program is celebrating it’s Fifth Birthday! Joining us today are Jenny Semendy, DECAL’s Child and Family Development Training Specialist, and one of our Family Peer Ambassadors: Ebony Tolbert from Atlanta.
Support the show
Send us a text
The third week in September is Care Seat Safety Awareness Week which focuses on the proper use of car safety seats for children. The national campaign urges parents and caregivers to protect their children making sure they secure them in the correct car seat for their age, height, and weight. Joining us to talk about Car Seat Safety is Traci Reese, Program Manager with the Child Occupant Safety Project at the Georgia Department of Public Health and Jennifer Waters, our CCS Technical Assistance Unit Manager.
Support the Show.
Send us a text
Licensed Family Child Care Learning Homes and Child Care Learning Centers in Georgia who are two or three-star Quality Rated are eligible for grants aimed at fostering early language and literacy skills of infants and toddlers. The LITTLE grants, standing for Lifting Infants and Toddlers Through Language-Rich Enviroments, equips providers with increased knowledge and skills in building responsive relationships, and developing and maintaining a social, emotional, and intellectual climate that supports child-initiated and child-pursued learning. Joining us to talk about LITTLE grants, as well as other services available through our Infant Toddler Specialists, is Thea Stevens, Infant Toddler Program Manager; Latasha Bailey, an Infant Toddler Specialist for the Central East Region, and Cindy Lancaster with Lemon Tree Academy-Monroe who is a previous LITTLE grantee.
Support the Show.
Send us a Text Message.
New data from the CDC here in Atlanta show that vaccinations among kindergarteners has declined to its lowest level in decades and an estimated 750,000 young learners entered kindergarten during the COVID-19 pandemic who were not up to date on their school vaccinations. Joining us this week to talk about immunizations is Kathleen Holmes, Public Health Analyst with the CDC, and Bridget Ratajczak, DECAL Child and Family Development Supervisor, and the CDC’s Act Early Ambassador to Georgia.
Support the Show.
Send us a Text Message.
The second class of a two-generation academy created by Commissioner Jacobs has now graduated. The Georgia 2Gen Academy is presented each year by the Georgia Children’s Cabinet and facilitated by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia. Twenty-six representatives from state agencies, including DECAL and advocacy groups for children and youth, participated. Joining us to talk about Georgia’s 2Gen Academy are DECAL participants Nutrition & Physical Activity Supervisor Diana Myers, Head Start Collaboration Office Director Allison Setterlind, and CAPS Family Support Director Amanda Vanmeter. Also Joy Hawkins, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement and co-chair with Commissioner Jacobs on the Georgia Children’s Cabinet.
Support the Show.
Send us a Text Message.
As the new school year approaches, thousands of children across Georgia are getting ready to take their first steps into the world of structured learning in Georgia’s nationally recognized Pre-K Program. It’s an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming for both parents and children. Joining us to talk about preparing for Georgia's Pre-K Program are two Georgia’s Pre-K Program Specialists Margie Cook and Anne Honerbaum.
Support the Show.
Send us a Text Message.
For nearly a decade, Richard Woods has served as State School Superintendent here in Georgia. He has over 30 years of experience in public education, from Pre-K through 12th-grade. He was a high school teacher for 14 years, serving as department chair and teacher mentor….he has also served in administrative roles like principal, assistant principal, Pre-K director, and alternative school director.
Support the Show.
Send us a Text Message.
You’re getting two topics for the price of one on this week's podcast. First, it’s never too soon to start saving for your child’s college education. DECAL and Path2College 529 Plan are making that easier with the We Care Child Care Sweepstakes. And then, careers at DECAL…this year we celebrate 20 years as one of the few state agencies in the nation dedicated entirely to early childhood education and care. Over those 20 years we have grown to a staff of more than 700 employees. And if you would like to have an impact of the development and future success of young children and their families….this might be a great career move for you. Joining us first via Zoom is Mitch Seabaugh, Executive Director of the Path2College 529 Plan back to talk with us about the We Care Childcare Sweepstakes which is going on now through July 31. Then Careers at DECAL with Rian Ringsrud, Deputy Commissioner of Finance and Administration; Sheryl Young-Wilhite, Director of Human Resources, and Mark Dock, Senior Manager of Human Resources.
Support the Show.
Send us a Text Message.
Last month, we looked at the impact on DECAL of the $36-million Fiscal Year 2025 budget signed by Governor Kemp in May. There several bills passed by the Georgia General Assembly and signed by the Governor that took effect July 1 and have an impact on DECAL. Joining us to talk about these new laws taking effect is Rian Ringsrud, Deputy Commissioner of Finance and Administration, and Liz Young, Director of Governor Relations and Special Projects.
Support the Show.
Send us a Text Message.
Open Records play a crucial role in promoting an open government by providing citizens with the tools to engage with and understand the workings of their government. The concept of Open Records in grounded in the principles of transparency and accountability, ensuring that the public can obtain information about government operations, decisions, and expenditures. Joining us to talk more about Open Records is Maria Reznik, Open Records Compliance Analyst, and Ira Sudman, our General Counsel.
Support the Show.
Send us a Text Message.
Last year, DECAL took over the provider management function of the CAPS Program, something previously handled by our contractor, Maximus. We implemented these changes to offer more streamlined and effective services to child care providers who play a crucial role in supporting children and families. A major component of offering more streamlined and effective services is a new system called GACAPS, a modern new system that allows for streamlined attendance tracking, enrollment and completion of annual renewals directly through the system, quality assurance for accurate billing and more. Joining us to talk about the CAPS Program and our new GACAPS system is Elisabetta Kasfir, Deputy Commissioner over the CAPS Program; and Latisha Lewis, Manager of Provider Relations Customer Support.
Support the Show.
A Georgia teacher and author has a new children’s book that takes readers on a food tour of our state. Kelly Young-Silverman is a teacher at The Lovett School in Atlanta. She lives in Marietta with her husband and daughter. The book is called “Hot Boiled Peanuts” and highlights lots of culinary delights from the Peach state. Hope you're hungry!
Support the Show.
In May, Governor Brian Kemp signed the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget at a signing ceremony in the North Wing of the State Capitol. It’s a $36-billion budget that includes raises for state employees and public school teachers as well as an influx of $97-million for Georgia’s Pre-K Program. Joining us to talk about the FY2025 Budget Impact on DECAL is Susan Adams, Deputy Commissioner for Georgia’s Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports, and Rian Ringsrud, Deputy Commissioner of Finance and Administration.
Support the Show.
With over 4,300 licensed child care programs in Georgia, our Child Care Services Division is dedicated to ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment through licensing, monitoring, and professional development. We do it all to support the growth and development of Georgia’s young children. Today we're chatting with Deputy Commissioner of Child Care Services Pam Stevens.
Support the Show.
When Author, Super Bowl Champion, and Valdosta Native Malcolm Mitchell sat down to write his second book for Georgia’s Pre-K Program, he set the story at the Georgia Governor’s Mansion where the First Couple welcomed students on a field trip to “The People’s House.” On May 8, thanks to Malcolm, First Lady Marty Kemp and DECAL Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs, this story became a reality for a group of Georgia’s Pre-K Program students from Fulton County. Joining us to talk about the new book “A Magnificent Field Trip to the Governor’s Mansion” is the author, Malcolm Mitchell.
Support the Show.
A career in state government offers employees an engaging and diverse work environment that allows them to fulfill personal and professional ambitions while taking pride in providing services that contribute to Georgia’s success. The work of a state employee impacts economic development, environmental quality, education, housing, health and overall quality of life issues for all Georgians. But all good things must come to an end….and there’s a point where you start thinking about retirement. Joining us to talk about retiring this year from DECAL is Rhonda Gunn, Senior HR Manager, who has worked in state government for 34 years, 16 of them here at DECAL and Susan Breheny, Business Process Analyst for Georgia’s Pre-K Program, who has been with us 17 years starting as a registrar for Pre-K teacher training in 2007.
Support the Show.
For the eleventh consecutive year, DECAL is reminding families and caregivers of children to increase their awareness of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles. Joining us to talk about preventing vehicular heatstroke is Allen Poole, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety; Robert Hydrick, Communications Manager for GOHS; Dr. Andrew Grundstein, professor of geography at the University of Georgia in Athens where he specializes in weather, climate, and the effects on human health; and Kesha McNeal, Child Care Services Regional Manager at DECAL.
Support the Show.
Our Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning recently received the Heart of Community Award from CareSource, a nationally recognized, nonprofit managed care organization serving over 2 million members across five states including Georgia.
Joining us to talk about the award from CareSource is Senior Manager for Population Healing Lisa Pennington, and also Senior Specialist Elida Lopez. From DECAL is Allison Setterlind, Georgia Head Start Collaboration Director, and Laura Wagner, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning.
Support the Show.
Friday, April 19, was a big day for DECAL, the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning, and all of our educators of the year being honored this year. The Georgia Lottery and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce hosted a luncheon honoring our three Early Childhood Educators of the Year and our two Georgia’s Pre-K Program Teachers of the Year. Joining us to look back on the luncheon and hear portions of the program is Laura Wagner, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning; Miranda Murphy is Practice and Support Services Outreach and Project Manager; and Devon Porter is Summer Transition Program and Outreach Manager.
Support the Show.
It might be May but the Summer of 2024 is just around the corner…starts June 20 according to the calendar, but really kicks in sooner than that here in Georgia. The question is….are you ready? Joining us to talk about Summer Plans in Georgia is Sonja Steptoe, Communications and Outreach Manager in our Quality Innovations and Partnerships Division, Cindy Kicklighter is Nutrition Marketing and Outreach Manager in our Nutrition Division, and Devon Porter is Summer Transition Program and Outreach Manager in Georgia’s Pre-K Program.
Support the Show.
This fall will be the 32nd year of Georgia’s Pre-K Program which now serves nearly 72,000 students statewide. This year we are making significant improvements to PANDA, the Pre-K Application and Database Access system for providers. Joining us today to talk about Georgia’s Pre-K Program and the online improvements is Susan Adams, Deputy Commissioner for Georgia’s Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports, and Brian Griffin, Manager over the new GAPREK online system.
Support the show
In March, DECAL released the results of our most recent Economic Impact Study, which evaluates the importance of the early care and education industry to the state’s economy. This is the third Economic Impact Study we have commissioned, following the first in 2008 and the second in 2016. Like previous studies, this report is a collaboration between researchers at the Georgia State University Andrew Young School of Policy Studies and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. Joining us to talk about the economic impact of the early care and education industry in Georgia is Dr. Bentley Ponder, Deputy Commissioner for Quality Innovations and Partnerships, Rob O’Callaghan, Director of Institutional Research and Data Quality, and our special guests from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University, researchers Dr. Peter Bluestone and Nicholas Warner.
Support the show
DECAL will celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week in Georgia May 6-10, 2024, as we have done for the last four years in the first full week of May. Similar to Georgia’s Pre-K Week, and Inclusive Early Learning Week, this special week in May reminds us that the early years in a child’s life provide a key opportunity to establish safe and secure relationships and support healthy social and emotional development. Joining us to talk about Children’s Mental Health Week is our own, Laura Lucas, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Director at DECAL and our guests: Lisa Pace, Director of Operations from Georgia Parent Support Network (GPSN), Erin Harlow- Parker, Manager of Child Advocacy Programs, Behavioral Mental Health from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) and Maria Ramos, Senior Program Specialist from Voices for Georgia’s Children.
Support the show
Despite advancements in technology and all of the screen time each of us total up in a month, the public library continues to be a popular place for individuals and families here in Georgia. There are 410 public libraries across the state…and that library card holds more value than ever. With National Library Week coming up April 7-13, this is a great time to talk about the Georgia Public Library Service with Julie Walker, State Librarian and Vice Chancellor for Libraries and Archives, and Evan Bush, Director of Youth Services for the Georgia Public Library Service.
Support the show
In December, DECAL and the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning announced our three winners for Georgia’s Early Childhood Educators of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year. Joining us today is Laura Wagner, Executive Director for the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning; Miranda Murphy is our Practice and Support Services Outreach and Project Manager. And our very special guests….the Early Childhood Educators of the Year for 2023-2024, Noel Weimer from Water Oak Family Child Care Learning Home in Roswell is the infant teacher of the year; Bianca Brown from the Greenbriar School in Evans is the Toddler teacher of the year; and Chantelle Hester from Smart Starters Academy Family Child Care Learning Home in Savannah is the Preschool teacher of the year.
Support the show
Today they may be learning their colors, shapes, and letters…but before you know it, those four-year-olds in Georgia’s Pre-K Program will be all grown up and headed to technical school or college. That’s why each year we join Path2College 529 Plan and the Georgia Student Finance Commission for our Pre-K to College Sweepstakes. Joining us this week to talk about Pre-K to College is Mitch Seabaugh, Executive Director of the Path2College 529 Plan; Devon Porter, DECAL’s Summer Transition Program and Outreach Manager for Georgia’s Pre-K Program, and Nicole Lewis, the parent of Griffin Lewis, a Pre-K student at Baker Place Elementary School in Grovetown, one of our scholarship recipients from last year.
Support the show
During the COVID pandemic, DECAL offered POWER payments to all eligible early learning professionals and staff here in Georgia. POWER stood for Providing our workforce essential recognition and at $1,000 per person in three rounds totaled over $118 million in supplemental payments from the American Rescue Plan. Today POWER has become POWER-ED, a wage supplement paid through DECAL Scholars to support early child care workers as they begin or further their education. Joining us this week is Abby Mozo, Professional Learning Operations Analyst here at DECAL, and Lindsey Peterson and Charlotte Pelz, both with Care Solutions, who help us administer the program.
Support the show
DECAL's Thriving Child Care Business Academy opened its virtual doors in September 2023. The Academy offers a wide selection of free online trainings and educational resources to help owners and administrators of child care programs learn the best management practices that will help their businesses thrive. Joining us to talk more about the Academy is Quality Innovations and Partnerships Communications and Outreach Manager Sonja Steptoe and two of DECAL’s partners in the Academy, Gary Romano, president of Civitas Strategies; and Alyssa Foskey, Area Director with the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center at Valdosta State University.
Support the show
An Early Childhood Care and Education Student at Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro has been named as the school’s 2024 GOAL Student. Ashley Ford is a mother of two daughters and a child care teacher at Kids World Learning Center in Statesboro. Ashley joins us for this week's podcast, along with Sarah Beverley, who is a Student Navigator and GOAL coordinator at the college, and Dr. Christi Moore, Professional Learning Director here at DECAL.
Support the show
This summer, kids throughout Georgia will continue to have access to free nutritious meals and snacks through Happy Helpings, Georgia’s Summer Food Service Program. Joining us today to tell us more about Happy Helpings are Director of Nutrition Services Tamika Boone, Marketing and Outreach Manager Cindy Kicklighter, and special guest Deborah Wilson, the founder and director of Georgia Nutritional Services and a Happy Helpings sponsor.
Support the show
If you have been around DECAL for any time over our past 20 years now, you have heard the name Jennie Couture. Jennie was our Director of Practice and Support Services who retired in 2022 after a 40 year career dedicated to special education, inclusion, and behavioral support. To honor Jennie and her love for inclusion, the Georgia Foundation for Early Care + Learning began the Jennie Couture Legacy Scholarship Fund, a program that serves early childhood educators with professional development opportunities in areas so close to Jennie’s heart: inclusion and social-emotional development. Joining us to talk about the Jennie Couture Legacy Scholarship is Laura Wagner, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Early Care + Learning; our first recipient of the award, Tierra Faulcon with Faulcon Prep Academy in Smyrna, and of course the lady, the legend herself, Jennie Couture.
Support the show
DECAL’s Inclusive Early Learning Week will be celebrated the week of February 12-16, 2024. The mission of IELW is to promote inclusive practices within early learning environments across Georgia. This year we are also celebrating the Inclusion and Behavior Support Program’s 10-year anniversary at DECAL. Joining us to share more about inclusion and IELW, are Peggy Sutton, Inclusion and Behavior Support Regional Supervisor, Tabitha Howard, Center Director at YMCA Paulding Early Learning Center, Tina Holt, Georgia’s Pre-K Inclusion Lead Teacher at YMCA Paulding Early Learning Center, and Michele Biggers, whose 14 year old daughter Payton has written a book about inclusion called Autism Gives Me Superpowers.
Support the show
Since Fall of 2019, DECAL has had a group of volunteers working in their communities to share information with families about the resources available in our state. Our DECAL Family Peer Ambassadors are fathers, mothers, grandparents, foster parents, and other kinship caregivers of young children. They serve as leaders in their community, providing families of young children with information about child development and strategies they can use to support their children’s school readiness. Joining us today are Bridget Ratajczak, DECAL’s Child and Family Development Supervisor and CDC’s Act Early Ambassador to the state of Georgia; Jenny Semendy, DECAL’s Child and Family Development Training Specialist, and some of our Family Peer Ambassadors: Taquana Stubbs from Douglasville; Christina Sanchez from Atlanta, and Teyona Early from Warner Robins.
Support the show
Since 2016, DECAL has offered paid internships to students currently enrolled in a Georgia college, university, or law school with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. We took a break during the pandemic years of 2020 through 2022, but last year the interns returned. Joining us this week to talk about their experiences so far are two of our communications and government relations interns: Mackenzie Weston is a senior at Kennesaw State University, and Trey Freeman is a senior at Clayton State University. Working with the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning is Brianna Thomas, a graduate student from Kennesaw State University. Also joining us is Mark Dock, Senior Manager of Human Resources here at DECAL.
