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This week an insightful conversation with Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs as she shares updates on early childhood education, key initiatives shaping the future of Georgia’s youngest learners, and what’s ahead for families and providers. In this candid discussion, Commissioner Jacobs answers listener questions, highlights recent accomplishments, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how DECAL is working to support quality care and education across the state. 

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Today a special episode of DECAL Download coming to you from Brunswick, Georgia…the site of a recent media event announcing the launch of Chop, Look & Listen, our new statewide campaign to prevent children from choking during meal times at child care, at home, or anywhere. Joining us today to talk about Chop, Look and Listen is State Rep Dr. Rick Townsend who represents this area in the Georgia General Assembly and Pam Stevens, Deputy Commissioner for Child Care Services.  

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On this week’s episode, we’re taking you outside the studio to Seven Branches Academy in Alpharetta, Georgia, where October 28 we held the first of two Chop Look Listen events. This groundbreaking statewide initiative is all about keeping our youngest learners safe from one of the most preventable risks in child care: choking. Every year, thousands of children nationwide are treated for choking incidents, often caused by food, small toys, or everyday objects. These numbers remind us just how important it is for parents, caregivers, and educators to stay vigilant and informed.

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For many kids across Georgia, summer vacation means more fun and free time. But for kids facing food insecurity, made worse by COVID’s impact on already tight-family budgets, no school can also mean limited access to affordable, nutritious foods.  That's where Happy Helpings comes in…it’s the summer food service program funded by USDA and administered by DECAL. Joining us today with an update on Happy Helpings Georgia is Cindy Kicklighter, Nutrition Marketing and Outreach Manager, and Joann Kilpatrick, Marketing and Outreach Specialist. 

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This week we’re introducing a new feature on DECAL Download called Small Wonders.  Partnering with the American Academy of Pediatrics, Small Wonders will bring you trusted expert advice on raising young children from birth to age five. Joining us for this first installment of Small Wonders is Dr. Nicola Chin, a pediatrician here in metro Atlanta. Dr. Chin is a native of Jamaica, West Indies. She attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology for her undergraduate studies and received her medical degree at Temple University School of Medicine. She has practiced for the last twenty years in the Atlanta area and currently works with Morehouse Medicine at East Point/ Morehouse School of Medicine. 

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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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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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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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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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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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