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It’s never too early to be thinking about your child’s college education…even for our youngest learners, ages birth to five.  Now four lucky children in Georgia are getting an early start on their college savings plan thanks to Path2College 529 Plan and the We Care Child Care Sweepstakes. Joining us this week is Bethany Whetzel, Treasury Program Director with the Georgia Office of State Treasurer. 

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In October at our All Staff Meeting, we recognized five DECAL employees with Spirit of DECAL Awards.  More than 800 employees nominate their peers who personify one or more of the five DECAL Values , which are Delivering Stellar Customer Service, Exhibiting Organizational Excellence, Creating Positive Relationships, Always Valuing Others, and Leading the Way. Then Commissioner Jacobs selects the five final winners we recognize with trophies during a special ceremony at the All Staff Meeting. This week we’re thrilled to have all five of this year’s Spirit of DECAL Award winners on the podcast. They are CAPS Provider Relations Education and Outreach Manager Ann Panzica, Audits and Compliance Manager LeighAnn Hendrix, CAPS Family Support Coordinator Jason Lewis, CCS Compliance Consultant Ashley Richards, and IT Senior Business Analyst Barbara Sanders. 

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The Board of Early Care and Learning is DECAL’s 14-member advisory board that meets quarterly to help support the agency’s mission and vision throughout the year. Governor Brian Kemp appoints members to the board based on the congressional districts where they live. Joining us to talk about their new roles on the Board of Early Care and Learning is Maria Franklin from Adairsville, a board-certified behavior analyst at North Georgia Autism Center who serves the 11th Congressional District; Joyce Ann Freeman from Bowden is the early childhood care and education program chair and a full-time early education instructor at West Georgia Technical College serving the 3rd Congressional District; Dr. Sylvia Washington from Rome is a pediatrician with a background in clinical practice, academia, and community service, serving the 14th Congressional District; and Karen Jones is from Warner Robins serving the 8th Congressional District. She has been an educator for 27 years and is currently employed with the Houston County School District as a program specialist. 

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In today’s increasingly digital world, safeguarding personal data and securing online assets are more critical than ever. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the demand for legal experts who can navigate the complexities of cyber security and privacy law are on the rise. Joining us to talk about the complex world of cybersecurity and privacy is Sarah Dixon-Morgan, our new Cybersecurity and Privacy Attorney and Privacy Officer. 

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When the Georgia General Assembly passed legislation in 2023 focused on improving literacy among students kindergarten to third grade, they called for the appointment of a Statewide Literacy Coach to serve the Georgia Council on Literacy. They found this person in a longtime educator who has served as teacher, administrator, and Literacy Master Teacher with the Atlanta Public Schools.  Sarah Richards started in this role last July and is part of the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement. 

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DECAL has named its Georgia’s Pre-K Teachers of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year and it was just in time for our 14th annual Georgia’s Pre-K Week. We name a winner from a public school and private school, and this year’s winners are from Lincolnton and Watkinsville. Joining us on the podcast this week is public-school winner Elizabeth Arthur from Lincoln County Elementary School, and  private child care center winner Rachel Robertson from Oconee Preschool Academy. Also joining us is Meghan McNail, Director of Georgia’s Pre-K  Instruction and Regional Operations. 

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If you’re looking for financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, child care and more, there is a one-stop shop for community resources near you! It’s called Find Help Georgia, a comprehensive online directory to help strengthen families. And we're coming up soon on our second annual Find Help Georgia Forum. Joining us to talk about Find Help Georgia is Amy Roys, CAPS Director for Development and Partnerships, and Melinda Knowles, CAPS Development and Partnerships Project Manager. 

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Last month more than 800 DECAL employees gathered at the Cobb Galleria Center for our All Staff Meeting. This event officially celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, as well as the 10th anniversary of our longest serving Commissioner, Amy Jacobs. That seemed like a great time for another Chat with the Commissioner. 

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Open Enrollment for the State Health Benefits Plan runs now through November 8. It’s a very important time of the year, as many employees are re-evaluating their health needs and seeking to protect their financial well-being. Joining us to talk about Open Enrollment is Sabrina Henry, Senior Manager of Human Resources. 

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From Calhoun to Savannah, our Quality Rated and CAPS teams have been holding stakeholder meetings all across Georgia to highlight policy revisions happening with both programs beginning this month. With pandemic relief funding ending, DECAL has faced some difficult choices focused on ensuring that the needs of families, providers, and the child care workforce are considered. Joining us to talk about policy revisions at CAPS and Quality Rated is Elisabetta Kasfir, Deputy Commissioner of Federal Programs and Eligibility, and Dr. Bentley Ponder, Deputy Commissioner of Quality Innovations and Partnerships. 

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