Support the show
The 2024 Session of the Georgia General Assembly opened recently with everything you might expect from the Wild Hog Supper to Governor Kemp’s State of the State Address. But what can we expect for DECAL and early childhood care and education in Georgia this session? Joining us to talk about the Georgia General Assembly, Governor Kemp’s State of the State address, and other topics is Polly McKinney, Advocacy Director for Voices for Georgia’s Children and a partner at Lexicon Strategies, and Rian Ringsrud, Deputy Commissioner for Finance and Administration for DECAL.
Support the show
On this week's episode, Commissioner Jacobs flips the script on Host Reg Griffin and asks him the questions. It's a chance to learn more about our Chief Communications Officer and the DECAL Communications Team.
Support the show
Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind…unless you’re talking about this episode of DECAL Download where we count down the top episodes of 2023 in this look back on our top stories of the year. As in past years, episodes about COVID money continue to be among the most popular….but also new initiatives like Community Transformation Grants and the Thriving Child Care Business Academy. Since we started this podcast in September 2018, we have had close to 77-thousand downloads. So just like Ryan Seacrest or Casey Casem, we are counting down the Top Ten episodes of DECAL Download from 2023.
Support the show
Earlier this year, DECAL awarded new EXPAND Grants to seven child care providers and six nonprofit and government organizations. Supported by research and analysis showing that the availability of high-quality child care and early education plays a key role in Georgia’s workforce development and economic growth, DECAL created the EXPAND Grants with the growing need for childcare outside traditional hours in mind. Here to talk about the new EXPAND grants is Jill Taylor, Director of Community Partnerships and 2Gen Outreach; Shayna Funke, Director of Research Partnerships and Business Supports; and Dr. Bentley Ponder, Deputy Commissioner for Quality Innovations and Partnerships.
Support the show
In May, 2019, Dennis Brice joined DECAL as our Chief Information Officer, coming to us from McKesson where he served as Vice President of Human Capitol Management and Corporate Applications. About nine months later, COVID became our new reality and, like the rest of the world, DECAL had to shift to more online offerings to keep the agency moving forward. On this episode we check in with Dennis on new DECAL projects, the challenges of AI, and why Commissioner Jacobs sometimes thinks we should go back to "memos and landlines."
Support the show
It's our annual Holiday Episode as we unwrap stories, explore traditions, and embrace the magic that makes this time of year truly extraordinary. As usual, we are joined by members of the DECAL team to discuss great gift ideas for children birth to five, some healthy recipe ideas, and holiday traditions from the DECAL team. Joining us on this episode is Pre-K Program Specialist Alice Lasseter, Nutrition and Physical Activity Supervisor Diana Myers, and a special guest from the North Pole! Georgia's Pre-K Program Specialist Megan OBara and CAPS Consultant Latisha Lewis provide holiday music.
Support the show
Early care and education professionals in Georgia have a true partner in Georgia Public Broadcasting. GPB’s education division provides FREE digital media and content for Georgia educators and students, starting with preschool and Pre-K, and going up through middle and high school. They are developing some innovative and groundbreaking programs with app and web-based learning for children as young as four years old. Joining us on this week’s podcast is Laura Evans who recently became Vice President of Education for Georgia Public Broadcasting.
Support the show
This week’s podcast is a little unusual. Normally we might talk with one, two, or three guests. Today we have around 700 special guests. We are at the DECAL 2023 All Staff Meeting at the Cobb Galleria Centre. It is our first in-person All Staff Meeting since 2019 before the pandemic. Come join us!
Support the show
Some big changes in store for Georgia’s CAPS Program beginning November 15. The program that assists low-income families with the cost of child care will now administer the provider management function of the CAPS Program…work previously performed by our contractor, Maximus. We’re making these changes to provide more streamlined services and to increase service levels for the child care providers who support CAPS parents and children. Here to explain the changes happening at CAPS is Kay Mayfield, CAPS Provider Relations Director, and Aleshia Golden, CAPS Provider Relations Quality Assurance and Payment Manager.
Support the show
It’s been called an epidemic but also Georgia’s most solvable problem. We’re talking about the fact that according to the Georgia Department of Education, only about a third of most children in Georgia are reading on grade level by the third grade. That has ramifications on the future as experts say it won’t support the workforce and Georgia’s growing economy. Joining us to talk about the new Georgia Literacy Council and the work being done right now is Scott Johnson, chairman of the Georgia Literacy Council, and Dr. Gary Bingham, a member of the council who also serves as director of the Urban Child Study Center and a professor in the Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education at Georgia State University.
Support the show
Last month, two Georgia Pre-K teachers had surprise visits from Commissioner Jacobs, CALi, and other special guests when it was announced that they are our new Georgia’s Pre-K Program Teachers of the Year for 2023-2024. The public-school winner is Charlotte Richards from Chattahoochee County Pre-K in Cussetta and the private child care center winner is Merodie Brown from New Odyssey for Children in Hoschton. They join us for this week's episode of DECAL Download.
Support the show
When you think about child care in Georgia, you probably picture infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and Pre-K students. But a large number of families rely on child care for their school-age children attending elementary and even middle school. In these cases, child care providers offer homework help, tutors, STEAM activities, health & fitness, character development, crafts, and more. Joining us to talk about school-age children served by Georgia’s child care industry is Michelle Garris, DECAL School Age and Youth Program Specialist, and Brittany Sams, CCS Director of Administrative Services and Special Operations.
Support the show
This month, DECAL is offering child care tuition assistance for early educators in Georgia to help the child care industry recruit and retain professional staff. Using funds from ARPA, this program will support the cost of child care for children of individuals working at 30 licensed child care programs in Georgia. Joining us to talk about tuition assistance for early educators is Dr. Christi Moore, DECAL Director of Professional Learning, and Shenae Holmes is our Workforce Development Specialist.
Support the show
With the fall comes college football, pumpkin spice lattes, and of course Open Enrollment here at DECAL and with the State of Georgia. Open Enrollment begins October 16, 2023, and ends November 4, 2023, at 12:59 a.m. ET for active eligible employees and COBRA beneficiaries. Open Enrollment is a time to review, enroll, make changes to your Flexible Benefits plan options, including dental, vision and life insurance coverage. Joining us to talk about Open Enrollment here at DECAL is HR Operations Supervisor Sabrina Henry.
Support the show
There are over 4,400 licensed child care programs in Georgia….that’s child care learning centers and family child care learning homes. The vast majority are in good standing with DECAL, meeting our rules and regulations for health and safety. But what should you do if you have concerns about your child care program? Joining us to talk about reporting concerns with your child care program is April Rogers, Director of Enforcement Operations in our Child Care Services Division, and Tahishe Smith, Intake Unit Manager.
Support the show
This year DECAL and Voices for Georgia’s Children are celebrating the 13th Annual Georgia’s Pre-K Week, October 2-6, 2023…our 31st year offering Pre-K to students and families here in Georgia. Joining us to talk about Georgia Pre-K Week is Caitlin Dooley, Executive Director of Voices for Georgia’s Children, and State Representative Teri Anulewicz (District 47-Smyrna).
Support the show
Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs responds to questions about some of the current issues now facing the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning.
Support the show
October is National Farm to School and Early Care and Education Month…an innovative way to build children’s relationship with food and the local food system through hands-on food education and gardening experiences, interactive and adventurous taste testing, and inclusion of local items into meals and snacks. DECAL and our Nutrition Team fully support the program. It’s a great way to increase access to healthy foods, boost physical activity and mental wellbeing, and support local farmers and communities. Joining us to talk about October Farm to School Month is Diana Myers, Nutrition and Physical Activity Supervisor here at DECAL.
Support the show
Here at DECAL, we believe that a stable early care and education industry made up of thriving child care businesses is important to the state’s economic growth and to preparing future generations of young learners for academic success. A new program called the Thriving Child Care Business Academy is designed to help owners and administrators of early learning programs learn best business management practices, much like the training they receive in best early childhood education practices on other platforms. It’s another way we hope to help the child care industry in Georgia navigate through some difficult times. Joining us to talk about the Thriving Child Care Business Academy is Quality Innovations and Partnerships Communications and Outreach Manager Sonja Steptoe and from Professional Learning, Community Manager Laura Reid.
Support the show
It is back to school time in Georgia and when you think about a child’s success in school, you may focus on cognitive skills of learning and understanding…but research shows that social, emotional, and behavioral competence is equally important. Here at DECAL, we have a special helpline designed to assist you…child care teachers, parents, and caregivers…in developing social emotional early development strategies for success. We call it SEEDS, a listening ear from birth to thrive. Joining us to talk about the SEEDS Helpline is Shayla Lewis, SEEDS Helpline Coordinator, and Veronica Thomas, Program Director for our Inclusion and Behavioral Support Program.
Support the show
For the first time ever, tens of thousands of young children across Georgia are preparing to enter Georgia’s Pre-K Program. We’re expecting 70,000 and more this school year. Several areas of the state started school in late July, but the majority are starting now. Joining us to talk about starting school are Megan McGraw and Jessi Slater from our Inclusion and Behavior Support Division, and Karen Mobley and Megan O’Bara, both specialists in Georgia’s Pre-K Program.
Support the show
Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs is interviewed by John Clark from the Georgia News Network for their weekly public affairs program Georgia Focus.
Support the show
CAPS is Georgia’s Childcare and Parent Services…a federal program administered by DECAL that helps pay for the cost of child care so parents can work or attend school. CAPS also helps families find high quality early learning environments and stability in their child care arrangements and connects families with resources to help them become self-sufficient and engage in two-generation strategies that support the whole family. Joining us today with an update on CAPS is Elisabetta Kasfir, Deputy Commissioner for Federal Programs and Arlene Green, a Scholarship Administration Specialist at CAPS.
Support the show
The data says Americans today are working longer and retiring later. Thirty years ago, the average retirement age in the US among men was 62, 59 among women. By 2021, those numbers had gone up by three years…some blame a lack of savings, some blame reduced social security benefits, and some blame COVID. Whatever the case, retirements here at DECAL always come with mixed emotions. Joining us to talk about retirement is Faith Duncan, Director of Georgia’s Pre-K Program, Judy Carter is a Georgia’s Pre-K Regional Manager. Also joining us is Sabrina Henry, HR Operations Supervisor here at DECAL.
Support the show
DECAL’s Nutrition Services Division administers the Child and Adult Care Food Program and Happy Helpings, Georgia’s Summer Food Service Program. These federal nutrition programs, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), ensure eligible children and adults have access to nutritious meals and snacks. Joining us this week to talk about Happy Helpings and CACFP is Tamika Boone, Nutrition Services Director, and Cindy Kicklighter, Nutrition Marketing and Outreach Manager.
Support the show
These days finding traditional child care in Georgia Monday through Friday, from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM, can be challenge enough. But what about when you need non-traditional child care in the evenings, overnights, or on weekends? Through extensive engagement with families, child care providers, and other stakeholders, DECAL has learned that many families have child care needs during nontraditional hours that are not currently being met by available child care. That’s why we are offering our new EXPAND Grants….which stands for Expanding Parents’ Access to Nontraditional Delivery. Joining us to talk about the new EXPAND Grants is Dr. Bentley Ponder, Deputy Commissioner for Quality Innovations and Partnerships; Jill Taylor is Manager of Community Partnerships and Projects; Valerie Perez is Research Analyst; and Shayna Funke is Lead Policy and Business Operations Analyst.
Support the show
As most people know, the program in Georgia that provides financial assistance with child care is called CAPS, or Childcare and Parent Services, and its administered here at DECAL. We are excited to announce that DECAL will soon begin administering the provider management function of the CAPS Program, work that is currently, and has historically been performed by our contractor, Maximus. Joining us to talk about the new CAPS Provider Relations Unit is Kay Mayfield, CAPS Provider Relations Director at DECAL, and Ann Panzica, CAPS Provider Relations Manager.
Support the show
A graduation ceremony was held recently at the Loudermilk Center in downtown Atlanta for a group of students from state agencies who have spent the last ten months looking at ways Georgia can serve children and families through a two-generation approach. The 2Gen Leadership Academy is sponsored by the Georgia Children’s Cabinet. Joining us from DECAL to talk about their experience from the Academy is Rebecca Ellis, Director of Practice and Support Services; Megan Fickes is Early Head Start Partnership Director; and Rob O’Callaghan is Senior Research Analyst in the Quality Initiatives and Partnerships Division.
Support the show
School’s out for summer but still so many things happening here at the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning….we thought it was a good time for a Chat with Commissioner Jacobs, taking a wide variety of questions from our DECAL team as well as the early childhood care and education workforce and the general public on social media. Let's get started!
Support the show
There’s a new resource in Georgia to assist families in locating the services they need…from financial assistance and food pantries to medical services and child care. Find Help Georgia is a collaboration by DECAL, Technical College System of Georgia, and Prevent Child Abuse Georgia. Here to talk about Find Help Georgia is Amanda Tarpley, CAPS Family Support Director for Operations; Amy Roys is CAPS Director for Development and Partnerships; and Jennifer Stine is Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Georgia.
www.findhelpga.org
Support the show
For the 12th year, DECAL is offering an intensive academic program for rising Pre-K and rising Kindergarten students called the Summer Transition Program. The program was created to support students who either did not attend Georgia’s Pre-K Program or Head Start or who need additional help before taking that next step. Joining us to talk about the Summer Transition Program is Meghan McNail, Summer Transition Program and Outreach Manager; Yehymmy Mora is a Transition Coach who works with families during STP at The North Fulton Child Development Center; LaKeisha McClendon is a Rising K teacher at Newton County Head Start; and Deana Snowden is a lead teacher for the Rising Pre-K class at Cornelia Elementary School in Habersham County.
Support the show
Summer officially arrives on June 21….many consider it Memorial Day, May 29….either way, temperatures are rising and the danger of a child dying alone in a hot car becomes even more of a threat. For the tenth consecutive year, DECAL is calling for families and caregivers of children to Look Again…and increase awareness of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles. Joining us to talk about our annual Look Again campaign, this year May 22-26, is University of Georgia Professor Dr. Andrew Grundstein, a Geographer-Climatologist with interests on the impacts of weather and climate on human health; Rukiya Thomas, CCS Regional Manager; Kesha McNeal, CCS Regional Coordinator; and Lisa Dawson, Director of the Injury Prevention Program within the Division of Health Protection at the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Support the show
This year we’re celebrating the 30th year of Georgia’s Pre-K Program and the 10th year of Quality Rated. Next year marks the 20th year for the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning and when the agency was created in 2004, the same legislation mandated that the new department have an advisory board to support our work. The board meets quarterly and is composed of 14 members appointed by the Governor, with one member from each of Georgia’s 14 congressional districts. Joining us to talk about the Board of Early Care and Learning are board members Luann Purcell, a charter member since 2006; Susan Harper joined the board in 2009; and current board chair Phil Davis joined the board in 2009.
Support the show
From Athens to Valdosta and many places in-between, DECAL has awarded 18 Community Transformation Grants…ranging from $50,000 to $125,000…to community collaboratives serving children birth to eight and their families. We’ve also extended funding to eight grantees who received these grants in 2021. Joining us this week to discuss Community Transformation Grants is Jill OMeara, Manager of Community Partnerships and Projects, and Dr. Bentley Ponder, Deputy Commissioner for Quality Innovations and Partnerships.
Support the show
For the third year in a row, DECAL will celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week in Georgia May 1-5, 2023 . Similar to Georgia’s Pre-K Week and Inclusive Early Learning Week, this special week in May reminds us that the early years in a child’s life provide a key opportunity to establish safe and secure relationships and support healthy social and emotional development. Joining us to talk about Children’s Mental Health Week on the podcast today from DECAL’s Pre-K and Instructional Support Division, we have Laura Lucas, our Director of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health; Lori Ballew, Infant Toddler Specialist; Perri Walden, Pre-K Specialist; and Esther Duggan, Inclusion and Behavior Support Specialist.
Support the show
Starting March 20, our Child Care Services Division began offering Health and Safety Grants to open and operating, licensed child care centers and family child care learning homes in Georgia to purchase equipment and materials that will help support compliance with health and safety regulations. There’s a total of $80 million from the American Rescue Act, with programs receiving from $5,000 to $40,000 based on capacity. Joining us to talk about Health and Safety Grants from DECAL is Jennifer Bridgeman, CCS Director of Process and Policy Initiatives, and Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner of Child Care Services.
Support the show
Important news this week for any Georgia child care program that serves school-age children or has served school-age children in the past year. You may remember receiving an e-mail about DECAL’s School-Age Grants, financial support based on your program’s licensed capacity. Joining us to talk about School-Age Grants is Michelle Garris, School Age and Youth Programs Specialist; Brittany Sams, CCS Director of Administrative Services and Special Operations; and Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner of Child Care Services.
Support the show
Last month, the Georgia Chamber hosted its third annual Georgia Summit, this year focused entirely on talent development. The event was held at the Georgia Tech Research Institute and included discussions around talent and workforce development at every stage of the pipeline. Commissioner Jacobs was invited to serve on a panel discussing early childhood education, joined by Mindy Binderman, Executive Director of GEEARS; Kelli Henderson, HR Vice President with AFLAC Total Rewards; and Daniela Perry, Vice President of the Georgia Chamber Foundation.
Support the show
Sheryl Young-Wilhite has served as a Senior Human Resources Director here at DECAL responsible for recruitment, employee relations, and training. You might remember recently hearing from Robin Stevens here on the podcast as she planned for retirement, beginning March 1, after being our first Human Resources Director and serving 11 years. Also March 1, Sheryl became our new Human Resources Director. Today we learn more about her and finding a career at DECAL and state government.
