DECAL - Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning

On July 1, 2013, DECAL's Quality Rated program was officially launched to parents and for the first time star ratings of rated child care programs were posted. The quality of early care and education matters...to our children, our families, our communities, our economy, and our future.

To learn more about Quality Rated, click here.

To find a Quality Rated program, click here.

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning

Bright from the Start administers the nationally recognized Georgia’s Pre-K Program, licenses child care centers and home-based child care, administers federal nutrition programs, and manages voluntary quality enhancement programs.

About Our Agency

Mission and Vision

Frequently Asked Questions

Employment Opportunities

Meet the Commissioner

Danger: Children Left in Vehicles

DECAL recently joined five state agencies and three partner organizations calling for parents and caregivers of children to have greater awareness of the dangers associated with leaving kids unattended in vehicles. To view a video of our May 10, 2013, news conference, and a similar transportation news conference held on June 29, 2012, click here.

Safe Sleep Rules Adopted

The American Academy of Pediatrics has expanded its recommendations for safe sleep environments to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Sudden Unexpected Death Syndrome. DECAL supports the recommendations and has amended rules for safe sleeping requirements for child care learning centers, group day care homes, and family day care homes. For more information about the rule changes, click here.

Quality Rated Star
Ratings Announced
About Bright from
the Start
Danger: Children
Left in Vehicles
Safe Sleep
Rules Adopted

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News

Product Recalls | Food Recalls | Offender Registry | More News

Registration Begins for 2014-2015 Georgia’s Pre-K Program

Lottery Funded Program Open for All Age Eligible Four Year Olds in Georgia

Research Concludes Georgia’s Pre-K Program Significantly Improves School Readiness across Key Domains of Learning

Students Scored Above National Norm in Language, Literacy and Math

Results of Year Two of Pre-K Longitudinal Study Released

Report by national experts in early childhood education and care concludes that, as a universal program, Georgia’s Pre-K Program significantly improves school readiness skills in language, literacy and math.

DECAL and Yaarab Shrine Circus promote Early Reading

“Red Fez Reading Club” offers Free Circus Tickets to Young Readers

DECAL joins Zoo Atlanta for Educator Appreciation Day

Educators receive FREE admission and $2 OFF General Admission for accompanying guests.

DECAL Extends Deadline for “Caregivers Promoting Healthy Habits” in Southeast Georgia Counties

Deadline is now February 25 for program promoting Healthy Eating and Exercise for Children Birth to Five

DECAL and Georgia Food Bank Offering Grants to Serve More Children in Summer Meal Program

New Efforts include Backpack Programs and Mobile Meal Sites

Georgia Awarded Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge Funds

Commissioner Cagle: New early education initiatives made Georgia’s application stronger and more competitive

Sponsors needed to serve meals to children next summer

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) served 3.6 million meals during Summer, 2013

Child Care Fingerprint Law Takes Effect January 1, 2014

New Law Requires National Fingerprint-Based Background Checks for All Employees of Georgia’s approximately 6,000 child care facilities

DECAL releases "Caregivers Promoting Healthy Habits" Request for Applications (RFA) for Sub-grant Funding (Child Care Center Application)

Bright from the Start announced the availability of the RFA Sub-Grant for Caregivers Promoting Healthy Habits.

DECAL releases "Caregivers Promoting Healthy Habits" Request for Applications (RFA) for Sub-grant Funding (Day Care Home Application)

Bright from the Start announced the availability of the RFA Sub-Grant for Caregivers Promoting Healthy Habits.

DECAL Launches “Caregivers Promoting Healthy Habits” Program For 8 Southeast Georgia Counties

Program Promotes Healthy Eating and Exercise for Children Birth to Five

DECAL Hosting Georgia’s Top Child Care Programs for Conference

Quality Rated Helps Parents in Selecting Quality Early Education Programs

DECAL Proposes Changes to Criminal Records Check Rules

DECAL is holding a public hearing on proposed changes to rules governing child care programs to reflect recent changes in Georgia law.

Zoo Atlanta celebrates Georgia’s Pre-K Program

Pre-K Week, October 21-25, 2013, includes discount admission for Pre-K classes, special shows and activities

Farm to Preschool Day is Friday, October 18, 2013

Program Promotes Fresh, Local Fruits and Vegetables for Children During their Most Formative Years

Call for Curriculum Submissions

Bright from the Start is accepting submissions for the FY14 GA Curriculum Review and Approval Process. The review will result in an approved curriculum list for Georgia’s Pre-K Programs and a recommended curriculum list for Georgia’s birth to five early learning programs. For more information, click title above.

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