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Episode 6 - Chop Look Listen Nov 04, 2025

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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.

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Episode 5 - Meet the New Georgia's Pre-K Program Teachers of the Year Oct 28, 2025

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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.

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Episode 4 - Update on Quality Rated Workforce Bonuses Oct 21, 2025

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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.

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Episode 3 - Open Enrollment Oct 07, 2025

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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.

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Episode 2 - Every Amazing Story Oct 06, 2025

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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.

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Episode 1 - Georgia Pre-K Week Sep 30, 2025

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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.

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Episode 50 - Early Literacy Alignment Mini-Grants Sep 23, 2025

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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.

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Episode 49 - Criminal Background Checks Sep 16, 2025

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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.

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Episode 48 - Quality Rated Family Support Call Center Sep 09, 2025

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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.

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Episode 47 - Georgia's 2Gen Academy Sep 02, 2025

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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.

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