Support the show
Meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia’s children and their families is a big responsibility for one state agency…that’s why we appreciate so much the early childhood advocates we work with on a daily basis. One of those advocates is Quality Care for Children. They have been operating since 1979 with offices in Atlanta, Athens, and Cartersville…a team of over 100 people and a budget of $15 million. Joining us to talk about the work of Quality Care for Children is Ellyn Cochran, the new president and CEO.
Support the show
Meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia’s children and their families is a big responsibility for one state agency…that’s why we appreciate so much the early childhood advocates we work with on a daily basis. One of those advocates that helps us enhance early care and education for children and their families is Voices for Georgia’s Children, a nonprofit child policy and advocacy organization advancing laws, policies, and actions that improve the lives of Georgia’s children. Today we’re talking with the new Voices Executive Director Dr. Caitlin McMunn Dooley.
Support the show
It all started with 750 four year olds in 1992 under then Governor Zell Miller. Now, 30 years later, it serves over 70,000 students across the state under Governor Brian Kemp. It’s Georgia’s Pre-K Program, celebrating a milestone birthday this year and laying a solid foundation for academic excellence and future success in the lives of nearly 2-million children. Joining us to talk about their experience with Georgia’s Pre-K Program and the HOPE scholarship are Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner of Child Care Services, Professional Learning Specialist Vicki Watts, and Amy Browder, Pre-K Regional Manager.
Support the show
Since 2021, DECAL has paid out three installments of POWER payments (Providing Our Workforce Essential Recognition) to the tune of close to $115-million from the American Rescue Plan Act. That’s 115,000 individual payments of $1,000 to early learning professionals here in Georgia. Now we are repurposing POWER payments and making some changes to DECAL Scholars to increase access to degrees and credentials for those working in child care. Joining us to talk about POWER and DECAL Scholars is Abby Mozo, Professional Learning Operations Analyst here at DECAL, and Melissa Ross from Care Solutions.
Support the show
If things had gone according to plan, our Human Resources Director Robin Stevens would have graduated from law school at the University of Georgia in the late seventies. But plans often change, as they did for Robin, when instead she chose the relatively new field of Human Resources. Robin became DECAL’s first HR director in February, 2012, and now she’s retiring this spring.
Support the show
There are many ways to reach us here at DECAL. You can go to our website at decal.ga.gov, you can e-mail us, or more than likely you still pick up the phone and call us on the telephone using 404-656-5957 or 1-888-442-7735. The voice you hear on the other side of the phone is very important to you…and to us. Joining us to talk about customer service here at DECAL is Antonia Mack, Administrative Assistant in the Applicant Services Unit with Child Care Services, Tommeshia Sims is a receptionist at CAPS, Tammy Clark is our Agency Receptionist and Information Specialist, and Quandra Obi is Special Assistant to Commissioner Jacobs.
Support the show
This year, Georgia’s Pre-K Program celebrates its 30th birthday. Pre-K in Georgia began in 1992 as a pilot program serving 750 at-risk four year olds at 20 locations. Because of the success of the Georgia Lottery, in 1995 the Pre-K program was opened to all four year old children regardless of family income. The program has grown every year since its inception, today serving more than 73,000 students in over 3,700 classrooms across the state. But how do child care providers apply to offer Georgia’s Pre-K Program in their facilities? Joining us to talk about becoming a Georgia’s Pre-K Program provider is Jackie Shivers, Director of Pre-K quality Support, and Meghan McNail, Summer Transition Program and Outreach Manager.
Support the show
Research tells us that, regardless of their abilities, children in high-quality child care programs are better prepared to enter school and more likely to develop healthy social and emotional skills. When child care providers offer inclusive child care, they’re supporting not only children with disabilities but also their parents who can work, go back to school, or just take a break. That’s why every year in February we celebrate Inclusive Early Learning Week here at DECAL. Here to talk about the importance of inclusion in early child care and Inclusive Early Learning week is Inclusion and Behavior Support Specialist Kelly Wilson; Leah Brockington is a Family Peer Ambassador who has a child with autism enrolled in an Inclusive early learning program; and Tierra Faulcon is one of our 2022-2023 Early Childhood Teachers of the Year.
Support the show
The Georgia Professional Development System (GaPDS) for Early Childhood Educators is an innovative resource developed specifically for early care and education professionals. On GaPDS you make a profile that tracks your job history, diplomas, and certificates…along with conveniently searching and registering both you and your staff for training. Georgia Training Approval is under Workforce Supports in Professional Learning. On a daily basis, they work with state approved trainers or organizations that provide training for child care professionals. Joining us this week are Janet Herrera and Miranda Murphy, Training Approval Specialists with Georgia Training Approval.
Support the show
The 157th session of the Georgia General Assembly is now underway. For the first time this century, the legislature begins with a new Lieutenant Governor on the Senate side and a new Speaker of the House. But what role does an agency like DECAL play in the process? Joining us to talk about the 157th meeting of the Georgia General Assembly is Polly McKinney, Advocacy Director with Voices for Georgia’s Children; Liz Young, Director of Government Relations here at DECAL; and Rian Ringsrud, Deputy Commissioner for Finance and Administration.
Support the show
The Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education (GPEE) recently held its annual Media Symposium where it released its 19th edition of the Top Ten Issues to Watch in 2023. Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs was part of a panel discussing the future of education in Georgia. She spoke along with Commissioner Greg Dozier from the Technical College System of Georgia, Chancellor Sonny Perdue from the University System of Georgia, and State School Superintendent Richard Woods from the Georgia Department of Education. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Dana Rickman, President of the Georgia Partnership.
Support the show
Our Child Care Services Division has been hard at work making your search for child care in Georgia more family friendly. If you have ever searched for child care on qualityrated.org or decal.ga.gov, you know there is a lot of information there on every licensed child care program in the state, but sometimes that information can be technical at best with regulatory language not everyone understands. Joining us to talk about these improvements is Dana Morrison, Child Care Services Director of Field Operations, and April Rogers, CCS Director of Enforcement Operations.
Support the show
As 2022 draws to a close, this episode takes a look back at our most popular episodes of DECAL Download, based on the total number of downloads, added together with your likes and comments across social media. With all that data, we determined our top ten podcast episodes for 2022, and to find your way to the top of the list, just follow the money.
Support the show
On this episode of DECAL Download, light up your tree, grab some eggnog, and hang up the mistletoe. It’s our annual holiday special featuring members of the DECAL team, gift ideas for the birth to five year old on your list, and some helpful ways to eat healthy during the holidays. Joining us on this holiday episode is Quandra Obi, Special Assistant to Commissioner Jacobs; Savannah Ennis, Infant Toddler Specialist in Lowndes County; and Diana Myers, Nutrition and Physical Activity Supervisor from our DECAL Nutrition Team.
Support the show
From Dalton to Valdosta, and even Truist Park with the Atlanta Braves, we have been celebrating the Tenth Anniversary of Quality Rated. This week we take a look back at all the festivities with Dr. Bentley Ponder, Deputy Commissioner for Quality Innovations and Partnerships.
Support the show
The year is winding down, the holidays will be here soon, and it seemed like a good time for us to sit down and Chat with the Commissioner. This is an episode where we take questions from our DECAL team and the general public through our social media and discuss a wide variety of topics with Commissioner Jacobs.
Support the show
This year, Quality Rated is celebrating its tenth anniversary…a Decade of Stars…by naming 126 child care providers to the exclusive Quality Rated Class of 2012 in recognition of their unique status as early adopters that have consistently delivered high-quality, star-rated care and education to Georgia’s youngest learners. We’re also recognizing leaders who have been influential in making Quality Rated a success across Georgia. On this episode we take our listeners to the event held November 18 at Georgia Piedmont Technical College where former Governor Nathan Deal was honored.
Support the show
While many private-sector jobs have fully rebounded from problems presented by COVID-19, this has not been the case for the early childhood workforce in America which has actually shrunk by close to ten-percent from what it was in February, 2020. To better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the early childhood workforce, our partners at GEEARS…Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students…have been conducting focus groups all this year with child care learning centers, family child care learning homes, Head Start programs, and Georgia’s Pre-K Program. Joining us to talk about supporting the early childhood workforce is Callan Wells, Senior Health Policy Manager at GEEARS; Donnis Pace is President of the Georgia Head Start Association and Director of Tallatoona Community Action Partnership….operating a Head Start and Georgia’s Pre-K Program in Cartersville and surrounding areas, and Allison Setterlind is Georgia’s Head Start Collaboration Director here at DECAL.
Support the show
Two of our websites used for lesson planning are coming together for a new website starting in January. The PEACH (Planning Educational Activities for Children) site is being combined with the GELDS (Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards) site. Joining us to talk about the new GELDS site is Barb McWethy, Workforce Supports Manager here at DECAL, and Shenae Holms, Workforce Development Specialist.
Support the show
It all started with 750 four year olds in 1992 under then Governor Zell Miller. Now, 30 years later, it serves over 70,000 students across the state under Governor Brian Kemp. It’s Georgia’s Pre-K Program, celebrating a milestone birthday this year and laying a solid foundation for academic excellence and future success in the lives of nearly 2-million children. Joining us to talk about Georgia’s Pre-K Program and the 30th birthday is Marla Reisman, Pre-K project director at North Fulton Child Development Center in Roswell, and Stephanie Thompson, Pre-K project director with the Glynn County Schools, part of their Family and Children’s Education Services (FACES).
Support the show
Last month, DECAL named our Georgia’s Pre-K Teachers of the Year for the 2022-2023 school year just in time for the annual Georgia’s Pre-K Week October 3-7. The public school winner is Shannon Gibson from Baldwin Elementary School in Baldwin, and the private child care center winner is Alaina Jones from Akers Academy in Cumming. Joining us this week to talk about their experience of being selected Georgia’s Pre-K Teachers of the Year are Shannon and Alaina, along with Meghan McNail, our Summer Transition Program and Outreach Manager, who oversees the Teacher of the Year recognition each year.
Support the show
October is Farm to School and Farm to Early Care and Education Month…an innovative way to build children’s relationship with food and the local food system through hands-on food education and gardening experiences, interactive and adventurous taste testing, and inclusion of local items into CACFP meals and snacks. Joining us to talk about Farm to School and Farm to Early Care and Education Month is Diana Myers, Nutrition and Physical Activity Supervisor here at DECAL, and Akia Lewis with Georgia Family Connection Partnership and Get Georgia Reading.
Support the show
Today we are on location at Scott Elementary School, one of the Atlanta Public Schools, as we celebrate Georgia’s Pre-K Week, with a very special guest who just happened to write the new book we are giving to all Georgia Pre-K students and their classrooms called “Hey Georgia.” We’re talking about former New England Patriots and University of Georgia football wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell.
Support the show
It’s a year of major milestones here at the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning…Quality Rated celebrates a Decade of Stars now marking ten years as Georgia’s Quality Rating and Improvement System…and this school year Georgia’s Pre-K Program celebrates 30 years of high quality early childhood education for the state’s four and five year olds. But sandwiched in between all that is the 18th birthday of our agency as a whole. Prior to 2004, the idea of a state department strictly for children under the age of five was unheard of…and yet it happened officially on October 1, 2004 with Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. Joining us to talk about DECAL’s 18th birthday is Ben Scafidi, a former education policy advisor to Governor Sonny Perdue. Today Ben is a professor of economics and director of the Education Economics Center at Kennesaw State University.
Support the show
This year DECAL and Voices for Georgia’s Children are celebrating the 12th Annual Georgia’s Pre-K Week, October 3-7…our thirtieth year offering Pre-K to students and families here in Georgia. Joining us to talk about Georgia Pre-K Week is State Representative Sharon Cooper, representing District 43 and the East Cobb County area, a frequent guest reader in Georgia’s Pre-K Program classrooms through the years; Polly McKinney, with Voices for Georgia’s Children and Susan Adams, Deputy Commissioner for Georgia’s Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports.
Support the show
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia received over $2-billion in federal money to help stabilize the child care industry, increase access to high quality child care for all families of young children, and support the state’s early childhood education workforce. The money comes from the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act and from the American Rescue Plan Act. Now we are announcing how we will spend the remaining $400-million in a list of projects supporting child care providers, the ECE workforce, families, and other groups. In this episode, Deputy Commissioner of Georgia's Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports Susan Adams discusses projects supporting the ECE workforce.
Support the show
Our very first DECAL Download podcast was September 24, 2018, and we began with a simple Chat with Commissioner Jacobs. Over the past four years, these episodes have proven to be among our most popular so we always try to take some time for your questions gathered from our DECAL team and on our social media channels. In this episode, Commissioner Jacobs discusses everything from the $2.1 billion DECAL received in COVID relief funding to the tenth anniversary of Quality Rated in Georgia, and how she celebrated by throwing the ceremonial first pitch for the Braves on September 4, 2022.
Support the show
For the second year in a row, DECAL and the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning are seeking applications for the 2022-2023 Georgia’s Early Childhood Educators of the Year Program, recognizing the teachers of our very youngest learners…infants, toddlers, and preschool. Joining us to talk about our Early Childhood Educators of the Year is Laura Wagner, Interim Executive Director for the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning; Thea Stevens, DECAL’s Infant Toddler Manager; and Rebecca Ellis, Director of Practice and Support Services.
Support the show
Over the past few months, we’ve been taking a tour of DECAL’s six regions by talking to our Community Partnership Coordinators, representatives from our Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, and introducing you to child care providers in each region. Joining us to talk about the North East Region are Clayton Adams, Lead Community Partnership Coordinator for the North East; Dr. Victoria Long-Coleman, an Early Care and Education Specialist from Quality Care for Children; Elainne Aguilara, a Family Child Care Learning Home provider; Amy Kay, Director of the Child Development Lab at the McPhaul Center; and Janna Rookis, Peer Support Network Ambassador in Gwinnett County.
Support the show
You have probably heard something about Quality Rated, Georgia’s child care rating and improvement system. But did you know that this year marks the 10th anniversary of Quality Rated here in Georgia…and were you aware that we are kicking off the celebration with the National Champion Atlanta Braves? Joining us to talk about Quality Rated and the Decade of Stars Celebration is Sonja Steptoe, Communications and Outreach Manager for Quality Innovations and Partnerships; Denise Jenson is Quality Rated Director of Operations; and Dr. Bentley Ponder is Deputy Commissioner for Quality Innovations and Partnerships here at DECAL.
Support the show
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia received over $2-billion in federal money to help stabilize the child care industry, increase access to high quality child care for all families of young children, and support the state’s early childhood education workforce. The money comes from the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act and from the American Rescue Plan Act. We are now announcing how we will spend the remaining $400-million in a list of projects supporting child care providers, the ECE workforce, families, and other groups. Joining us to discuss our plans for supporting child care providers is Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner of Child Care Services, and Dr. Bentley Ponder, Deputy Commissioner of Quality Innovations and Partnerships.
Support the show
Last month, Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs announced a new Interim Executive Director for the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning to replace outgoing director Carrie Ashbee who recently moved with her husband and daughter to Mobile, Alabama. Laura Wagner is no stranger to DECAL. She comes to the new role from Quality Initiatives and Partnerships where she served Quality Rated and Partnerships Director. On this episode, we get to know Laura better.
Support the show
This week we return to our tour of DECAL’s six regions talking to our Community Partnership Coordinators, representatives from our Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, and introducing you to child care providers in each region. Today, we’re talking about the Central West Region that includes Cobb and Paulding Counties to the North with Clayton and Fayette County furthest East. Furthest West we have Carroll, Heard, Troup, and Harris reaching the Alabama border. Joining us to talk about the Central West Region are Bridgette Washington-Collier, Early Education Community Partnership Coordinator; Taylor Reid, a Team Lead for Central West Early Childhood Education Specialists, Quality Care for Children; Camilla Mason, a Family Child Care Learning Home provider; Noni Walton, the Executive Director of Oak Leaf School; and Dr. Kiki Singletary- Williams, a Peer Support Network Ambassador in Clayton County and also a Family Child Care provider.
Support the show
There’s no doubt about it…we are all living in a digital world and, since the start of the pandemic, more and more of what we do is virtual and online. With so much emphasis on smartphones and computers, cyber criminals are also at work trying to take advantage of businesses and individuals alike. Joining us to talk about cybersecurity is Dennis Brice, Chief Information Officer here at DECAL, and Radha Datla, Chief Information Security Officer and Chief Technology Officer for DECAL.
Support the show
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia has received over $2-billion in federal money to help stabilize the child care industry, increase access to high quality child care for all families of young children, and support the state’s early childhood education workforce. The money comes from the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act and from the American Rescue Plan Act. We recently announced plans for spending the remaining $400-million in a list of projects supporting child care providers, the ECE workforce, families, and other groups. Joining us to discuss our plans for supporting families is Elisabetta Kasfir, Deputy Commissioner for Federal Programs.
Support the show
For many kids across Georgia, summer vacation means more fun and free time. But for kids facing food insecurity—made worse by COVID’s impact on already tight-family budgets—no school can also mean limited access to affordable, nutritious foods. That’s where Happy Helpings comes in, the summer food service program funded by USDA and administered by DECAL. Joining us today with an update on Happy Helpings Georgia is Tamika Boone, Nutrition Services Director here at DECAL, and Cindy Kicklighter, Nutrition Marketing and Outreach Manager.
Support the show
We're taking a tour of DECAL’s six regions by talking to our Community Partnership Coordinators, representatives from our Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, and introducing you to child care providers in each region. Today, we’re talking about the Central East Region. The Central East region consists of 23 counties, beginning with DeKalb County to the left and stretching all the way to Lincoln, Columbia, Richmond, and Burke counties on the South Carolina border. Joining us to talk about the Central East Region are Hannah Smith, Early Education Community Partnership Coordinator; Deidra Fitzpatrick, a Technical Assistance Coordinator with LEAP Early Learning Partners, one of our child care resource and referral agencies; Beverly Johnson, owner of Discovery Point Child Development Center #61 in Conyers; and Antoinette Elliott, who is a family child care provider in DeKalb County and a member of our Peer Support Network.
