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Episode 26 - Laura Evans from GPB Mar 30, 2026

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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.

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Episode 25 - Pre-K to College Sweepstakes + Georgia Pre-K at the Capitol Mar 22, 2026

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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.

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Episode 24 - CACFP Week Mar 16, 2026

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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.

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Episode 23 - State of the Early Care and Education Workforce Mar 09, 2026

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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.

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Episode 22 - Audits & Compliance Team Mar 03, 2026

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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.

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Episode 21 - Hiring at DECAL Feb 23, 2026

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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.

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Episode 20 - DECAL Scholars Feb 17, 2026

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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.

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Episode 19 - Georgia Pre-K Classroom Refurbishment Grants Feb 10, 2026

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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.

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Episode 18 - Meet Monica Griffin Feb 02, 2026

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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.

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Episode 17 - Inclusive Early Learning Week Jan 25, 2026

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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.

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