DECAL - Bright from the Start: News

Bright from the Start News

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DECAL joins Zoo Atlanta for Educator Appreciation Day

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

New Report Shows Professional Development Programs Improve Pre-K Teacher-Child Interactions

Professional Development leads to Better Emotional Support in Classrooms View More

Georgia Awarded Early Head Start – Child Care Partnership Grant

Grant Expands Access to High-Quality Services for Infants and Toddlers and their Families View More

Georgia’s Child and Adult Care Food Program Available to Eligible and Approved Facilities

Child Care, Adult Care, Head Start, Emergency Shelters among Participants View More

State commissions Child Care Economic Impact Study

Study Will Help Quantify Impact of the Early Childhood Care and Education Industry on Georgia’s Economy View More

Georgia Applying for Federal Pre-K Expansion Grant

Georgia’s Pre-K Plus Would Offer Targeted Services to Eligible Children in High-Need Communities While Adding Slots and Reducing Class Sizes View More

Zoo Atlanta celebrates Georgia’s Pre-K Week

Georgia’s Pre-K Week, October 6-10, 2014, includes discount admission for Pre-K Classes, special shows and activities View More

Selection Process Completed for Early Education Empowerment Zones (E3Zs)

Four Regions will participate in Coordinated System Reform Effort View More

The Georgia Head Start Association (GHSA) has revised their Strategic Plan May 2014.

The plan was based on the results of the annual GHSA needs assessment . Click title to retrieve the plan. View More

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Launches New Support for the Early Childhood Education Workforce

Early childhood education program administrators and teaching personnel can receive financial awards for furthering their education and earning higher credentials in the field. View More

Farm to Georgia Preschool Sub-grant Application

Farm to Georgia Preschool Sub-grant Application View More

Selection Process Underway for Early Education Empowerment Zones

Four Regions Will receive over $1-million in Early Childhood Education Resources from the Early Learning Challenge Grant View More

Georgia's Pre-K 2014-15 Operating Guidelines

Pre-K Operating Guidelines for 2014-2015 have been posted. View More

Child Care Centers in 11 North Georgia Counties Eligible for Special Grants

Grants Will Help Influence Dietary Habits of Young Children and Foster Healthy Lifestyles through Good Nutrition and Experiential Learning View More

Children across Georgia Have Access to Free Meals This Summer

The Summer Food Service Program is available to children throughout the state View More

DECAL Alerts Child Care Programs & Parents About Leaving Children in Vehicles

Two-Year-Old Clarkston Child Died Monday after Being Trapped in Car View More

Georgia’s Child and Adult Care Food Program is available to Approved Facilities

Child Care Centers, Adult Day Care, Head Start, Emergency Shelters Among Participants View More

2014-2015 Georgia's Pre-K Program Application Available

The application to become a Georgia's Pre-K Program provider is now available for download. Continuation providers should apply online in PANDA. View More

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

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

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 View More

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. View More

DECAL and Yaarab Shrine Circus promote Early Reading

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

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 View More

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

New Efforts include Backpack Programs and Mobile Meal Sites View More

Georgia Awarded Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge Funds

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

Sponsors needed to serve meals to children next summer

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

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 View More

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. View More

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. View More

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

Program Promotes Healthy Eating and Exercise for Children Birth to Five View More

DECAL Hosting Georgia’s Top Child Care Programs for Conference

Quality Rated Helps Parents in Selecting Quality Early Education Programs View More

Free Online Transportation Training

Free Online Transportation Training View More

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 View More

Farm to Preschool Day is Friday, October 18, 2013

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

View product recall website

Mima Recalls Moon 3-In-1 High Chairs Due to Fall and Impact Hazard

The seat can dislodge, allowing the seat and child to fall, and the chair can fall on a child crawling underneath the seat. View More

Airplane and Butterfly Push Toys Recalled by LS Import Due to Choking Hazard

The wheels of the airplane, and the balls at the tip of the butterfly’s antenna can detach. View More

Children’s Pajamas and Robes Recalled by Lazy One Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

The robes and owl print footed pajamas fail to meet the federal flammability standard for children’s sleepwear. View More

Family Dollar Stores Recall Tough Treadz Auto Carrier Toy Sets Due to Laceration Hazard

The die-case metal cars may have sharp edges that pose a laceration hazard. View More

Performance Packaging Recalls Children’s Food Pouch Attachment Due to Choking Hazard

