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Episode 26 - Pre-K Day at the Capitol Apr 08, 2025

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Recently 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.

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Episode 25 - Community Partnership Team Apr 01, 2025

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Today, 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.

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Episode 24 - NASLEE Leadership Academy Fellow Angela Shelton + Pre-K to College Sweepstakes with Bethany Whetzel Mar 22, 2025

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On this week’s podcast, we’re thrilled to announce that DECAL’s own Workforce Supports Supervisor Angela Shelton has been accepted into the 2025 cohort of the National Association of State Leaders in Early Education (NASLEE) Leadership Academy. This prestigious 12-month executive leadership program is specifically designed for state early education administrators. Angela joins us to talk about this great honor. Then, Bethany Whetzel, Treasury Program Director with the Georgia Office of the State Treasurer, will provide details on this year’s Pre-K to College Sweepstakes!

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Episode 23 - CAPS 2Gen Student Parent Pilot Mar 18, 2025

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The CAPS 2Gen Student Parent Pilot is an innovative initiative launched by DECAL in collaboration with the Technical College System of Georgia and WorkSource Georgia OneStops. This pilot program focuses on supporting the Student Parent Priority Group by addressing barriers to educational success through a holistic, family-centered approach. Joining us to talk about the CAPS 2Gen Student Parent Pilot is Amy Roys, CAPS Director for Developments and Partnerships, and Carolyn Morkeh, CAPS Student Parent 2Gen Manager.

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Episode 22 - Preventing Choking in Child Care Mar 10, 2025

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Today we are discussing a critical issue: preventing choking in childcare settings. Choking is a leading cause of injury and even death in young children, but it is preventable with the right knowledge and practice. Joining us to talk about the prevention of choking in child care is Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner of Child Care Services; April Rogers, CCS Director of Enforcement Operations; and Diana Myers, Nutrition and Physical Activity Supervisor.

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Episode 21 - Applying for Georgia's Pre-K Program Teachers of the Year 2025-2026 Mar 04, 2025

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If you’re passionate about teaching in Georgia’s Pre-K Program, making a difference in the lives of young learners, and want to be recognized for your hard work, this episode is for you! DECAL is now accepting applications for Georgia’s Pre-K Program Teachers of the Year for 2025-2026. Joining us to talk about our Pre-K Teachers of the Year, the application process, and maybe some tips for standing out from the crowd is Devon Porter, Summer Transition and Outreach Manager for Georgia’s Pre-K Program.

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Episode 20 - Early Childhood Educators of the Year Feb 25, 2025

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For the fourth consecutive year, DECAL and the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning are recognizing three individuals as Georgia’s Early Childhood Educators of the Year for 2024-2025. Joining us to talk about serving as Georgia’s Early Childhood Educators of the Year is Zina Hadjaz from The Quadrilingual Academy in Smyrna, Infant Teacher of the Year (0-15 months), Laura Silva from My Little Geniuses in Marietta, Toddler Teacher of the Year (15-36 months), and Samantha Mullins from Our House at Central in Atlanta, Preschool Teacher of the Year (36-48 months). Also joining us is Miranda Murphy, Outreach Project Manager for Practice and Support Services, and Laura Wagner, Executive Director for the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning.

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Episode 19 - State Budget Feb 18, 2025

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The 2025 Georgia General Assembly is in session and one of the heavy lifts, as usual, is the Governor’s budget for FY2026. Joining us to talk about the proposed FY2026 state budget and its impact on DECAL is Rian Ringsrud, Deputy Commissioner of Finance and Administration.

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Episode 18 - Atlanta History Center Feb 11, 2025

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This week we’re diving into an exciting new addition to one of Atlanta’s cultural gems. In January, the Atlanta History Center unveiled a brand-new 5,000 square foot interactive exhibit where children ages 1-8 can experience the city through play, exploration, and story telling. Joining us to talk about the new Goizueta Children’s Experience is Shatavia Elder, Vice President of Education at the Atlanta History Center.

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Episode 17 - Early Literacy Alignment Mini Grants Feb 04, 2025

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The Georgia Foundation for Early Care + Learning, in partnership with the Georgia Foundation for Public Education, is excited to announce the second round of funding for the Early Literacy Alignment Mini Grants. These grants aim to support local school systems and child care programs in their efforts to enhance early literacy outcomes by providing targeted professional development for educators on the science of reading. Joining us today are Laura Wagner, Executive Director of the Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning, and Jaclyn Colona, Director of Grant Strategies at the Georgia Foundation for Public Education.

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