Support the show
It may be summertime but before you know it we will be opening up the 2022-2023 school year for Georgia’s Pre-K Program, our 30th year offering Pre-K in Georgia. Joining us to talk about preparing for Georgia’s Pre-K Program is Faith Duncan, Director of Georgia’s Pre-K Program; Laurianne McDonald is a Pre-K specialist working with programs in Southeast Georgia; and LaNita Carey from Jackson Creek Academy in Lilburn is one of our Georgia’s Pre-K Program Teachers of the Year for the 2021-2022 school year.
Support the show
Starting last month, DECAL announced that student parents are now a “priority group” for receiving financial assistance through Georgia’s Childcare and Parent Services Program (CAPS). This new priority group is a major step forward in our Two-Generation Approach to assisting young children and their families. Joining us to talk about the new student-parent priority group is Elisabetta Kasfir, Deputy Commissioner for the CAPS Program; Ni’Aisha Banks-Devore, a wife, mom of four, and entrepreneur; and Dr. Meghan McBride, Vice President of Adult Education at Georgia Piedmont Technical College in Clarkston.
Support the show
This week we open it up to our DECAL team as well as followers on social media to ask questions of Commissioner Jacobs. This is an opportunity to talk about a wide variety of topics and discuss those issues that are concerning you most, including updates on STABLE (Short-Term Assistance Benefit for Licensed Entities) and POWER (Providing Our Workforce Essential Recognition).
Support the show
We’re taking a tour of DECAL’s six regions by talking to our Community Partnership Coordinators, representatives from our Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, and introducing you to child care providers in each region. Today, we’re talking about the Southeast Region consisting of 40 counties that stretch from Monroe County, north of Macon, all the way down to Lowndes County on the Florida border. Joining us to talk about the Southeast Region are Tomisher Campbell, Early Education Community Partnership Coordinator, and Jeneine Barlow, the Technical Assistance Manager at the CCR&R of Southeast Georgia. Also joining us is Shalinda Smith, a family child care provider in Emanuel County and Bree Carter, the Owner and Director of Bree’s Creative Learning Preschool Childcare Center in Lowndes County.
Support the show
For the ninth consecutive year, DECAL is calling for families and caregivers to increase awareness of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles. Joining us to talk about our annual Look Again campaign and ways to prevent pediatric vehicular heatstroke is Dana Morrison and Rhonda Parker, both directors of field operations with Child Care Services here at DECAL; and Michelle Walker is Manager of Child Advocacy Programs with Safe Kids Georgia and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Support the show
Today, it’s another one of our “Day in the Life” features where we learn more about a member of our DECAL team and what they do for Georgia’s youngest learners and their families. Today we’re learning more about our Inclusion and Behavior Support Services Unit that helps early learning professionals and families learn more about inclusion and social emotional development. Meet Fachelle Garner, Inclusion and Behavior Support Specialist here at DECAL.
Support the show
This spring and summer, we’re taking a tour of DECAL’s six regions by talking to our Community Partnership Coordinators, representatives from our Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, and introducing you to child care providers in each region. The Northwest Region consists of 11 counties including Fulton and ten other counties in the northwest corner of the state, spreading from Haralson, and continuing up to the Tennessee line and over to Pickens and Cherokee counties. Joining us to talk about the Northwest Region are Glenda Davis-Canteen, Early Education Community Partnership Coordinator, and Brittney Everett, the ECE Specialist Team Lead at Quality Care for Children CCR&R of Northwest Georgia. Also joining us today is DiAnne Coggins, a family child care provider and one of our Peer Support Network Ambassadors, from College Park in Fulton County. And from further north, we have Kari Emerson, a Program Specialist with Ninth District Opportunity Head Start & Early Head Start at the Pickens County Head Start program in Tate Georgia.
Support the show
Today, it’s another one of our “Day in the Life” features where we learn more about a member of our DECAL team and what they do for Georgia’s youngest learners and their families. Today we’re learning more about CAPS…a federal program administered by DECAL that helps pay for the cost of child care so parents can work or attend school. We’re spending a “Day in the Life” of Tara Davis, CAPS Family Support Coordinator for the Northwest Region, and Gina Haskins, CAPS Scholarship Administration Specialist.
Support the show
Like so many other industries, child care has seen its share of staffing shortages lately. DECAL has tried to help through POWER supplemental payments for anyone eligible who is working in child care…and over $1.57 BILLION directly to child care programs in Georgia to stabilize child care, support the workforce, and increase access to quality care and learning.
Joining us with updates on POWER and STABLE is Christi Moore, Professional Learning Director here at DECAL; Woody Dover is our Enterprise Project Management Director; and Rian Ringsrud, Deputy Commissioner for Finance and Administration.
Support the show
In 2018, the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning partnered with the Georgia Forestry Foundation to host the first Moonlight through the Pines, a fundraising event for both organizations featuring great food and singer songwriters from Georgia. We had such a great time with that event, we are doing it again on May 18, this time with the foundation for the Technical College System of Georgia. Joining us to talk about Moonlight through the Pines: A Singers Songwriters Soiree is Kelsey Bassett, Executive Director of the TCSG Foundation, and our own Carrie Ashbee, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning.
Plus a special message from Commissioner Jacobs about State Employees Recognition Week 2022.
Support the show
For the second year in a row, DECAL will celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week in Georgia May 2 through 6. Similar to Georgia’s Pre-K Week and Inclusive Early Learning Week, this special week in May reminds us that the early years in a child’s life provide a key opportunity to establish safe and secure relationships and support healthy social and emotional development.
Joining us are Laura Lucas, DECAL Director of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health; Dr. Chelsea Morris, Professor at University of West Georgia and co-author of the children's book, "Suri the Spider Selects a Solution," and Lorie Summers, a Kids on the Block Puppeteer for Mental Health America of Georgia who is joining our celebration this year.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Over the next few months, we’re going to take a tour of DECAL’s six regions by talking to our Community Partnership Coordinators, representatives from our Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, and introducing you to child care providers in each region.
Joining us this week to talk about the Southwest Region are Edward Rowell, Early Education Community Partnership Coordinator, and DJ Fitchlee, Training Director of the Child Care Resource and Referral Agency of Southwest Georgia based at Albany State University. Also joining us is one of our Peer Support Network Ambassadors, Brett Copeland, Assistant Director for Child Development Centers at Central Georgia Technical College in addition to being the Peer Support Network Ambassador for Bibb County; and Gwen Dodson, Data Coordinator of Fort Valley State University Head Start in Fort Valley.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Commissioner Jacobs was the guest on the April 23-24, 2022, episode of Georgia Focus on the Georgia News Network, a program heard on 181 radio affiliates statewide.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
For over 15 years, the CDC’s Learn the signs. Act Early program has provided free milestone checklists for families, early childhood education professionals, and medical clinicians to use in monitoring the development of young children in their care. In March, the CDC published revisions to the milestones and this week we are bringing our listeners up-to-speed. Joining us to talk about the Learn the Signs, Act Early Program is Bridget Ratajczak, DECAL’s Child and Family Development Supervisor who serves as the CDC’s Act Early Ambassador for Georgia; Rebecca Ellis is our Director of Practice and Support Services who also happens to have two young boys and uses the Milestones; and Dr. Jennifer Zubler is a general pediatrician in Atlanta and consultant for the CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early. Program.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
It’s the time of year when high school seniors across the state begin receiving acceptance letters from various colleges…and making plans for starting their higher education in the fall. But what if we told you one Atlanta high school senior has been accepted by 21 colleges with scholarships totaling more than $1 million. And it all started in Georgia's Pre-K Program. Joining us on the podcast is Taylor Edwards, a senior at Midtown High School in Atlanta, along with her mom Robin Lewis.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Today, it’s another one of our “Day in the Life” features where we learn more about a member of our DECAL team and what they do for Georgia’s youngest learners and their families. Today we are talking to the manager behind the POWER payments, a big initiative both last year and this year here at DECAL. Welcome Abby Mozo, Manager for the POWER payments.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
In January, the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education (GPEE) presented its 18th edition of the Top Ten Issues to Watch Report. The report identifies and analyzes key education issues Georgia will be or should be addressing in the coming year. Joining us to talk about the Top Ten Issues to Watch is Dr. Dana Rickman, GPEE President, and Matt Smith, Senior Policy Analyst.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
DECAL is joining the Georgia Department of Education and the nonprofit research institute RTI International to help schools and child care programs test drinking water for lead, communicate about the testing, and remove lead from their drinking and cooking water. Thanks to a federal grant, this testing program is free of charge and good for the health and safety of children and their families. The project is called Clean Water for Georgia Kids…and here to talk about it is Rhonda Parker, Child Care Services Director of Field Operations, Jennifer Hoponick Redmon, the Clean Water for Georgia Kids Program Director and a Senior Environmental Health Scientist with nonprofit institute RTI International, and Crystal Lee Pow Jackson,a research environmental scientist and an outreach and communication coordinator for the program.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Today they may be learning their colors, shapes, and letters…but before you know it, those four year olds in Georgia’s Pre-K Program will be all grown up and headed to technical school or college. That’s why each year we join Path2College 529 Plan and the Georgia Student Finance Commission for our Pre-K to College Sweepstakes. This is the fifth year for our sweepstakes and here to talk about Pre-K to College is Mitch Seabaugh, Executive Director of the Path2College 529 Plan, and Meghan McNail, Summer Transition Program and Outreach Manager for Georgia’s Pre-K Program.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
On October 18, 2021, DECAL welcomed our new Early Head Start - Child Care Partnership Director. DECAL has been an Early Head Start – Child Care Partnership grantee since 2014. Megan Fickes joined us after 14 years of Head Start/Early Head Start experience working with Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning. Joining us to talk about DECAL’s Early Head Start partnerships is our new director, Megan Fickes, along with Deputy Commissioner of Quality Initiatives and Partnerships Dr. Bentley Ponder.
More information can be found at Head Start Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
If you’re a food bank, school, camp, church, government entity, or nonprofit organization, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement for serving nutritious meals to kids and teens this summer through Happy Helpings...the new name for Georgia’s Summer Food Service Program. Here to talk about how DECAL’s Nutrition Division will ensure Georgia’s kids will have access to meals and snacks this summer is Cindy Kicklighter, Manager of Marketing and Outreach.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Fathers, mothers, foster parents, or guardians of young children that have had a child in childcare or early intervention currently, or in the past two years…they all make up DECAL’s Family Peer Ambassadors. The Ambassadors serve as leaders in their community, engaging families in activities to provide them with information about child development and strategies they can use to support their children’s school readiness. Joining us to talk about the Family Peer Ambassador Program are Ann Panzica, Child and Family Development Training Specialists; Bridget Ratajczak, Child and Family Development Supervisor and three of our current DECAL Family Peer Ambassadors: Ni’Aisha Banks-Devore, Raymond Dockery, and Mayra Velez.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
DECAL’s Child Care Services Division is responsible for ensuring the health and safety of thousands of children in Georgia while also providing training and technical assistance, licensing new child care programs, and determining exempt programs. The division also responds to any concerns or complaints the public may have through the CCS Consultant of the Day. Joining us to talk about the CCS Consultant of the Day is Tahishe Smith, CCS Intake Manager for the Complaint Unit.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
WSB Radio's Scott Slade talks with Commissioner Jacobs about the availability of child care, staffing shortages, and the impact of COVID-19 in Georgia.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Early child development helps build a foundation for lifelong learning, behavior, and health. With that in in mind, DECAL and the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning have named our inaugural Georgia’s Early Childhood Educators of the Year for 2022. The infant winner is Diana Black from Pookie Bear Learning Center in Savannah, the toddler winner is Maria Claudia Ortega from My Little Geniuses in Marietta, and the preschool winner is Hannah Beth Reeves from the Academy for Little People in Chickamauga. On this week's podcast we are joined by all three winners in addition to Thea Stevens, Infant Toddler Supervisor here at DECAL, and Carrie Ashbee, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning. We’re also joined by Maria Moor from Georgia's Pre-K Program who will serve as Maria Claudia’s interpreter.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Research tells us that, regardless of their abilities, children in high-quality child care programs are better prepared to enter school and more likely to develop healthy social and emotional skills. When child care providers offer inclusive child care, they’re supporting not only children with disabilities but also their parents who can work, go back to school, or just take a break. Here to talk about the importance of inclusion in early child care and Inclusive Early Learning week are Inclusion and Behavior Support Specialists Emily Graham and Alicia Prather.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Something new and exciting is coming to the School of Public Health at Georgia State University here in Atlanta. The research center known as the Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development has been chosen as the future home for the Georgia Association for Infant Mental Health. Joining us to talk about plans for the Georgia Association for Infant Mental Health is Laura Lucas, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Director here at DECAL; Callan Wells is Health Policy Manager for GEEARS: The Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students; Dr. Kathleen Baggett serves on the leadership team for the Georgia Association for Infant Mental Health at Georgia State University; and Kathy Bragg and Dr. Trasie Topple serve as Board Co-Presidents for the Georgia Association for Infant Mental Health.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Now in its twenty-ninth year, Georgia’s Pre-K Program has more than 3,700 classes serving over 73,000 students statewide. Those classrooms are served by 36 Pre-K specialists on a daily basis. But who do you contact if you’re a teacher, director, parent, or the general public with a question or concern about Georgia’s Pre-K Program? Here to talk about the Pre-K Specialist of the Day program is Jennifer McCreary, one of our Regional Managers for Georgia’s Pre-K Program.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Starting January 18, applications are open for Round 2 of our $1,000 POWER Supplemental Payments. POWER stands for Providing Our Workforce Essential Recognition. You might remember we did this last spring and summer and now they’re back for 2022…$1,000 bonus payments to some 35,000 early learning professionals and staff here in Georgia. The bonuses are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Joining us to talk about POWER supplemental payments Round 2 is Christi Moore, Director of Professional Learning here at DECAL; and Barb McWethy is Workforce Support Manager.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Recently we surveyed our DECAL team on topics they would like to hear featured here on DECAL Download. One of the suggestions was to launch a new feature called “A Day in the Life” where we learn more about a member of the DECAL team and what they do for Georgia’s youngest learners and their families on a daily basis. Today we’re spending a “Day in the Life” of Rachael Lee, Quality Improvement Supervisor in our Child Care Services Division.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
It’s the holiday season and here at DECAL we’re making a list and checking it twice on gift ideas for your youngest learners, nutritious meals and snacks for the holidays, as well as our favorite traditions and New Year’s resolutions for 2022. Joining us this week to help celebrate the season is Annie Blair, Infant Toddler Specialist; Ann Panzica, Child and Family Development Training Specialist; and LaToya Longshore, Northwest Region Child Care Consultant from CCS to talk about great gift ideas for children birth to five. DECAL Nutrition Health Educator Diana Meyers is back with tips for navigating through those holiday parties and carbolicious casseroles in the kitchen at Grandma’s.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs responds to questions from our DECAL team and our followers on social media.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Georgia’s Department of Public Health has announced that there are approximately 987,000 children ages 5-11 in Georgia who are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine...that’s about 4.4 percent of the total population in Georgia. Commissioner, this is something we’ve been looking for and should help in containing the virus among our younger learners and ultimately making schools and child care programs safer. Joining us to talk about COVID-19 vaccines for children in Georgia is Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner of Child Care Services here at DECAL, and Dr. Jenna Gettings, an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer with the CDC currently assigned as a school team lead with the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
In October, Commissioner Jacobs joined Governor Brian Kemp in announcing eight Georgia child care programs that have received our inaugural Quality Rated Language and Literacy Endorsement. We’re very proud of these programs who are demonstrating a commitment to providing high-quality, language-rich environments for Georgia’s youngest learners. Joining us to talk about Quality Rated Language and Literacy Endorsements are Laura Wagner, Community Outreach and Partnerships Director in our Quality Innovations and Partnerships Division; Angela Shelton is a Professional Learning Specialist in Georgia’s Pre-K and Instructional Supports Division; and two of the recipients of the Language and Literacy Endorsements: Beverly Johnson, owner of Discovery Point in Conyers and Jessica Whitehead, Director of Rising Star Learning Center in Mableton.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Ten-thousand children. That’s how much DECAL is expanding our Childcare and Parent Services or CAPS Program, as of November 1. Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs and Governor Brian Kemp made this announcement last month to provide additional support to Georgia’s families and child care providers and to ensure more children have access to quality early educational opportunities. Joining us to talk about expanding CAPS by 10,000 children is Elisabetta Kasfir, Deputy Commissioner for the CAPS Program in Georgia, and Miranda Gore, a mom with five children who are a part of the CAPS Program.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
For 31 years, WSB Radio’s Clark Howard and the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services has made sure that every child in Georgia’s foster care system has at least one gift on Christmas day. Traditionally, shoppers attend Clark’s live events in Walmart locations in the metro Atlanta area to purchase gifts from a child’s wish list. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain challenges, this year’s campaign is all virtual and DECAL is happy to be a part of it. Joining us to talk about this year’s Clark’s Christmas Kids is Allison Setterlind, Director of our Head Start Collaboration Office at DECAL, who is coordinating our participation, and WSB Consumer Expert Clark Howard.