The tube of the pouch topper that screws onto the food pouch can separate from the round base, posing a choking hazard to young children View More

IKEA Recalls Crib Mattresses Due to Risk of Entrapment

The crib mattresses could create a gap between the mattress and crib ends larger than allowed by federal regulations, posing an entrapment hazard to infants. View More

Children’s Pajamas Recalled by Star Ride Kids Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

The girls' pajama sets pose a risk of burn injuries to children. View More

James Trading Group Recalls Croker Kids Fleece Panel Hoodie Due to Strangulation Hazard (Recall Alert)

Hoddies have a drawstring around the neck area which poses a strangulation hazard to children. View More

Comfort Research Recalls Vinyl Bean Bag Chairs Due to Risk of Entrapment, Suffocation

The zipper on the vinyl bean bag chairs can be opened by children. A child who crawls inside the opened chair can become entrapped, suffocate or choke on the foam beads. View More

BRP Recalls Ski-Doo and Can-Am Kids’ Hoodies Due to Strangulation Hazard

The hoodies have a drawstring around the neck area which is a strangulation hazard for children. View More

View food recall website

Washington Firm Recalls Boneless Beef Trim Product Due To Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination

Washington Beef, LLC, a Toppenish, Wash., establishment, is recalling 1,620 pounds of boneless beef trim product that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. View More

California Firm Recalls Beef and Pork Products Due to Foreign Matter Contamination

Unibright Foods Inc., a Bell Gardens, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 48,139 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat sukiyaki beef and gingered pork products that may be contaminated with metal extraneous materials. View More

Pennsylvania Firm Recalls Beef Products Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen

The Daniel Weaver Company, a Lebanon, PA establishment, is recalling approximately 7,092 pounds of Halal Beef products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen (peanuts). View More

Wisconsin Firm Recalls Salami Type Products Misbranded With USDA Mark Of Inspection

Bolzano Artisan Meats LLC, a Milwaukee, Wis. establishment is recalling approximately 5,723 pounds of salami products for misbranding and because they were produced without the benefit of federal inspection View More

Missouri Firm Recalls Hot Dog Products Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Kraft Foods Group, Inc., a Columbia, Mo., establishment is recalling approximately 96,000 pounds of Oscar Mayer Classic Wieners because the products may contain Classic Cheese Dogs in the Classic Wieners’ packages. The product labels are incorrect, as they do not reflect the ingredients associated with the pasteurized cheese in the cheese. The products were formulated with milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. View More

Missouri Firm Recalls Ribeye and Carcass Products That May Contain Specified Risk Materials

Fruitland American Meat, a Jackson, Mo. establishment is recalling approximately 4,012 pounds of fresh beef products because the dorsal root ganglia may not have been completely removed. View More

New York Firm Recalls Pork Sausage Products Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen

Shirk's Meats, a Dundee, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,062 pounds of pork sausage product due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen (peanuts). View More

Sunset Farm Foods, Inc Recalls Sausage Products Due To Misbranding And Undeclared Allergen

Sunset Farm Foods, Inc., a Valdosta, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 42,669 pounds of link sausage products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen. View More

Texas Firm Recalls Beef Products Due To Possible E. Coli Contamination

PFP Enterprises, a Fort Worth, Texas, establishment, is recalling approximately 15,865 pounds of beef products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O103, E. coli O111, E. coli O121, E. coli O145, E. coli O26 and E. coli O45. View More

Louisiana Firm Recalls Frozen Chicken Breast Strips For Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination

Foster Farms, a Farmerville, La., establishment, is recalling approximately 39,747 pounds of frozen pre-cooked chicken products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. View More

Additional Information Concerning Open Community Meetings (04-09-2010)

Key discussion points concerning one proposed rule revision regarding an exemption for school age programs. View More

Bright from the Start Hosting Open Community Meetings (04-08-2010)

Bright from the Start's Child Care Services Division will host three open community meetings to discuss one proposed rule revision regarding an exemption for school age programs. View More

Caregivers Promoting Healthy Habits Program (04-05-2010)

Bright from the Start has announced a new program to support wellness policies in child care centers in southwest Georgia. View More

Open House Information for Potential Fulton County Head Start Sponsor (03-31-2010)

The Office of Head Start will be holding a Facility Tour for Fulton County, Georgia. Click above link for further information. View More

Georgia's Rise in Serious H1N1 Cases Worries CDC (03-30-2010)

