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Send us a textDECAL 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 textFor 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 textToday, 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 textThis 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 textIn 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 textDECAL 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 textLicensed 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 textToday 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 textRecently 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 textToday, 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