Donations are tax deductible and can be mailed to:
DFCS Secret Santa
Division of Family and Children Services
2 Peachtree Street, NW Suite 19-432
Atlanta, GA 30303
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
During our recent Georgia Pre-K Week, students received a nice surprise in the mail…their own copies of a new book by children’s author and Zac Brown Band lead guitarist Coy Bowles. The book is called “Can You Touch a Color,” and it’s a follow up to Coy’s book “Behind the Little Red Door." Joining us this week to talk about “Can You Touch a Color” is the author and musician Coy Bowles.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
During our annual Georgia Pre-K Week, held October 4-8, DECAL officially named Georgia’s Pre-K Teachers of the Year for the 2021-2022 school year. The private center winner is LaNita Carey from Jackson Creek Academy in Lilburn, and the public school winner is Stephanie Curington from Kings Chapel Elementary School in Perry. Joining us to talk about this experience are our new Georgia Pre-K Teachers of the Year LaNita and Stephanie, along with Meghan McNail, Summer Transition Program and Outreach Coordinator who oversees the Teachers of the Year every year.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
With 700 employees all across Georgia, traveling between cities to visit child care programs and meet with community partners and advocates, the DECAL team has stockpiled some great information about the Best Places to Eat in Georgia. Joining us to talk about this tasteful topic is Carrie Ashbee, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Early Learning; Billie Joe Sutton is a Georgia’s Pre-K Program Specialist serving Southwest Georgia; and Ira Sudman is Chief Legal Officer here at DECAL. Hope you're hungry!
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
“Our food, our future.” October is National Farm to School and Early Care and Education Month with thousands of schools, early care and education sites, farms, communities, and organizations across the country celebrating food education, school gardens and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients. Joining us to talk about National Farm to School and Early Care and Education Month is Diana Myers, Nutrition Health Educator here at DECAL, and Kimberly Della Donna, Farm to School Director with Georgia Organics.
Plus, a DECAL Download EXTRA, featuring Woody Dover, DECAL Enterprise Project Management Director, explaining the new STABLE 4WARD funding for licensed Georgia child care programs from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) passed by Congress.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
The Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students, that most people know as GEEARS, celebrates ten years of community impact this year, although due to COVID the milestone was celebrated virtually. Joining us to talk about Ten Years of GEEARS and its relationship with DECAL is Stephanie Blank, GEEARS founder and chair of the Board of Directors, and Mindy Binderman, Executive Director.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
DECAL and the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning have announced the recipients of the 2021-2022 DECAL Scholars of the Year. This year’s program celebrates the 20th Anniversary of DECAL Scholars which supports early care and educational professionals in Georgia in gaining more education and skills and earning financial awards. Joining us to talk about this very special recognition are our DECAL Scholars of the Year…the four-year college/university winner is Edelina Lane of Ellenwood, a Family Child Care Provider who is a student at Point University; Technical College winner is Quinecia Styles Smith of Newnan, a lead teacher at Parker Chase Preschool North in Peachtree City and student at West Georgia Technical College; Carla Rogg is President of CARE Solutions that manages DECAL Scholars; and Carrie Ashbee, executive director of the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
WGAU Radio's Tim Bryant interviews Susan Adams, Deputy Commissioner for Georgia's Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports, about Georgia Pre-K Week and other topics.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
There’s a new face in DECAL’s Pre-K and Instructional Supports Division overseeing our Infant and Toddler, Inclusion and Behavior Supports, and Child and Family Development teams. Director of Practice and Support Services Rebecca Ellis joins DECAL from the Technical College System of Georgia where she served as Director of Accountability in the Office of Adult Education. She’s also been Director of Innovation for the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement and has a background in social work with a Masters of Social Work from the University of Alabama and after grad school worked as a foster care worker and child protective services in Birmingham.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
DECAL has joined the Georgia Department of Public Health in updating COVID-19 Guidance specifically for Georgia child care facilities. The guidance, first released in August 2020, covers everything from COVID-19 prevention strategies, promoting vaccinations, and consistent and correct use of masks. Joining us to talk about COVID-19 guidance for child care in Georgia is Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner of Child Care Services, and Dr. Jenna Gettings is an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer with the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta currently assigned as a school team lead with the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
This year DECAL and Voices for Georgia’s Children will celebrate the 11th Annual Georgia’s Pre-K Week, October 4-8, 2021. In 1992, Governor Zell Miller launched a pilot program called Georgia’s Pre-K. Pre-K Week is an opportunity for us to tell this great success story of Georgia’s Pre-K…a voluntary, free program available to all of Georgia’s four-year-olds, regardless of parental income...and it continues to be nationally recognized for its success. Joining us to talk about Georgia Pre-K Week is Dr. Erica Fener-Sitkoff, Executive Director at Voices for Georgia’s Children and Susan Adams, Deputy Commissioner for Georgia’s Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports, and Joseph Lillyblad, Manager of Education and Workforce Development with Georgia Power, our corporate sponsor.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
DECAL recently developed a new process to ensure that all contracts with the agency are clear, achieve your objectives, and protect the department’s best interests. The process also helps us with grant agreements. Today we’re discussing this new process but listeners who might be interested in doing business with the state should stay tuned too because we will be discussing that as well. Joining us to talk about the new contract process is Ira Sudman, DECAL’s Chief Legal Officer, David Ginsburg is our Contract and Procurement Attorney, and Michael Rodgers is Director of Finance.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
You probably know Jennifer Bridgman as the Process and Quality Improvement Manager in Child Care Services and Sha-de’ Thomas as our CAPS Quality Assurance and Training Consultant, but did you know they are both published authors writing about the COVID-19 impact on young children and children’s mental health? The books are “When the People Stayed Home” and “Today at School."
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
You’ve probably heard about the Georgia’s Pre-K Program Teachers of the Year, something we’ve done since the 2016-2017 school year. Now thanks to the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning, we are also recognizing early education teachers of children birth to preschool through the inaugural Georgia’s Early Childhood Educators of the Year Program. Joining us to talk about Georgia’s Early Childhood Educators of the Year is Thea Stevens, Supervisor of the Infant Toddler Program here at DECAL, and Carrie Ashbee, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
With the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations on the rise…and the number of Georgians fully vaccinated at less than fifty percent…there are many questions from families and parents about what to do with child care. Joining us to talk about COVID-19 and child care in Georgia is Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner for Child Care Services, and Dr. Amber Schmidtke, an expert in microbiology and immunology who is following the COVID-19 trends in Georgia very closely.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
School bells are ringing for more than 60,000 of Georgia’s youngest learners as Georgia’s Pre-K Program begins the new school year. The first day of Georgia’s Pre-K Program varies based on school system and child care provider. Joining us to talk about Georgia’s Pre-K Program and this 29th year of operation is Faith Duncan, Director of Field Operations for Georgia’s Pre-K Program, and Alice Lasseter, one of or Pre-K specialists working with teachers and assistant teachers in Georgia’s Pre-K Program.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
From the return of Georgia’s Pre-K Program to our return to in-person visits in child care programs, there’s a lot happening this week here at DECAL. Join us as we catch up with Commissioner Jacobs on a wide variety of topics, many taken from today's headlines.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Here’s a fun fact: The single largest employer in the State of Georgia…is the State of Georgia. Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of more than 80 entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's 10 million citizens. With nearly 68,000 employees, there are public service opportunities all across the state with positions located in all 159 counties. Joining us to talk about career opportunities here at DECAL is Sheryl Young-Wilhite, Senior Manager of Human Resources, and Mark Dock, Human Resources Supervisor.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
It’s never too early to be thinking about your child’s college education…even for our youngest learners. Now four lucky children attending Georgia child care programs have a chance to get an early start on their college savings plan thanks to Path2College 529 Plan and the We Care Child Care Sweepstakes. Joining us is Mitch Seabaugh, Executive Director of the Path2College 529 Plan.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
On June 25, Governor Brian Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, and Commissioner Jacobs visited one of our Summer Transition Program classes for Rising Kindergarten students at the Avant Learning Academy in Savannah. This is a Quality Rated Program offering Georgia’s Pre-K. Joining us today is Wanda Avant, owner and director of Avant Learning Academy.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
We made some new friends recently in Savannah who are helping children discover a love for reading in a very unique way. During a visit to one of our Summer Transition Programs for Rising Kindergarten students, Governor Brian Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, and Commissioner Jacobs introduced Ron Binkney and Lucky, a Golden Retriever who has turned the page in literacy for early learners.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Here in Georgia school starts back beginning in late July and August and our Inclusion and Behavioral Support Team wants to help families and teachers get ready with tips, strategies, and tools to promote social-emotional learning and minimize challenging behaviors, especially after a pandemic. The campaign is called “Planting SEEDS for a Successful School Year” using our SEEDS for Success Program and Helpline. Joining us to talk about “Planting SEEDS for a Successful School Year” is Allison O’Hara, Inclusion and Behavior Support Program Director, and Peggy Sutton, Inclusion and Behavior Support Specialist.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Here’s some great news for families who receive CAPS scholarship assistance in paying for child care. Through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, DECAL has allocated around $95 million to help eligible Georgia families negatively impacted by the pandemic pay for child care. We’re using this historic investment in early learning to support families through a special initiative called ACCESS, which stands for Awarding Child Care Education Scholarship Supplements. Joining us to talk about ACCESS and the CAPS Program is Elisabetta Kasfir, Deputy Commissioner of CAPS; and Carolyn Morkeh, CAPS Family Support Manager.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
For the eighth consecutive year, DECAL is calling for families and caregivers of children to increase awareness of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles. On Thursday, May 27, 2021, we held this virtual news conference with the Georgia Department of Public Health and the University of Georgia.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Quality Rated is Georgia’s system to determine, improve, and communicate the quality of programs that provide child care. Similar to rating systems for restaurants and hotels, Quality Rated (which is a three star system) assigns one, two or three stars to early education and school-age care programs that meet or exceed the minimum state requirements. After launching in 2012, today fifty-five percent of all eligible child care programs in Georgia are Quality Rated.
As many may be aware, in 2015 DECAL established a CAPS/Quality Rated goal of all providers who participate in the CAPS program being Quality Rated by December 31, 2020. We were well on our way of achieving that goal. But then along comes a pandemic in 2020 and impacts this goal. The deadline has been extended to December 31, 2021.
Joining us to talk about CAPS and Quality Rated is Shawnell Johnson, Director of Operations for CAPS Program Administration; Denise Jenson, Quality Rated Operations Director, and Dr. Bentley Ponder, Deputy Commissioner for Quality Innovations and Partnerships.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
As the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines continues and availability improves, the focus is beginning to shift to vaccinating children, ages 12-15, and possibly younger in the near future. There has also been a change in CDC guidance on the use of masks for those who are fully vaccinated. What impact will that have on COVID guidance for Georgia child care? Joining us on the podcast today is Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner of Child Care Services, and Dr. Georgina Peacock who currently serves as the Georgia Department of Health Chief Medical Officer as a Center for Disease Control Assignee.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
For the eighth consecutive year, DECAL is calling for families and caregivers to increase awareness of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles. Joining us to talk about our annual Look Again campaign and ways to prevent pediatric vehicular heatstroke are Dana Morrison and Rhonda Parker, both directors of field operations with Child Care Services here at DECAL; and Lisa Dawson, Director of the Injury Prevention Program for the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
This year is the 20th anniversary of the DECAL Scholars Program that provides financial and educational support to our early care and education workforce. The program is known for providing scholarships to assist with educational expenses, awards when you earn an ECE credential or degree, and incentives which provide a salary boost when you earn your entry level credential or higher education degree. As part of the 20th anniversary celebration, DECAL will recognize two Scholars of the Year…one from a four-year college and one from a technical college. Joining us to talk about DECAL Scholars and the 20th anniversary is Brandi Swain from CARE Solutions; Barbara McWethy our Workforce Support Manager; and Carrie Ashbee, executive director of the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Starting May 17, applications will be open for the $1,000 POWER Supplemental Payments. The payments were announced earlier this year by Governor Brian Kemp and Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs…a one-time, $1,000 bonus payment to some 65,000 early learning professionals and staff. The bonuses will be funded through the federal Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Joining us to talk about POWER supplemental payments is Christi Moore, Director of Professional Learning here at DECAL; Barb McWethy is Workforce Support Manager; and Nina Bryant-Hunter, Early Childhood Center Director at the Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
This school year has been challenging …however before you know it, the 2021-2022 school year will begin. We are hearing from families who have concerns about whether their children are ready for the upcoming school year. Today we are going to focus on the transition to Kindergarten and what families can be doing now to prepare for a successful transition. Joining us to talk about the transition from Georgia’s Pre-K Program to Kindergarten is Faith Duncan, Director of Georgia’s Pre-K Program; Jessica Cobert, Mikaela Fitzpatrick, and Jennifer Robison, kindergarten teachers with the Gwinnett County School System,; and Joslin Gumbs, a Fulton County kindergarten teacher.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
In May, for the first time, DECAL will celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week as a reminder for all of us that the early years in a child’s life provide a key opportunity to establish safe and secure relationships and support healthy social and emotional development. Joining us to talk about Children’s Mental Health Week is Laura Lucas, our new Director of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health here at DECAL, and State Representative Katie Dempsey who represents Rome and Northwest Georgia and is Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Resources and a House Study Committee on Infant and Toddler Social and Emotional Health.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Educators, school nutrition staff, early care providers, and agriculture professionals will come together April 27 through May 1 for the eighth Georgia Farm to School and Early Care and Education Summit. Joining us to talk about the event is Kimberly Della Donna, Farm to School Director at Georgia Organics, and Diana Myers, Nutrition Health Educator here at DECAL.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
DECAL and the Technical College System of Georgia have received a $150,000 grant from the Aspen Institute to increase economic mobility and well-being for students who are parents. Joining us to talk about the Aspen Policy Acceleration Partnership is Donna Johnson, Family Support Director for Development and Partnerships with Georgia’s CAPS Program, and Cayanna Good, Assistant Commissioner for Adult Education with TCSG.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
On March 8, all Georgia Pre-K teachers, child care teachers, and child care staff in programs with a license or exemption from DECAL became eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. Since then, teachers and staff have been flocking to nine mass vaccination sites from Clarksville to Savannah as well as local health departments and pharmacies to get vaccinated. On today’s podcast, we’re going to tackle some of the frequently asked questions we are hearing from the child care workforce. Joining us to talk about COVID-19 vaccines for early education teachers and staff is Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner of Child Care Services, and Dr. Georgina Peacock who currently serves as the Georgia Department of Health Chief Medical Officer as a Center for Disease Control Assignee. She also oversees the CDC Vaccine Implementation Unit.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Beginning March 22, all licensed Georgia child care providers may apply for a third round of Short Term Assistance Benefit for Licensed Entities (STABLE) payments from DECAL. Funding for these payments comes from the federal CARES Act and part of our ongoing efforts to support early child care providers still struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining us to talk about Round 3 of STABLE payments and how you can apply is Woody Dover, Enterprise Project Management Director here at DECAL.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Governor Brian Kemp and Commissioner Jacobs recently announced plans to provide a one-time, $1,000 bonus payment to every Georgia’s Pre-K Program teacher, assistant teacher, and birth-5 child care teacher in the state. The bonuses will be funded through the federal Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Joining us to talk about POWER (Providing Our Workforce with Essential Recognition) is Susan Adams, Deputy Commissioner of Georgia’s Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports; Barbara McWethy who is Manager of Workforce Support in our Professional Learning Group, and Yiet Knight who is owner of the Universal Child Care and Learning Center in Augusta, a three-star Quality Rated program, and part of our Quality Rated Peer Support Network.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
It’s that time again! DECAL is seeking applications for Georgia’s Pre-K Program Teachers of the Year for 2021-2022. DECAL will select a winner from a local public school system and a winner from a private child care center. Joining us to talk about applying for Georgia’s Pre-K Teachers of the Year is Meghan McNail, Summer Transition and Outreach Manager for Georgia’s Pre-K Program; Channie Frazier is a pre-K teacher at Kids World Learning Center in Statesboro and was our Pre-K Teacher of the Year for 2016-2017; Nathan Leatherwood is a Pre-K teacher at Calhoun City Pre-K and was Pre-K Teacher of the Year for 2017-2018; and Stephanie Westhafter is a Pre-K teacher at Georgia Kids Academy in Hoschton and was Pre-K Teacher of the Year for 2018-2019.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Last summer, DECAL joined the Governor’s Office and the Georgia Department of Public Health in providing COVID-19 guidance for Georgia Child Care facilities. Now, at almost a year into the pandemic and public health emergency, we have updated that guidance to support providers, teachers, and of course Georgia’s children and families. Joining us to talk about Updates and Changes to our COVID-19 Guidance for Georgia Child Care Facilities is Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner of Child Care Services, April Rogers, CCS Director of Enforcement Operations, and Ebony Thomas, Epidemiologist with the Georgia Department of Public Health. PLUS we have the latest information o n COVID-19 vaccines for Pre-K and child care teachers and staff.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Communities across Georgia who are interested in promoting high-quality early childhood care and education are applying for three separate Community Impact Grant opportunities from DECAL. Funding for these grants was made possible by the $11.2 million Preschool Development Renewal Grant that Georgia received in January 2020 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Education. Joining us to talk about the Community Impact Grants is Dr. Bentley Ponder, Deputy Commissioner for Quality Innovations and Partnerships, Laura Wagner, Community Outreach and Partnerships Director, and Jill O’ Meara, Community Partnerships and Projects Manager.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
For the 11th year, DECAL is offering a six-week intensive academic program for rising Pre-K and rising Kindergarten students called the Summer Transition Program. The program was created to support students who either did not attend Georgia’s Pre-K Program or Head Start or who need additional help before taking that next step. Joining us to talk about the Summer Transition Program is Meghan McNail, Summer Transition Program and Outreach Manager, Ashley Manning, whose son attended the Summer Transition Program at Little Ones Learning Center in Forest Park, and Jeff Randa, Director of Quality Implementation for Easter Seals of North Georgia, who hosted five Summer Transition classes, even last summer during the pandemic.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Many of Georgia’s kids became especially vulnerable last March when schools closed because of the pandemic. Families were left struggling to feed their children. And, with many parents out of work, it’s likely that more kids—as many as one in four—may face hunger in the months ahead, especially when school is out for the summer.
