Bright from the Start
Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter View us on YouTube Instagram Pinterest Pinterest
Search
  •  Home
  •  Agency
    • About our Agency
    • About the Commissioner
    • Background
    • Contact Us
    • Directions
    • Early Learning Challenge
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
    • Open Records Request
    • Research
  •  Programs
    • Child Care Services
    • Childcare and Parent Services
    • Early Head Start Partnership
    • Georgia's Pre-K
    • Head Start
    • Instructional Supports
    • Nutrition
    • Professional Learning
    • Quality Rated
    • Summer Transition Program
  •  Families
      • Child Care Services
      •    Choosing a Child Care Program
      •    Find Child Care Program
      •    Search Licensing Rules
      •    FAQ
      • Georgia's Pre-K
      •    About Georgia's Pre-K Program
      •    Enrolling in Georgia's Pre-K
      •    Find a Georgia's Pre-K Program
      •    FAQ
      • Quality Rated
      • Childcare and Parent Services
      •    Help Paying for Child Care
      • Nutrition
      •    Find a meal site
      • Head Start
      • Inclusion and Behavior Support Services
      • Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards
  •  Teachers
      • Child Care Services
      •    Rules and Regulations
      •    Criminal Records Check
      •    Search Licensing Rules
      •    Training Requirements
      • Georgia's Pre-K
      •    Planning
      •    Pre-K Provider Job Listing
      •    Work Sampling System
      • Quality Rated
      • Head Start
      • Professional Learning
      • Inclusion and Behavior Support Services
      • Infant Toddler Program
      • Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards
  •  Providers
      • Child Care Services
      •    Starting a Child Care Program
      •    License Fee Information
      •    Child Care Forms
      •    Criminal Records Check Information
      • Georgia's Pre-K
      •    Operating Guidelines
      •    Curriculum
      •    PANDA Resources
      •    Pre-K Forms
      • Nutrition
      •   CACFP Applicant Information
      •   CACFP Forms
      •   CACFP Handbooks / Instructions
      •   SFSP Forms
      • Becoming Quality Rated
      • Childcare and Parent Services
      • Head Start
      • Inclusion and Behavior Support Services
      • Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards
  • Contact Us
  • Search
Skip Navigation Links / BftS / News
Skip Navigation Links.
About Our Agency
About the Commissioner
Agency Board
Annual Reports
Background
CCDF State Plan
Expand Contact UsContact Us
Directions
Early Learning Challenge
Employment Opportunities
FAQ
Funding Opportunities
Glossary
Mission and Vision
Expand NewsNews
Newsletters
Onboarding
Open Records Request
Preschool Development Grant
Programs
Expand ResearchResearch
Strategic Plan
Useful Links

Bright from the Start News

News Product Recalls Food Recalls News Archive
SFSP Fact Sheet

SFSP Fact Sheet View More


SFSP: How to Apply

How to Apply to participate in the SFSP Program View More


FAQs: Serving meals to children during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency

FAQs: Serving meals to children during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency View More


CACFP Sponsors: Monitoring Flexibilities during COVID-19

CACFP Sponsors: Monitoring Flexibilities during COVID-19 View More


Nutrition Newsletter January 2021 - SFSP

Nutrition Newsletter January 2021 - SFSP View More


Nutrition Newsletter December 2020 - CACFP

Nutrition Newsletter December 2020 - CACFP View More


SFSP FAQs Relating to Operations through December 31

SFSP FAQs Relating to Operations through December 31 View More


CACFP Area Eligibility Waiver for At-Risk Afterschool Meals

CACFP Area Eligibility Waiver for At-Risk Afterschool Meals View More


CACFP: Updated Guidance on Serving School Age Children

CACFP: Updated Guidance on Serving School Age Children View More


CACFP Policy Guidance for Serving School-Age Children

CACFP Policy Guidance for Serving View More


Updated Guidance for CACFP Operators Regarding School Year 2020-2021

Updated Guidance for CACFP Operators View More


FY 2021 CACFP Renewal Now Open

FY 2021 CACFP Renewal Now Open View More


2020-2021 Georgia’s Pre-K Teachers of the Year Finalists Announced

DECAL Announces 2020-2021 Finalists for Georgia’s Pre-K Program Teachers of the Year View More


Foundation Awards Grants to Georgia Child Care Programs Impacted by Hurricane Michael

Forty-three mini-grants will help support 1,343 children and 220 teachers across 20 Georgia counties View More


Free Online Health and Safety Training

Free Online Health and Safety Training View More


Health and Safety Training Flyer

Health and Safety Training Flyer View More


New Head Start Performance Standards - Summary

New Head Start Performance Standards View More


New Head Start Performance Standards - Full Report

New Head Start Performance Standards View More


Early Head Start Child Care Partnership Grantees in Georgia

Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership grantees in Georgia can now access a webinar, originally webcast on May 18, 2015, that will explain the policies, procedures, and requirements for leveraging subsidies from the Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program to serve eligible infants, toddlers, and their families. The webinar is a resource to help inform grantees of the supports available to them and how to access and optimize those supports. View More


The Georgia Head Start Association (GHSA) has updated their Strategic Plan May 2015.