Click link above to read about the uptick in H1N1 cases in a story posted on the Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy (CIDRAP) website. View More

Early Head Start Sponsor Needed in Fulton County (03-29-2010)

An Early Head Start program in Fulton County, Georgia needs a new sponsor. Click the link above for details. View More

Draft of Georgia State Advisory Council Grant Application (03-22-2010)

A draft of Georgia’s application for federal funds for the Georgia State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care is available for download and review. E-mail written comments about the application to Mark.Waits@decal.ga.gov before March 30, 2010. View More

Accreditation Facilitation Grant Request for Proposal issued (03-08-2010)

Bright from the Start is seeking applications from organizations that have the experience and the capability to provide services to assist child care programs in achieving or renewing national accreditation. To be considered, completed grant proposals must be received by Bright from the Start before 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 8, 2010. View More

Early Learning Council ARRA grant application public meeting notice (02-23-2010)

The Georgia State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care will hold a public meeting to discuss its application for the federal state advisory council grant fund. View More

Georgia’s Pre-K Program serves one million children (02-03-2010)

The location of the Millionth Child currently being served by Georgia’s Pre-K Program has been revealed. The millionth child walked through the doors of Sumter County Primary School in Americus, Georgia! Governor Sonny and Mrs. Mary Perdue will kick off a special celebration at the school on Thursday, February 18. View More

Sponsors needed to serve meals to children during the summer (02-01-2010)

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is looking for eligible sponsors to serve nutritious meals to children throughout Georgia this summer. View More

Adoption of Proposed Rule Amendments (02-01-2010)

Commissioner's Order as of 12/02/09 and Hearing Officer's Report View More

Proposed Revisions - Rules for Child Care Learning Centers (02-01-2010)

Document detailing the proposed rule revisions for Child Care Learning Centers View More

Proposed Revisions - Rules for Group Day Care Homes (02-01-2010)

Document detailing the proposed rule revisions for Group Day Care Homes View More

Proposed Revisions - Rules for Family Day Care Homes (02-01-2010)

Document detailing the proposed rule revisions for Family Day Care Homes View More

Email Notification from the Assistant Commissioner (02-01-2010)

Email sent to Child Care Providers regarding the proposed rule revisions in Child Care Services View More

Sept. 29, 2009 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Public Hearing (02-01-2010)

Notice of Public Hearing and Proposed Rulemaking for Child Care Services View More

Temporary Child Care Assistance is Available (01-11-2010)

The state of Georgia has funding available to help parents with the cost of child care services. View More

Bright from the Start Launches Pilot Nutrition Education Project in 14 Southwest Georgia Counties. “Request for Applications - now available”. (12-28-2009)

Bright from the Start received a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to launch a pilot nutrition project targeted in southwest Georgia. View More

Bright from the Start has teamed with Scholastic to offer the Read and Rise Family Guide to families. (12-09-2009)

It is critical that children have the literacy skills to be successful in school and throughout life. Click the link above to download the guide. View More

ARRA funds to upgrade 3,800 Georgia's Pre-K Classrooms released by Bright from the Start (10-29-2009)

Bright from the Start has released approximately $1.7 million in funds to upgrade and improve more than 3,800 classrooms that are part of Georgia's Pre-K Program. View More

How to Log In Books (10-14-2009)

For the Millionth Child Campaign View More

How to Donate Pennies (10-14-2009)

For Millionth Child Campaign View More

Called Telephone Board Meeting: Sept 28th, 8:00am to 9:00am, Rm 601 at 10 Park Place South, SE, ATL, GA (09-22-2009)

Bright from the Start will have a called telephone board meeting September 28, 2009, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. The board will review and vote on the proposed rule amendments. The meeting will be held in Room 601 at 10 Park Place South, SE, Atlanta, GA 30303. Click on the eBOARD link to see the agenda. For more information on the proposed amendments, click on "Rule Update" and "Voting on Rules" agenda items. View More

Georgia First Lady Mary Perdue to Host Reading Under the Stars (08-14-2009)

First Lady Mary Perdue will host Georgia's Pre-K students for a live reading at the Governor's Mansion. View More

Latest H1N1 Virus Update from Bright from the Start and the Georgia Department of Community Health (08-07-2009)

These state agencies have issued up-to-date information on the H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu) especially concerning school districts and the child care industry. View More

2009-2010 Even Start Family Literacy Grant Update (07-22-2009)

