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 be...

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 i...

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 gu...

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 ---...

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 ...

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 ...

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 suc...

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 wit...

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. ...

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 Tow...

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 Mam...

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 ch...

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...

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 can...

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 ...

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 y...

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 food...

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. Joi...

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...

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 comm...

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...

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 b...

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 lite...

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 th...

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 t...