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


Free Online Transportation Training

Free Online Transportation Training View More

Back to Top

View product recall website

Back to Top

View food recall website

Back to Top

Dec 17, 2020
CDC Report Highlights Success of Georgia Head Start Programs in Mitigating Spread of COVID-19

Georgia’s Head Start Collaboration Office Kept Programs Connected with Critical DECAL Services View More


Dec 16, 2020
DECAL Expanding Support for School Age Children and Young Adults with Disabilities

Funding Provides Working Parents Secure Option for Their Children View More


Dec 14, 2020
DECAL supports Georgia Child Care Programs with $92 million in CARES Funding for 2020

Funds Mitigate Financial Impact of COVID-19 View More


Dec 11, 2020
Nutrition Newsletter December 2020 - SFSP

Nutrition Newsletter December 2020 - SFSP View More


Oct 22, 2020
Georgia Child Care Programs Eligible for Round 2 of STABLE Payments

Funds Will Mitigate Financial Impact of COVID-19 View More


Oct 22, 2020
Georgia’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) available for Eligible and Approved Facilities

Program reimburses approved facilities for providing nutritious meals and snacks served to children and adults in care View More


Oct 20, 2020
Nutrition Newsletter October 2020 - CACFP

Nutrition Newsletter October 2020 - CACFP View More


Oct 05, 2020
Nutrition Newsletter October 2020 - SFSP

Nutrition Newsletter October 2020 - SFSP View More


Oct 02, 2020
DECAL Announces Georgia’s Pre-K Teachers of the Year for 2020-2021 School Year

Winners Are from Public School in Rome and Private Center in Hiram View More


Sep 29, 2020
Georgia’s Pre-K Week Turns 10!

Georgia’s Pre-K Week is turning ten! And we are celebrating this milestone anniversary! View More


Sep 23, 2020
Nutrition Newsletter September 2020 - CACFP

Nutrition Newsletter September 2020 - CACFP View More


Sep 09, 2020
DECAL Debuts a New Website Dedicated to Tracking a Child’s Developmental Milestones

Free Tools to Track Your Child’s Development View More


Sep 09, 2020
Nutrition Newsletter September 2020 - SFSP

Nutrition Newsletter September 2020 - SFSP View More


Aug 31, 2020
DECAL to Offer Financial Assistance to School Age Students Whose Schools Have Opted for Virtual Learning

Funding Helps Working Families Find Secure and Safe Option for Their Children View More


Aug 19, 2020
DECAL joins Georgia Department of Public Health in Offering COVID-19 Guidance for Georgia Child Care Facilities

Guidance Addresses Drop Off/Arrival and Food Prep/Meal Service to How and Where to Report Confirmed COVID cases in Child Care Programs View More


Aug 14, 2020
Nutrition Newsletter August 2020 - CACFP

Nutrition Newsletter August 2020 - CACFP View More


Aug 13, 2020
DECAL Offers Child Care Search for School Age Children Enrolled in Distance Learning

Child Care Programs Ready to Assist Parents Who Can’t Stay at Home View More


Aug 05, 2020
Nutrition Newsletter July 2020 - SFSP

Nutrition Newsletter July 2020 - SFSP View More


Aug 05, 2020
Nutrition Newsletter July 2020 - CACFP

Nutrition Newsletter July 2020 - CACFP View More


Jun 29, 2020
DECAL Spotlights Dangers of Leaving Children in Vehicles

“Look Again” Campaign Urges Greater Awareness to Protect Georgia’s Youngest Citizens View More


Jun 16, 2020
Nutrition Newsletter June 2020 - SFSP

Nutrition Newsletter June 2020 - SFSP View More


Jun 16, 2020
Nutrition Newsletter May 2020 - SFSP

Nutrition Newsletter May 2020 - SFSP View More


Jun 05, 2020
DECAL Awards Two-Generation Innovation Grants for 2020-2021

Funding Helps Communities Develop Programs to Promote Family Economic Security View More


May 01, 2020
Georgia’s CAPS Program Expands Child Care Assistance to Essential Services Workforce Serving During COVID-19 Pandemic

Tier 2 Funds for Grocery Store Employees, Farming, Food Delivery and Pick-up Available May 1, 2020 View More


Apr 30, 2020
Georgia Child Care Programs Invited to Apply for STABLE Payments

Funds Will Help Providers Remain Open or Reopen After Financial Impact of COVID-19 View More


Apr 24, 2020
Statement on Governor Brian P. Kemp’s April 23, 2020 Executive Order: Reviving A Healthy Georgia

Attribute to Amy M. Jacobs, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning View More