Even Start Family Literacy Program request for application has been posted. View More

Georgia First Lady Mary Perdue kicks off the Millionth Child Celebration! (07-15-2009)

Celebrating Georgia's Pre-K Program: A Million Dreams...and Counting View More

A Second Look at the Georgia Pre-K Audit (07-02-2009)

Christina Satkowski wrote the blog titled "A Second Look at the Georgia Pre-K Audit" on June 26, 2009. View More

Training registration for Georgia's Pre-K Program for the 2009-10 school year is now open! (06-23-2009)

Bright from the Start Training Registration for Georgia's Pre-K Program for the 2009-10 school year is now open for registration. View More

American Recovery & Reinvestment Act 2009 (05-12-2009)

As a result of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009, there is new money available for Head Start Expansion, Early Head Start, Seasonal/Migrant Head Start, and Alaskan/Native American Head Start. Grant information is now available. View More

Bright from the Start Partners with Path2College and Sonic® to reward Pre-K Students with a Free Vanilla Twist (05-07-2009)

I-Scream, You-Scream, We All Scream For College Savings! View More

Access to Ga. Pre-K program third-best nationally, study says (04-23-2009)

In a state that is accustomed to ranking near the bottom on several education measures, here’s some good news about Georgia schools. View More

Governor and First Lady Perdue proudly announce new Pre-K book! (04-22-2009)

Governor Sonny Perdue and his wife First Lady Mary Perdue are excited to announce the Governor’s Pre-K book for 2009-2010, How Much is a Million? by David M. Schwartz. View More

Order Adopting Amendments to Rule Chapter 591-1-1, Rule Chapter 290-2-1 and Rule Chapter 290-2-3 (04-21-2009)

Order Adopting Amendments to Rule Chapter 591-1-1, Rule Chapter 290-2-1 and Rule Chapter 290-2-3 View More

2009-2010 Even Start Family Literacy RFA (04-15-2009)

Bright from the Start announces funding opportunities on the web site and sends e-mails to interested agencies and individuals to notify them when a new Request for Application or Request for Proposal is released. View More

Read to children. Win prizes. Click here. (03-26-2009)

Georgia Reads Aloud Day is an annual event celebrating the impact of reading on children’s lives. Early care and learning providers, parents, and the community are encouraged to reinforce the importance of reading by making a special effort to read to children of all ages on this day. View More

Georgia Junior Leagues to read for one million minutes (03-26-2009)

Georgia Junior Leagues is participating in a new initiative called "The Million Minute Read" to promote literacy and school readiness in Georgia. View More

Notice of Public Hearing and Proposed Amendments to Rules for Child Care Learning Centers, Group Day Care Homes and Family Day Care Homes (03-10-2009)

Notice of Public Hearing and Proposed Amendments to Rules for Child Care Learning Centers, Group Day Care Homes and Family Day Care Homes View More

Pre-K Application for 2009-2010 Has Passed (03-09-2009)

Pre-K Application 2010 - 2011 will be available in February 2010 View More

The Child Care Resource and Referral Services Grant is now available. (03-09-2009)

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is soliciting proposals from agencies or organizations that have the capacity to provide community-based Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) services in one or more of the six regions for the period of July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. View More

Order Adopting Amendments to Rule Chapter 290-2-3, the Rules and Regulations for Family Day Care Homes and Hearing Office Report (01-22-2009)

Order Adopting Amendments to Rule Chapter 290-2-3, the Rules and Regulations for Family Day Care Homes and Hearing Office Report View More

First Lady Mary Perdue "Reads For The Record" (01-09-2009)

First Lady, Mary Perdue reads "Courdoroy". (video) View More

Janice M. Haker named director of Head Start State Collaboration Office (01-09-2009)

ATLANTA, Ga., (July 29, 2008) – Dr. Holly A. Robinson, commissioner of Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, Susie Wilcher, president of the Georgia Head Start Association (GHSA), Bobby Griffin, Head Start branch manager, and Judith Deane, program specialist and Georgia State Liaison for the Region IV Office of Head Start, announced that Janice M. Haker has been named director of the Head Start State Collaboration Office. View More

Free Web Site Launched to Help Immigrants Learn English (01-09-2009)

The U.S. Department of Education today launched U.S.A. Learns, a free Web site to help immigrants learn English. The Web site, which is located at www.USALearns.org, provides approximately 11 million adults who have low levels of English proficiency with easily accessible and free English language training. View More