DECAL’s Summer Food Service Program is one solution that helps children get the nutrition they need. This program benefits the whole community by closing the food insecurity gap and providing local economies with federal reimbursement funds. Joining us today to talk about how the Nutrition Division will ensure Georgia’s kids will have access to meals and snacks this summer is Tamika Boone, Director of Nutrition Services and Cindy Kicklighter, Manager of Marketing and Outreach.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Research tells us that, regardless of their abilities, children in high-quality child care programs are better prepared to enter school and more likely to develop healthy social and emotional skills. When child care providers offer inclusive child care, they’re supporting not only children with disabilities but also their parents who can work, go back to school, or just take a break. That’s why every year in February we celebrate Inclusive Early Learning Week here at DECAL. Here to talk about the importance of inclusion in early child care and Inclusive Early Learning week are Lindsey Urry, Regional Supervisor of Inclusion and Behavior Support, and Inclusion and Behavior Support Specialists Roseanne Hamrick and Megan McGraw.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
In January, the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education (GPEE) presented its 17th edition of the Top Ten Issues to Watch Report. The report identifies and analyzes key education issues Georgia will be or should be addressing in the coming year. Joining us to talk about the Top Ten Issues to Watch is Dr. Dana Rickman, Incoming President of the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, and Dr. Robert Gaines, GPEE Director of Communications.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
For the fifth consecutive year, DECAL has named two Georgia’s Pre-K Program Teachers of the Year recognizing the outstanding efforts of all Pre-K teachers and assistant teachers who implement this nationally recognized program every day. Joining us today on the podcast is Alderine Healey from the YMCA Paulding Early Learning Center in Hiram, Heather Melillo from West End Elementary School in Rome, and our own Meghan McNail, Summer Transition and Outreach Manager for Georgia’s Pre-K Program.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Last year, the Georgia State Legislature created a new position here at DECAL designed to help support social and emotional health in a child’s critical early years of life. Despite the budget challenges caused by COVID-19, the Legislature approved an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Director for Georgia. Joining us to talk about Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health is Laura Lucas, the new Director of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health here at DECAL; and Dallas Rabig, who holds a similar position as Laura, in the state of Alabama as the State Coordinator for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Recently our Georgia Head Start Collaboration Office joined the American Academy of Pediatrics and child care advocates GEEARS and Voices for Georgia’s Children to study the impact of COVID-19 on Head Start programs across the state and the children and families they serve. Joining us to talk about this collaborative effort and what they learned is Dr. Terri McFadden, professor in the Department of Pediatrics of the Emory University School of Medicine and immediate past president of the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; Fozia Khan Eskew is director of child health with the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; Britney Newton is policy analyst with Voices for Georgia’s Children; Callan Wells is Health Policy Manager for GEEARS; and Allison Setterlind is director of the Georgia Head Start Collaboration Office.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
It’s almost time to ring in the New Year, as we count down the final hours of a most unusual 2020…unprecedented even…and prepare for brighter days ahead in 2021. It seemed like a good time for one of our sit-down chats with Commissioner Jacobs featuring questions from our DECAL team and social media.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning has been busy providing free child care scholarships to essential workers with children birth to five. They have also been helping Santa with gifts for Georgia’s Foster Children through DFCS and Clark’s Christmas Kids. Joining us from the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning is Executive Director Carrie Ashbee, along with DECAL Director of Government Relations and Special Projects Liz Young.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
In August, DECAL received over $17 million from the Governors Emergency Education Relief funding, set aside by the CARES Act, for our new SOLVE scholarships, which stands for Supporting Onsite Learning for Virtual Education. This provides additional childcare options for students ages 5-12 whose school systems have opted primarily for virtual learning. In addition, it will allow parents who need to return to work to have a secure option for their child, ensuring they are under professional care in a safe environment. Today we’re getting an update on this program and details around expanding the scholarships later this month.
Joining us to talk about SOLVE is Elisabetta Kasfir, Deputy Commissioner for the CAPS Program, and Kay Mayfield, Scholarship Administration Director for CAPS.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Our Pandemic Thanksgiving is behind us…now straight ahead is our COVID Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza just a few weeks away. Seems like a good time for a special holiday episode of DECAL Download to celebrate those age-old traditions that keep our spirits merry and bright, no matter what the circumstances.
And as is our tradition, we are featuring comments from several of our DECAL team asking them what’s your favorite holiday tradition and what’s your New Year’s Resolution for 2020? We’re also joined by DECAL Nutrition Health Educator Diana Meyers who is going to help us survive all the holiday parties and office treats that seem to be coming at us constantly this time of year. And LaToya Longshore, CCS NW Region Consultant, and Jennifer McCreary, Regional Manager for Georgia’s Pre-K Program join us to talk about great gift ideas for children birth to five since that’s our specialty.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Governor Brian Kemp has allowed licensed child care in Georgia to remain open to serve children and families. However, with more families staying at home, child care attendance significantly declined except for children of first responders and essential workers. At one point, only thirty percent of the licensed programs in Georgia remained open. Joining us to talk about Georgia child care open for business in a pandemic are Jennifer Paschal with Endeavor Schools in Atlanta, Michelle Smith-Lank with Kids World Learning Center in Statesboro, and our own April Rogers, Director of Policy and Enforcement with Child Care Services.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Here at DECAL, we’re committed to ensuring that Georgia's youngest learners receive the best services possible to prepare them for school and life. To help meet this commitment, we’ve developed the Georgia Professional Development System (GaPDS) where early childhood educators can create and maintain a profile and search and register for the latest training. This year, the Professional Development Unit has been hard at work revamping OLLI, the Online Learning Library Initiative. Joining us to talk about improvements to OLLI and what you can find through GaPDS is Christi Moore, Director of Professional Development, along with Barbara McWethy, Workforce Support Manager.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
For 30 years, WSB Radio’s Clark Howard and the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services has had the mission of ensuring that every child in the Georgia foster care system has at least one gift on Christmas day. Traditionally, shoppers attended live events in Walmart locations in the metro Atlanta area to purchase gifts from a child’s wish list. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s campaign is going all virtual. Joining us to talk about this year’s Clark’s Christmas Kids is Tom Rawlings, director of the State Division of Family and Children Services, and our very special guest, a legend in Georgia broadcasting, consumer expert and popular TV and radio personality Clark Howard.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
In May, all licensed child care providers in Georgia were invited to apply for STABLE: Short Term Assistance Benefit for Licensed Entities. This was the first round of payments from the $144 million Georgia received under the federal CARES Act and 3,789 providers received more than $38.8 million in financial support. Now, it’s time for Round 2. How do you apply and what can the money pay for? Joining us to talk about STABLE Round 2 is Woody Dover, Enterprise Project Management Director here at DECAL.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Quality Rated is Georgia’s system to determine, improve, and communicate the quality of programs that provide child care. Like rating systems for restaurants and hotels, Quality Rated assigns one, two or three stars to early education and school-age care programs that meet or exceed the minimum state requirements. This year, COVID-19 had an impact on the program, especially the deadline of December 31, 2020, for all providers receiving CAPS funding. Our guests are Dr. Bentley Ponder, Deputy Commissioner for Quality Innovations and Partnerships, and Denise Jenson, Quality Rated Operations Director.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
DECAL is the state agency that licenses and regulates child care programs in Georgia using a system that focuses on certain “core rules” within 15 categories ranging from diapering and discipline to supervision, transportation, and criminal records checks. Based on research, the core rules represent critical areas to consider when determining compliance and the impact on the health and safety of children. But how much do you know about the core rules? Here to talk about core rules and their importance in keeping our children healthy and safe is Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner for Child Care Services; Shannon Carroll, Technical Assistance Coordinator for Child Care Services; and Morgan Stahl, one of our CCS consultants.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Over 3,500 infants die annually in the United States from sleep-related deaths, including sudden infant death syndrome. The issue disproportionately impacts families of color, especially black, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and low-income families. With that in mind, October is Safe Sleep and SIDS Awareness Month and DECAL is joining Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to remind caregivers and parents.
Joining us to talk about Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner for Child Care Services here at DECAL; Candace Gilbert is Quality Improvement and Training Coordinator with Child Care Services; Malissa Champion is a CCS Consultant serving Northeast Georgia; Rachel Brown is a CCS Consultant in the Northwest Region, and Michelle Walker is a pediatric nurse serving as Manager of Child Advocacy Programs with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
We are also joined by Sabrina Henry from DECAL's HR Division with an update on 2021 Open Enrollment.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
The pandemic continues, Georgia’s Pre-K Program is up and running with a few different looks, and we’re supporting school age children doing virtual learning with child care scholarships. Plenty of things going on…and it seemed like a good time for one of our sit-down chats with Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs. Join us as we discuss a variety of topics facing DECAL and early childhood education in Georgia.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
It’s Pre-K Week in Georgia! For the past 28 years, Georgia’s nationally recognized Pre-K Program has provided quality early education to the state’s youngest learners. Launched in 1992 as a pilot program serving 750 four-year-olds, the lottery-funded Georgia’s Pre-K Program has laid a solid foundation for academic excellence and future success in the lives of approximately 1.6 million children. This is our tenth year partnering with Voices for Georgia’s Children.
Joining us to talk about Georgia Pre-K Week is Dr. Erica Fener-Sitkoff, Executive Director at Voices for Georgia’s Children; Susan Adams, Deputy Commissioner for Georgia’s Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports; Nicole Cook, one of our outstanding Pre-K Specialists; and Coy Bowles, lead guitarist from the Zac Brown Band and author of “Behind the Little Red Door” and his latest, “Behind the Little Red Door: Can You Touch a Color?”
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
It's Georgia's Pre-K Week and Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs talks about it with WSB Radio's Scott Slade on Atlanta's Morning News.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Georgia youth are returning to school either virtually or in an environment that is drastically different from the one they left in March. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, our kids were already facing a mental health crisis – one that is now exacerbated by these uncertain times. Voices for Georgia’s Children is partnering with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities to raise awareness about youth mental health in a campaign called “Free Your Feels.”
Joining us to talk about “Free Your Feels” and the importance of children exploring their true feelings is Dr. Erica Fener-Sitkoff, Executive Director of Voices for Georgia’s Children, and Layla Fitzgerald, Program Manager of the Office of Children, Young Adults, and Families with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
With the deadline to respond to Census 2020 rapidly approaching, participation is extremely important. The results will be felt by Georgians for the next ten years. At stake are billions of dollars used for education, public health, infrastructure, and other related areas. The process is quick, easy, and confidential but most importantly it is making sure that everyone counts.
Joining us to talk about the 2020 Census and how Georgia is doing are the co-chairs of the Georgia Complete Count Committee Anna Wrigley-Miller, director of planning, evaluation, research, and communications with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, and Rusty Haygood, Deputy Commissioner for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Also joining us is Jessie Bruno, Research and Policy Analyst here at DECAL, who has been working with the Complete Count Committee.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
From smiling and taking those first steps, to waving bye-bye and even temper tantrums, starting this month, we’ve got a new resource for families to track the developmental milestones of their children. Joining us to talk about the new Developmental Milestones website are Bridgett Ratajczak, Child and Family Development Supervisor at DECAL, and Ann Panzica, Child and Family Development Training Specialist.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
If you’re the parent of a school age child, ages 5 to 12, in a public school using all virtual learning, DECAL may have some financial assistance for you to help pay for child care. It’s called the SOLVE Program, which stands for Supporting Onsite Learning for Virtual Education. Joining us to talk about the SOLVE Program and how families can apply is Elisabetta Kasfir, Deputy Commissioner for the CAPS Program, and of course Commissioner Jacobs who has been working with the Governor’s Office to design and launch this program for children and families here in Georgia.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
It may be traditional, hybrid, or full distance learning…but Georgia’s Pre-K Program is back for the 2020-2021 school year. Over 3,800 classes at more than 1,800 locations all across the state. So how are things going? For the best information straight from the Pre-K classroom we’re talking today with our Georgia’s Pre-K Teachers of the Year, Heather Williams from Central Georgia Technical College's Larry O'Neal Child Development Center (CDC) in Warner Robins, and Johnathon Hines from the Barack H. Obama Elementary Magnet School of Technology in DeKalb County. We’re also joined by Meghan McNail, Summer Transition and Outreach Manager for Georgia’s Pre-K Program.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs is interviewed by Scott Slade for WSB Radio's Atlanta's Morning News about the new SOLVE Program, financial assistance for school age children involved in virtual long distance learning.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
With Georgia child care programs reopening and welcoming back children and families, DECAL is joining the Governor’s Office and the Georgia Department of Public Health in offering new COVID-19 guidance for Georgia Child Care facilities. We’re committed to supporting early childhood learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and we recognize the vital role that providers, including their teaching staff, play in the support of Georgia’s children and families, especially during a public health crisis.
Joining us today to talk about our COVID-19 Guidance for providers is Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner of Child Care Services, and Ebony Thomas, Epidemiologist with the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
On Tuesday, August 11, DECAL held a special Virtual Town Hall webinar on COVID-19 for Georgia child care providers and advocates featuring Governor Brian Kemp and Dr. Kathleen Toomey, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health. This was an opportunity for child care providers to hear directly from state leaders and ask their questions as many programs reopen and return for school.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Who’s ready for Back to School? From virtual at-home learning to in-person classroom instruction and everything in between. But this year, it’s about more than backpacks and notebook paper, it’s asking if your child is socially and emotionally prepared for school in the age of COVID-19. Joining us to talk about COVID Considerations in returning to school is Allison O’Hara, Program Director of Inclusion and Behavior Support, with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, and Cheryl Benefield, Program Manager for Safe and Supportive Schools with the Georgia Department of Education.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
While parents are at work, many of Georgia’s children spend time in afterschool programs. These programs offer a safe and supportive environment with structured activities and good nutrition. As schools begin to reopen with in-person and virtual learning options, afterschool programs are also developing plans to successfully and safely welcome back students.
