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Episode 36 - Update on CAPS Payments to Providers Jul 02, 2024

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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.

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Episode 35 - Children's Author Kelly Young-Silverman Jun 25, 2024

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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!

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Episode 34 - FY2025 Budget Impact on DECAL Jun 18, 2024

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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.

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Episode 33 - Chat with Pam Stevens Jun 11, 2024

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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.

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Episode 32 - A Magnificent Field Trip to the Governor's Mansion Jun 04, 2024

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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.

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Episode 31 - Retiring DECAL employees May 28, 2024

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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.

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Episode 30 - Look Again May 21, 2024

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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.

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Episode 29 - CareSource May 14, 2024

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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.

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Episode 28 - Educators Luncheon May 07, 2024

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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.

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Episode 27 - Summer Plans Apr 30, 2024

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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.

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