Katie Landes, director of the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network joins us today to talk about how these critical afterschool programs are preparing to re-start operations. Tamika Boone, DECAL’s Director of Nutrition Services is also here. She will talk about how many of these afterschool programs can add a nutritional component to ensure that our most vulnerable children have access to the nutrition they need to thrive.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs talks with 12 year-old Lydia Denton inventor of a car seat device that detects when babies have been left in a hot car. Lydia is joined her mom, Covie Denton who is a science and math teacher.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Classes in Georgia’s Pre-K Program have been closed since March due to COVID-19. Teachers and students utilized distance learning to finish out the year. Now, plans are underway to reopen Pre-K this fall, balancing quality learning with health and safety. Joining us to talk about plans for reopening Georgia’s Pre-K Program is Susan Adams, Deputy Commissioner for Georgia’s Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports; Dr. Caitlin Dooley, Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning with the Georgia Department of Education; and Sharon Foster, owner of Bells Ferry Learning Center in Woodstock, who operates three Georgia’s Pre-K Program classes.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Last April, a $250,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and United Way of Greater Atlanta allowed our Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning to assist essential workers and child care providers during COVID-19. Joining us to talk about the grant, part of the Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Recovery and Response Fund, is Carrie Ashbee, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs is interviewed by Scott Slade for WSB Radio's Atlanta's Morning News about this year's Look Again campaign.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
For the seventh consecutive year, DECAL is calling for families and caregivers to increase awareness of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles. This year’s Look Again campaign is held in conjunction with National Heatstroke Prevention Day, recognized nationally on July 1, 2020, which urges Americans to understand how to prevent pediatric vehicular heatstroke. Joining us to talk about ways to prevent pediatric vehicular heatstroke is Rhonda Parker, Child Care Services Director of Field Operations, and Dr. Andrew Grundstein, a Professor of Geography at the University of Georgia.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Each year, DECAL’s Child Care Services consultants conduct more than 14,500 visits to more than 4,500 licensed child care programs in Georgia to ensure they are caring for children in safe, healthy, and nurturing environments. But when COVID-19 hit Georgia in March and the number of open child care programs dropped to 30-percent the scope of those visits changed. Here to talk about Virtual Visits in Georgia Child Care Programs is Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner for Child Care Services, and Directors of CCS Field Operations Dana Morrison and Rhonda Parker.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
As school districts across Georgia announced system-wide closures to help minimize the spread of COVID-19, many families and advocates were concerned that children who rely on schools to provide healthy meals would be deprived of critically needed nutrition. DECAL’s Nutrition Services works year-round to mitigate food insecurity among Georgia’s children through the Child and Adult Food Service Program and the Summer Food Service Program. Joining us to talk about how the division is helping to ensure that the most vulnerable children continue to have access to meals during the pandemic is Tamika Boone, Director of Nutrition Services, and Cindy Kicklighter, Manager of Nutrition Marketing and Outreach.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs talks with Host John Clark about the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning and current issues facing early child care and education in Georgia.Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
It’s never too early to be thinking about your child’s college education. Even if your child is in one of Georgia’s licensed family childcare learning homes, child care learning centers, or Georgia’s Pre-K Program. And now, here’s something fun to do with the kids that could entertain and help secure their future! It’s called "My Life’s Dream" Challenge and here to talk about it is Mitch Seabaugh, Executive Director of the Path2College 529 Plan.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
For the eleventh year, DECAL is offering a Summer Transition Program for students preparing to enter Georgia’s Pre-K Program and Kindergarten. However, this year, the program will be a little different due to the COVID-19 coronavirus. Joining us to talk about the Summer Transition Program is Jackie Shivers, Director of Quality Support for Georgia’s Pre-K Program, and Meghan McNail, Summer Transition Program and Outreach Manager.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
With many businesses reopening here in Georgia, the need for child care is on the rise so parents and families can return to their jobs. Family Child Care Learning Homes and Child Care Learning Centers are operating under some strict guidelines that include smaller class sizes, temperature checks at the door, and meals served in classrooms. Joining us to discuss the child care comeback and what parents can expect is Dana Morrison, Director of Field Operations in our Child Care Services Division, Melissa Herndon, Southeast Regional Manager for Child Care Services, and Nadia Davis, a parent to two children enrolled with Primrose Alpharetta East.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
The age-old expression says, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” That was the case in April when schools and many child care programs closed due to COVID-19 and families moved to online learning for their children. Here at DECAL, we introduced Georgia’s Pre-K At Home for four and five year olds, and Toddler Time At Home for children 12 to 36 months old. Joining us to talk about Toddler Time At Home is Bridget Ratajczak, Child and Family Development Supervisor here at DECAL, along with Tiffany Grindle, one of our Infant Toddler Specialists. Also two parents, Dr. Dana Rickman, mom to 3-year-old twins Alexandra and Riley, from the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, and Randy Hudgins, dad to 8-month-old Everett, and also Director of Research in our Quality Innovations and Partnerships Division.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Across the nation, COVID-19 has taken its toll on the childcare industry…either shutting down programs completely or reducing enrollment capacity due to CDC and health department requirements. Now many programs here in Georgia are gradually reopening and trying to determine how best to use federal aid issued through the CARES Act. To assist these programs, DECAL and Quality Care for Children have been hosting a series of webinars to help with financial success after COVID-19 and guidance on using the CARES funding. Joining us to talk about the webinars and some important advice for childcare programs is Monique Reynolds, Director of Early Childhood Education Business Support Services with Quality Care for Children, and Laura Wagner, Community Outreach and Partnership Director for Quality Innovations and Partnerships here at DECAL.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs is interviewed by Scott Slade for WSB Radio's Atlanta's Morning News.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Last Friday was a big day in our efforts to help Georgia child care providers and families respond to the impact of the COVID-19 Coronavirus. Beginning May 1, all licensed Georgia child care providers are invited to apply for STABLE payments. These payments represent the first phase of administering $144 million Georgia received under the federal CARES Act. Also on Friday, we opened up Tier Two of the CAPS Essential Services Workforce to include those who work within the food supply chain like grocery stores, farming, and food delivery and pick-up. Joining us is Elisabetta Kasfir, Deputy Commissioner for Georgia’s CAPS Program, and Woody Dover, Enterprise Project Management Director here at DECAL.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
On April 1, as part of the Public Health State of Emergency, Georgia’s public elementary and secondary schools…including Georgia’s Pre-K Program…were closed for the remainder of the year. That left many families scrambling to continue their child’s learning at home. To assist families through these challenging times, DECAL launched Georgia’s Pre-K At Home. Joining us to talk about Georgia’s Pre-K At Home and our efforts to stay connected with students and families in Georgia’s Pre-K Program is Faith Duncan, Director of Field Operations, with three of our Pre-K Specialists: Allison Morrison, Devon Porter, and Jill Vandenbos.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Families have always helped with homework and supervised chores around the house, but the new world of the COVID-19 Coronavirus with its Shelter in Place orders have presented new challenges for children and parents alike. Joining us to talk about how to co-exist in this new normal…minus any blowups and tantrums…is Allison O’Hara, Program Director for the Inclusion and Behavior Support Program here at DECAL.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs talks with WABE's Martha Dalton about Georgia child care programs who are open and serving children and families during COVID-19.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Georgia’s Childcare and Parent Services, or CAPS Program, provides scholarships to help with the cost of child care so parents can work or attend school. The program not only helps families navigate their children’s early years, but also connects families with resources to help them become self-sufficient. With many child care learning centers and family child care learning homes closed due to COVID-19, many CAPS families and providers have been impacted. Joining us to talk about CAPS and the impact of COVID-19 during the Public Health State of Emergency here in Georgia is Elisabetta Kasfir, Deputy Commissioner for the CAPS Program.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs is interviewed by WGAU Radio's Tim Bryant about the impact of COVID-19 on Georgia child care learning centers and family child care learning homes.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
An episode recorded Tuesday, April 7, 2020, during the COVID-19 Coronavirus Crisis and Public Health Emergency here in Georgia. Here at DECAL, we are practicing social distancing and working from our homes. We are also under a Statewide Shelter in Place Order from Governor Brian P. Kemp that runs through Friday, April 13. Our special guest is Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner of Child Care Services.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Deputy Commissioner of Georgia's Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports Susan Adams is interviewed by Good Day Atlanta's Katie Beasley on the popular program seen weekday mornings on WAGA-TV (FOX) 5 Atlanta.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Georgia’s CAPS Program provides scholarships to help with the cost of child care so parents can work or attend school. The program not only helps families navigate their children’s early years, but also connects families with resources to help them become self-sufficient. Today we talk with someone who has participated in this program from GED to PhD. She's Dr. Meghan McBride, Dean of Adult Education at Georgia Piedmont Technical College.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
According to Attendance Works, a national organization that addresses chronic school absenteeism, persistent dental pain, along with related trouble eating and sleeping, makes oral health one of the leading causes of chronic school absenteeism among young students. Among school-age children, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease, five times more prevalent than asthma! Joining us to talk about the importance of dental health among our youngest learners is Dr. Adam Barefoot, Director of Oral Health with the Georgia Department of Public Health; Allison Setterlind, Director of the Head Start Collaboration Office; and Kim Tillman, Health Services Manager for Easter Seals of North Georgia.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Searching for high quality child care can be a daunting experience. Add a pandemic like COVID-19 and the search can be even more of a challenge. DECAL says while many child care programs have temporarily closed as a result of the Coronavirus crisis, many are still open and available to serve children and families in all corners of the state. DECAL encourages families searching for child care to visit www.qualityrated.org or call 1-877-ALL-GA-KIDS for assistance. They are also working with child care advocates to assist families in their search. Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs talks with WSB Radio's Scott Slade on Atlanta's Morning News.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
In many parts of Georgia, it’s time to register your child for the 2020-2021 school year in Georgia’s Pre-K Program. The purpose of Georgia’s Pre-K Program is to prepare children for success in Kindergarten and later school years. Pre-K programs usually operate on the regular school system calendar for the length of a typical school day and are offered at local public schools or through private providers of preschool services. Joining us to talk about registering for Georgia’s Pre-K Program is Jackie Shivers, Director of Pre-K Quality Support, and Faith Duncan, Director of Pre-K Field Operations. Ladies, welcome to the podcast.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
From the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, this is a special edition of DECAL Download: COVID-19 Coronavirus in Georgia and DECAL’s response. Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs and Chief Communications Officer Reg Griffin host our special coverage with Deputy Commissioner for Georgia’s Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports Susan Adams, Deputy Commissioner for CAPS Elisabetta Kasfir, Deputy Commissioner for Finance and Administration Rian Ringsrud, and Child Care Services Director of Policy and Enforcement April Rogers. We also talk with Jamie Rechkemmer, VP of Education and Quality with Childcare Network, site of the first Georgia teacher in a child care setting testing positive for COVID-19.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
It may be March, but our Nutrition Team has their mind on Summer and the need for eligible organizations to serve healthy meals to children when school is not in session. Last year we served over 4.8 million meals across Georgia, but the need is always growing. Joining us to talk about the Summer Food Service Program and how your organization can play an important role is Tamika Boone, Director of Nutrition Services, and Cindy Kicklighter, Manager of Nutrition Marketing and Outreach.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
It’s never too early to be thinking about your child’s college education, even if your child is four years old! That’s the idea behind the Path from Pre-K to College Sweepstakes happening during March and sponsored by DECAL, Path2College 529 Plan and the Georgia Student Finance Commission. Four lucky Pre-K students will be randomly selected to win $1,529 and give a little boost to their college tuition. Here to talk about the sweepstakes is Mitch Seabaugh, Executive Director of the Path2College 529 Plan.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
For child care providers in Georgia receiving CAPS funding, the clock is ticking. In order to continue to receive CAPS payments for your children and families served, you must be Quality Rated by December 31, 2020. Here to talk about the CAPS/Quality Rated 2020 Deadline is Laura Wagner, Community Outreach and Partnerships Director; Denise Jenson, Quality Rated Director; and Shawnell Johnson, Director of Family Support with the CAPS Program.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
In January, the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education presented its 16th edition of Top Ten Issues to Watch Report. This year’s report considers the educational progress Georgia has made over the past decade and how are we are preparing for 2030. Joining us to talk about the Top Ten Issues is Dr. Dana Rickman, Vice President of GPEE, and Dr. Robert Gaines, Director of Communications.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Governor Brian Kemp has announced that Georgia has received a three-year, $11.2-million Preschool Development Renewal Grant (PDG) from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Education. Georgia is one of only 20 states to receive this grant that will allow the state to expand efforts to help families access high quality early childhood services statewide. This funding builds on an initial $2.9 million PDG planning grant the state received in January 2019. In this episode, Deputy Commissioner of Georgia's Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports Susan Adams talks with John Clark on the Georgia News Network's "Georgia Focus" program about the grant and its impacts.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
The 2020 Georgia General Assembly has been in session for almost a month now. The opening week starting January 13 included the annual State of the State Address by Governor Brian Kemp. Joining us to discuss the General Assembly and the State of the State is Liz Young, Director of Government Relations and Special Projects for DECAL, and Rian Ringsrud, our Deputy Commissioner for Finance and Administration.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
All next week, February 10-14, the State of Georgia and all of us at the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning are celebrating Inclusive Early Learning Week. It’s our effort to increase public awareness and advocacy for inclusion…and to celebrate inclusive classrooms here in Georgia. Here to talk about this special week and how you can get involved is Veronica Thomas, Inclusion and Behavior Support Manager, and Codi Parham, Behavior Support Specialist.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
With over 700 employees across the state, Information Technology is vitally important to the success of our agency, from personal laptops and smartphones to custom applications on a myriad of servers and websites. 2019 was a busy year of moving information to the cloud and rebranding of DECAL IT and formally establishing our internal IT Service Management processes using ServiceNow, a cloud-based IT service management platform. Here to talk about ServiceNow and other improvements currently happening in IT is Dennis Brice, Chief Information Officer for DECAL, and Arun Kandel, our Chief Information Security Officer and Chief Technology Officer.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
When Georgia’s Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) Program moved from DFCS to DECAL, part of the restructuring was the addition of a Family Support component, working alongside Program Administration and Scholarship Administration. The new CAPS Program was charged with working with families to help them achieve self-sufficiency, beyond the need for assistance in paying for child care. Here to talk about CAPS Family Support and the 2Generation Strategy of working with both children and their families are Donna Johnson and Shawnell Johnson, co-directors of CAPS Family Support.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Research tells us that, regardless of their abilities, children in high-quality child care programs are better prepared to enter school and more likely to develop healthy social and emotional skills. Here at DECAL, we’re proud of our Inclusion and Behavior Support Services Unit, and a new helpline they recently launched that makes assistance just a phone call away. Joining us today are the Inclusion and Behavior Support Regional Supervisors who help staff the helpline, Michelle Clark (west), Katie Hagan (south), and Lindsey Urry (east).
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
For the fourth consecutive year, DECAL has named Georgia’s Pre-K Program Teachers of the Year, recognizing a winner from a local public school system and a winner from a private child care center. Joining us to talk about the Teacher of the Year recognition are Heather Williams and Johnathon Hines, our 2019-2020 Pre-K Teachers of the Year. They’re joined by Meghan McNail, Summer Transition and Outreach Manager for Georgia’s Pre-K Program.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Since 2016, DECAL has offered paid internships to students currently enrolled in a Georgia college, university or law school with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. This semester our interns are representing Clark Atlanta University, Georgia State University, Rice University, and Savannah State University. Here to talk about the DECAL Internship Program is Darien Watson, Recruiter Specialist with our Human Resources Division, along with Interns Neomi Fletcher, Jessica Snelling, and David Mahone.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
In August, DECAL introduced a new group of Family Ambassadors to help promote school readiness among the vulnerable and underserved populations in their communities. Today we have 42 ambassadors representing 27 counties across the state. Here to talk about the Family Ambassadors is Bridget Ratajczak, Child and Family Development Supervisor; and Ann Panzica, Child and Family Development Specialist.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
For child care providers in Georgia receiving CAPS funding, its crunch time! In order to continue to receive CAPS payments for your children and families served, you must be Quality Rated by December 31, 2020. Right now, around 54-percent of the programs receiving CAPS have been Quality Rated, and about 67-percent of children receiving CAPS are enrolled with a Quality Rated Provider, but that still leaves a lot of providers to be rated. Here to talk about the CAPS/Quality Rated 2020 Deadline are Elisabetta Kasfir, Deputy Commissioner over the CAPS Program, and Dr. Bentley Ponder, Deputy Commissioner of Quality Innovations and Partnerships, which includes Quality Rated.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
A special holiday episode featuring DECAL employees sharing their favorite traditions and wishes for 2020. Nutrition Health Educator Diana Meyers has suggestions on how to eat healthy through those holiday parties and dinners!
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
When’s the last time you went to your local library? If it’s been awhile, you’re missing out on some great resources and, even better, in today’s digital world, you don’t even have to leave your home to visit a library. Joining us is Wendy Cornelisen, Assistant State Librarian with the Georgia Public Library Service.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
In September, Commissioner Jacobs presented the Second Annual Baby Golden Radish Award to the Baldwin County School District for creating an innovative and successful Farm to Early Care & Education Program that advances the learning and development of its Pre-K and Head Start students. Joining us to talk about Nutrition in the Baldwin County Schools and the Farm to ECE effort is Susan Nelson, Director of School Nutrition for Baldwin County School District; Lori Smith, Director of the Early Learning Center; and Diana Myers, DECAL’s Nutrition Health Educator.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
In June 2017, a new Georgia center with a mission to improve reading skills among young children officially opened at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville. This was a $5.1 million initiative of former Governor Nathan Deal and named after his wife, Sandra Deal, who is a former schoolteacher and advocate for quality early learning. We’re joined today by Dr. Theresa Magpuri-Lavell, Executive Director of the Sandra Dunagan Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
A chat with Coy Bowles, lead guitarist for the Grammy Award winning Zac Brown Band, author of children’s books, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning. Coy joins us on the podcast after speaking to more than 700 DECAL employees at an All Staff Meeting held at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
From Criminal Background Checks to Open Records Requests, the DECAL Legal Unit stays busy supporting our departments as well as working with other state and federal agencies, and the general public. Leading that team of 27 staff members is Chief Legal Officer Ira Sudman. We are also joined by Greg Brown, Legal Services Officer with DECAL.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
It's almost time for Open Enrollment for State of Georgia employees, including all of us here at DECAL. This year Open Enrollment is October 21 through November 8. Our guest this week is Sabrina Henry, Human Resources Operations Supervisor.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
In 1996, the Georgia General Assembly created the Office of School Readiness to administer Georgia’s Pre-K Program, license child care centers participating in the Pre-K Program, administer federal nutrition programs and provide early intervention services. Eight years later, in 2004, Governor Sonny Perdue and the Georgia General Assembly created Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning to further streamline the state’s services to Georgia’s children from birth to age five and their families. The department was formed by merging the Office of School Readiness with units from the Department of Human Resources, the Department of Education, and the Georgia Child Care Council. We’re using this episode of DECAL Download to wish ourselves a Happy 15th anniversary and take a look back.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
With an annual budget of over $847 million, DECAL’s Finance and Administration Divisions play an important role in the success of our agency. Supervising these important areas, as well as the Nutrition Division, is Rian Ringsrud, Deputy Commissioner for Finance and Administration. Today we chat with Rian and then check in on our new 2019-2020 Georgia's Pre-K Program Teachers of the Year Heather Williams of the Central Georgia Technical College Child Development Center in Warner Robins/Houston County, and Johnathon Hines of Barack H. Obama Elementary School in DeKalb County.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
It was December, 2013, when the US Department of Education and the US Department of Health and Human Services awarded Georgia the Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge Grant, totaling $51.7 million over four years. This week, we look back at all that was accomplished in Georgia as a result of the grant. Joining us are three key people in the project: Susan Adams, Deputy Commissioner for Georgia’s Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports; Dr. Bentley Ponder, Deputy Commissioner for Quality Innovations and Partnerships; and from Chicago, former Deputy Commissioner for System Reform and now Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Policy with the Ounce of Prevention Fund Kristin Bernhard.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
As we’re teaching Georgia’s youngest learners the importance of language, literacy, math, and social skills, it’s also important to help them develop healthy habits in eating and physical activity early on. Joining us to talk about developing and maintaining healthy habits is Diana Myers, our new Nutrition Health Educator here at DECAL.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Community members and leaders from around the state are going back to school as part of Georgia Pre-K Week, an annual event to celebrate Georgia’s nationally recognized Pre-K program and other quality early learning centers. This is our ninth year partnering with Voices for Georgia’s Children and the dates are October 7-11. Joining us to talk about Georgia Pre-K Week and how your program can get involved is Dr. Erica Fener-Sitkoff, Executive Director at Voices for Georgia’s Children, and Liz Young, DECAL's Director of Government Relations and Special Projects.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
In 2011, the Georgia General Assembly authorized a longitudinal study of Georgia’s Pre-K Program to examine children’s learning outcomes and the quality of their classroom experiences. This study is currently following over 1,100 children from Pre-K through the fifth grade. Here to talk about the latest results is Susan Adams, Deputy Commissioner for Georgia’s Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports, and Dr. Bentley Ponder, Deputy Commissioner for Quality Innovations and Partnerships.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
One of our strongest supporters and child advocates is GEEARS, the Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students. On this episode of DECAL Download, we take a closer look at GEEARS and its work here in Georgia with Executive Director Mindy Binderman.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Research shows the more words you speak, sing, or read to your baby has an impact on how fast your child will learn to speak and read. On this episode, we learn more about Project LITTLE for Lifting Infants and Toddlers Through Language-rich Environments. Our guests are Nicole Wilson, Infant Toddler Program Manager for DECAL, and Bobbie Dent, Executive Director for The Phoenix School in Decatur.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
After 26 years of administering Georgia’s Pre-K Program, we all know that students are better prepared for Kindergarten and excel in math, language, and literacy. But how are those same students doing four years later, when they are tested at the end of third grade? DECAL Deputy Commissioners Susan Adams and Dr. Bentley Ponder discuss a recent Pre-K Study that looked at the relationship between participation in Georgia’s Pre-K and the Third-Grade Milestones assessment scores.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs responds to your questions from social media.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
All across Georgia, it’s Back to School time and that can have an impact on your whole family’s schedule and routine. On this special edition of DECAL Download, we’re going to try and cover all of your questions for Back to School from starting Georgia’s Pre-K Program, to Before and After School care at your child care program, to how this impacts your CAPS scholarship.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
A conversation with Dennis Brice, our new Chief Information Officer for DECAL. Most recently Dennis was VP of Technology at McKesson and brings more than 25 years of engineering, strategic thinking, and broad IT experience to DECAL.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
When you think about child care outside the home, you might think about infants, toddlers, or Pre-K students…but for many families it also includes after-school care for children ages five and up. In Georgia, over 2,700 licensed child care programs offer after-school care, and over 45-percent of our CAPS scholarships help pay for it. Here to talk about school-age programs in Georgia is Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner of Child Care Services; Melissa Davis, Director for CCS Quality Operations, and Michelle Garris, School Age Specialist for DECAL.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Each year, Bright from the Start administers the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program, created to ensure that children 18 and under can continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations, when they don’t have access to lunch or breakfast at school. Here to talk about this effort in Georgia is Cindy Kicklighter, Nutrition Marketing and Outreach Manager, and Phyllis Oliver, Nutrition Director with the Chattooga County Schools.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Back in the Spring, we told you about the Path from Pre-K to College Sweepstakes where four students in Georgia's Pre-K Program received scholarships of $1,529 from Path2College 529 Plan. This summer, four more children will have a chance at one of those scholarships in the We Care Child Care Sweepstakes. Here to talk about the sweepstakes is Mitch Seabaugh, Executive Director of the Path2College 529 Plan.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
School’s out for summer….but beware the Summer Brain Drain! That’s when many children experience learning loss because they’re not engaged in educational activities during the summer. Joining us to talk about DIY Summer School is Faith Duncan, Field Operations Director for Georgia’s Pre-K Program, and Demetria Joyce, Instructional Learning Manager.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
For most kids, summer means school’s out…but for some younger high-risk children in Georgia, it’s a critical time for them to prepare to enter Georgia’s Pre-K Program or Kindergarten in the fall. Our Summer Transition Program is currently underway and continues through July 12. Our guests are Meghan McNail, Summer Transition and Outreach Manager, and Julie Barnett with Kindercare, a childcare provider offering the program in multiple locations.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
In 2011, Atlanta-based CDC joined with the Association of University Centers on Disabilities and the Heath Resources and Services Administration's Maternal and Child Health Bureau to launch “Learn the Signs. Act Early," an initiative to address skyrocketing rates of autism among American children. Jennie Couture, DECAL's Director of Practice and Support Services, serves as Georgia's ambassador for this nationwide program. We talk with Jennie about the importance of early intervention.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Our 2016 Economic Impact Study of the Early Care and Education Industry in Georgia showed that early care and education provides more than 67,000 industry jobs statewide. The DECAL Scholars program promotes high-quality, stable learning environments for Georgia’s children, by supporting the early care and education professionals who work with them day after day. DECAL administers these programs to encourage, support and reward Georgia’s early care and education workforce. Here to talk more about DECAL Scholars is Charlotte Pelz, Program Director for DECAL Scholars.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Child care providers sharing ideas, success stories, and lessons learned during their experience in our Quality Rated Program. That’s the idea behind the Quality Rated Peer Support Network, established in 2015 as an additional support to providers. We'll talk with Rachael Lee, Quality Rated Peer Support Network Specialist, and Michelle Smith-Lank, owner and director of the Kid’s World Learning Center, a three-star Quality Rated program in Statesboro.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
For the sixth consecutive year, DECAL and several other state agencies are calling for families and caregivers of children to have a heightened awareness of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles. From our Child Care Services Division, we will talk with Rhonda Parker and Dana Morrison, both Directors of Field Operations, about the Look Again campaign.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
We all know how difficult it is to live healthy and eat healthy, especially with demanding schedules at the office and at home. But here at DECAL, we have a group of health-minded employees who work hard to keep it top of mind. DECAL Business Analyst Barbara Sanders, part of our IT division, chairs the Wellness Committee and joins us to talk about the mission of the group.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
DECAL is a statewide agency but we realize the real work in promoting early childhood education and working with children and their families takes place at a grass roots level in cities and towns across the state. That’s why earlier this year we launched our Early Education Community Partnership initiative and named community coordinators in each of our six regions. Our special guests in studio are Jill O’Meara, Early Education Community Partnership Manager, and Clayton Adams, Lead Community Coordinator in our Athens and Northeast Region, with field reports from all of our coordinators.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Since 1993, Georgia has had a nationally recognized Pre-K Program funded by the Georgia Lottery that prepares four year olds for success in Kindergarten. Children four years of age on September 1 of the current school year who are Georgia residents are eligible to attend Georgia's Pre-K Program. This year, we have over 81,000 students enrolled in over 3,800 classrooms around the state…both public schools and private child care centers. Here to talk about our ongoing inspections of Georgia’s Pre-K Program classes is Judy Blasingame, Quality Support Coordinator, and Devon Porter, Pre-K consultant.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
School will be out soon and Georgia children will be participating in summer camps, church camps, cheer camps, and other traditional activities. DECAL and Quality Care for Children are again collaborating to help parents ensure the camps they have chosen are safe places for children to play and learn. On this episode, we talk with Pam Tatum, CEO at Quality Care for Children, and Pam Stevens, DECAL's Deputy Commissioner for Child Care Services.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Building on the success of Quality Rated and several of Georgia’s early learning programs, Governor Brian Kemp and DECAL have announced the creation of a language and literacy endorsement. We know that early learning provides a strong foundation for the development of children’s reading skills and this endorsement will only strengthen that foundation.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
You can’t tell the story of Georgia’s nationally recognized Pre-K Program without quickly coming across the name Zell Miller. After all, it was Governor Miller who in 1990 proposed the creation of the Georgia Lottery for Education…and that the lottery would support a new preschool program and college scholarship. In 1992, the referendum passed and a pilot program brought 750 at-risk four-year-olds to 20 sites across Georgia. Today Georgia’s Pre-K Program serves over 83,000 four year olds and is clearly part of Governor Miller’s legacy.
Joining us to talk about his grandfather and the foundation that celebrates Governor Miller’s leadership and legacy is Bryan Miller, Executive Chairman of the Zell Miller Foundation.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
DECAL licenses and monitors around 4,600 child care programs in Georgia to ensure that they provide safe, healthy, and nurturing environments. On average, our Child Care Services consultants make 12,000 unannounced annual visits…a minimum of two per provider each year…to inspect and support licensed child care programs. Today, we will take you on a "walk through" of one of these inspections. Our guests are Northwest Regional Manager for Child Care Services Marsha Ruiz Crosby and Director of Research Randy Hudgins.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
There have been some recent changes in our System Reform Division, the home of Quality Rated. Former Deputy Commissioner for System Reform Kristin Bernhard accepted a position with The Ounce of Prevention Fund in Chicago. Former DECAL Director of Research and Policy Analysis, Dr. Bentley Ponder, will follow Kristin in this important role. Learn more about Bentley and his 14 years working here at DECAL.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Each summer here in Georgia, eligible organizations help DECAL and the US Department of Agriculture serve healthy meals to children when school is not in session. Our Summer Food Service Program reimburses these organizations for the cost of providing free meals and again this year we are looking for sponsors. Our guests are Sonja Adams, Nutritional Services Director of Provider Services, and Cindy Kicklighter, Nutrition Marketing and Outreach Manager.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
It’s never too early to be thinking about your child’s college education...even if your child is in Georgia’s Pre-K Program. That’s the idea behind the Path from Pre-K to College Sweepstakes, happening March 15 to April 30 and sponsored by DECAL and the Path2College 529 Plan. Our special guest is Mitch Seabaugh, Executive Director of the Path2College 529 Plan.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Here at DECAL, we’re committed to ensuring that Georgia's youngest citizens receive high quality services to prepare them for school and for life. To help meet this commitment, we’ve developed the Georgia Professional Development System (GaPDS) where early childhood educators can create and maintain a profile and search and register for the latest training. Recently GaPDS was upgraded to Phase 2 making it better than ever!
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
For decades, Georgia Public Broadcasting has been the perfect teacher’s aide welcomed in classrooms all across the state. Now with robust content across all of their platforms…on air and online….there are even more resources for early childhood educators. Our special guest is Laura Evans, director of education at GPB, where she plans and implements education projects and oversees educational content for teachers and students. Of course, we think she’s great because prior to that she was an instructional learning manager here at DECAL!
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
For the fourth consecutive year, we’re seeking applications for Georgia’s Pre-K Program Teachers of the Year. Since 2016, DECAL has recognized a winner from a local public school system and a private child care center. Joining us to talk about this program are Meghan McNail, Summer Transition and Outreach Manager for Georgia’s Pre-K Program, and our 2018-2019 Teachers of the Year Becky Haden and Stephanie Westhafer.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
All this week, the State of Georgia and all of us here at the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning are celebrating Inclusive Early Learning Week. It’s our effort to increase public awareness and advocacy for inclusion…and to celebrate inclusive classrooms here in Georgia. Here to talk about this special week and how you can get involved is Brandy Lochetta, Program Director, Inclusion and Behavioral Support for DECAL; Veronica Thomas, Program Manager, Inclusion and Behavioral Support; and Shawnell Johnson, Quality Improvement, and Training Unit Director from our Child Care Services Division.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
From rolling over and crawling…to walking and playing, your child’s developmental milestones are something worth celebrating! But they also offer important clues about your child’s overall development. On this episode we talk with Bridget Ratajczak, Child Development Specialist in DECAL's Instructional Supports Division.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
The National Association for the Education of Young Children says that early childhood inclusion means that every infant and young child and their family has the right...regardless of ability…to participate in activities as full members of families, classrooms, communities, and society. Here in Georgia, we celebrate Inclusive Early Learning Week February 11-15, 2019. This week we talk with Brandy Lochetta, Program Director, Inclusion and Behavioral Support for DECAL, along with Michelle Clark, one of our Inclusion Specialists.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Since 1965, Head Start has offered comprehensive services to children and families to ensure that children, especially those of low income, are healthy and ready to learn. Learn more about Georgia's Head Start Collaboration Office and meet Director Allison Setterlind.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Carrie Ashbee, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning, is interviewed by John Clark with Georgia News Network about DECAL's efforts to assist child care programs in Southwest Georgia impacted by Hurricane Michael.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
It’s a big week here on Capitol Hill as the 2019 Georgia General Assembly convenes. There’s a new governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, over 30 new house members, some new senators, new committee chairs. Always an exciting time when the Legislature is in session…even more so this year with the 155th Georgia General Assembly. We'll discuss with Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs, DECAL Deputy Commissioner of Finance and Administration Rian Ringsrud, Director of Government Relations Liz Young, and Polly McKinney, Advocacy Director with Voices for Georgia’s Children.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
On November 30, 2018, Georgia’s First Lady Sandra Deal celebrated a milestone in her eight-year commitment to serving our state’s youngest learners and their families. On that day, she visited her 1,000th school since Governor Deal took office in 2011. Now, as the Deals prepare to leave office, we grab a few minutes with Mrs. Deal at the Governor's Mansion.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Happy New Year! It is officially 2019, and we thought we would look back on 2018 today…with a look ahead to 2019 as well. From CAPS and Child Care Services...to Georgia's Pre-K Program and Quality Rated...plus Nutrition, Inclusion, the 2019 Legislative Session, and more!
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
In January, 2012, Georgia launched a voluntary system to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in early care and education programs. Within a year, Quality Rated had over 1,100 early learning programs participating and that number has continued to grow. Let's get an update from Deputy Commissioner for System Reform Kristin Bernhard and and Quality Rated Policy and Partnership Director Laura Wagner.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
There was a time when to interact with a government agency you had to travel to a physical location. The Internet has made that a thing of the past and now DECAL's virtual front door can be found on your laptop or even smartphone at www.decal.ga.gov. For parents, providers, and the general public, there are so many ways to reach DECAL without leaving your home or office. Learn more in this conversation with Chief Information Officer Craig Detweiler.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
In October, Hurricane Michael made landfall in the Florida panhandle and then slammed into parts of Southwest and Central Georgia. The hurricane had a major impact on Georgia’s cotton, pecan, and timber crops and caused structural damage to homes and businesses, including child care programs across some 20 counties. We were able to help children and families through DECAL Nutrition Services and the Georgia Foundation for Early Care + Learning.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
While many of our DECAL team members interact with providers and parents face-to-face in the field, we take a lot of phone calls every day across all of our divisions and always strive to provide excellent customer service. Today we are talking with two members of our team known for providing excellent customer service: Renee Lind is Scholarship Administration Manager for Special Teams in the CAPS Program and Abby Mozo is a User Support Representative with the Georgia Professional Development System for Early Childhood Educators.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
DECAL partners with Quality Rated Child Care Providers around the state to offer Quality Rated Subsidy Grants, which pay higher reimbursement to two and three-star child care programs and benefit qualified families by charging zero family fees for the child who is participating. Today we will learn more about Quality Rated Subsidy Grants from Taijha Harden, Subsidy Manager, and Laura Wagner, Quality Rated Policy and Partnership Director.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Thanksgiving Week seems like a good time to discuss food...and we mean really discuss food, as in the Best Places to Eat in Georgia. As a state agency, our employees travel A LOT, especially our consultants working with providers and parents through CAPS, Child Care Services, Georgia’s Pre-K Program, Quality Rated, Nutrition and so much more! For this episode, we’re calling upon some bonafide culinary experts, Deputy Commissioner for System Reform Kristin Bernhard and Chief Legal Officer Ira Sudman. Hope you're hungry!
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
“Person First Language” is a different way of thinking about the words we use when we’re talking to or about people with disabilities. In this episode we learn more about this topic from Brandy Locchetta, Inclusion Manager here at DECAL. We'll even take a quiz to see how much we know...and how much we have to learn!
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Scheduler, assistant, gatekeeper. Maybe the way to really get to know Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs is to get to know her Executive Assistant and Board Liaison Quandra Collins. Hear what happens behind the scenes at DECAL and then take a quiz on how well Quandra really knows the Commissioner.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
In January, 2014, DECAL began implementing a state law requiring all employees in Georgia's child care programs to undergo a national criminal background check based on fingerprints. For the next two years, DECAL is paying the cost of the initial national fingerprint scan for eligible early care and education workers. Learn more about this law from DECAL Chief Legal Officer Ira Sudman and Legal Services Supervisor Christie Bearden.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Pam Stevens is our new Deputy Commissioner for Child Care Services, but you may know her from Quality Rated, or her years as a teacher, behavior specialist, or child care director. Learn more about Pam and this important role in the licensing and regulating of child care programs in Georgia.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Monday is the start of the Annual Open Enrollment for the 2019 Plan Year of the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP). Open Enrollment starts October 15 and runs through November 2. Learn more from Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs and Sabrina Henry, HR Operations Supervisor at DECAL.
Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
The Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program has been serving Georgia’s children and families since 1972. The program is funded federally by the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), also known as the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). In recent years, the program moved to DECAL from the Division of Family and Children Services. Elisabetta Kasfir is the Deputy Commissioner for Federal Programs.Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
We talk with Deputy Commissioner for Georgia's Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports Susan Adams about Georgia Pre-K Week, October 1-5, 2018. Now in its eighth year, Georgia Pre-K Week is coordinated by Voices for Georgia’s Children, a policy and advocacy non-profit organization. The goal of Pre-K week is to emphasize the importance of quality early childhood education by providing opportunities for leaders to engage with Pre-K classrooms in local communities.Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
The Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning makes strategic investments to improve and expand high-quality early education to help ensure all children in Georgia are prepared to succeed when they enter kindergarten regardless of family income or location. Our guests today include Executive Director Carrie Ashbee and Advancement and Donor Relations Coordinator Sarah Tinsley.Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)
Governor Nathan Deal appointed Amy M. Jacobs as Interim Commissioner of Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning in June 2014. In January 2015, she was sworn in as permanent commissioner. Commissioner Jacobs leads the agency responsible for the early care and education of hundreds of thousands of Georgia’s children. She oversees an annual budget of $700 million for programs focused on child care licensing, child and adult care nutrition, child care quality, and early childhood education, specifically Georgia’s Pre-K Program.Support the show (http://www.decal.ga.gov)