Apr 23, 2020
UPDATE: FOUNDATION SETS NEW LAUNCH DATE FOR GRANT APPLICATIONS

The Georgia Foundation for Early Care + Learning (Foundation), the nonprofit arm of Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) was recently awarded a $250,000 grant provided by the Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Recovery and Response Fund, a partnership between the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and United Way of Greater Atlanta. View More


Apr 21, 2020
Georgia’s CAPS Program Offering Child Care Assistance to Essential Services Workforce on Frontlines Fighting COVID-19 Pandemic

Emergency Child Care Scholarships will be Issued for Minimum of Three Months View More


Apr 20, 2020
Georgia Foundation for Early Care + Learning receives $250K grant to support existing child care programs and families

The Georgia Foundation for Early Care + Learning (Foundation), the nonprofit arm of Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) was recently awarded a $250,000 grant provided by the Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Recovery and Response Fund, a partnership between the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and United Way of Greater Atlanta. View More


Apr 06, 2020
More than a Little Learning Going on Inside DECAL’s Toddler Time at Home

Online Resources Include Weekly Activities for Our Youngest Learners View More


Apr 03, 2020
Statement on Governor Brian P. Kemp’s April 2, 2020 Shelter in Place Order for the State of Georgia and its impact on child care in Georgia

This Executive Order allows for all licensed child care facilities to remain open; however, the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) requests that providers prioritize care for children of the Critical Infrastructure Workforce. View More


Mar 30, 2020
Statement on Georgia Department of Public Health Administrative Order issued 3/27/2020

Attribute to Amy M. Jacobs, Commissioner, Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning View More


Mar 27, 2020
Georgia’s Pre-K Program Offering Resources for At Home Learning

Pre-K Specialists Encourage Age-Appropriate Hands-on Activities View More


Mar 26, 2020
Georgia’s Pre-K Program Closed Through April 24

DECAL and Advocates are Helping Families Locate Quality Child Care as COVID-19 Pandemic Continues View More


Mar 21, 2020
DECAL says Child Care available during COVID-19

Agency and Advocates are Helping Families Locate Quality Child Care as Pandemic Continues View More


Mar 20, 2020
Emergency Feeding Locations

Emergency Feeding Locations View More


Mar 20, 2020
List of Emergency Feeding Locations

List of Emergency Feeding Locations View More


Mar 18, 2020
Gov. Kemp, Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning,YMCA of Metro Atlanta providing Child Care for Medical Workers during COVID-19

YMCA of Metro Atlanta will dedicate facilities as child care centers in Atlanta beginning March 20, 2020 View More


Mar 18, 2020
DECAL Announces 2020 Two-Generation Innovation Grant Opportunity

Funding will help communities pilot and implement programs that promote family economic security View More


Mar 16, 2020
FAQs: Serving meals to children during unanticipated school closures

Nutrition: FAQs: Serving meals to children during unanticipated school closures View More


Mar 15, 2020
Update from Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs on COVID-19 Coronavirus in Georgia

Following is information that explains DECAL’s position on closing programs, on public health resources, and on financial policy decisions that DECAL has enacted. View More


Mar 13, 2020
Update on COVID-19 Coronavirus

Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs has this message for child care providers on COVID-19 Coronavirus in Georgia View More


Feb 24, 2020
DECAL Seeking Applications for Georgia’s Pre-K Teachers of the Year

Winner from Public School and Private Center Will Be Chosen View More


Feb 24, 2020
Media Alert: Summer Food Service Program Summit is February 25th in Macon

Clarissa Hayes, senior child nutrition policy analyst, with the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) serves as the conference keynote speaker and will discuss Child Hunger in Georgia. View More


Feb 24, 2020
DECAL Seeking Applications for Georgia’s Pre-K Teachers of the Year

Winner from Public School and Private Center Will Be Chosen


Jan 27, 2020
Sponsors Needed to Serve Meals to Hungry Children in Summer 2020

DECAL hosting information summit on Feb 25 to share information about becoming a Sponsor for the Summer Food Service Program View More


Jan 22, 2020
Georgia Awarded $11.2 Million to Support High Quality Early Education Statewide

Funding Builds on initial $2.9 Million PDG Planning Grant Received in January 2019 View More


Jan 06, 2020
Applications to Provide Georgia’s Pre-K Program Now Available

Deadline for Submitting Applications is January 24, 2020, at 5:00 PM View More


Nov 19, 2019
DECAL Information

Looking for a specific division or service within the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning? This handout might be helpful! View More


Nov 13, 2019
Nutrition Newsletter November 2019 - SFSP

Nutrition Newsletter November 2019 - SFSP View More


Oct 31, 2019
Nutrition Newsletter October 2019 - SFSP

Nutrition Newsletter October 2019 - SFSP View More


Oct 31, 2019
Nutrition Newsletter October 2019 - CACFP

Nutrition Newsletter October 2019 - CACFP View More


Oct 08, 2019
Georgia’s Child and Adult Care Food Program Available to Eligible and Approved Facilities

The nutrition program reimburses approved facilities for providing nutritious meals and snacks served to children and adults in care. View More


Oct 07, 2019
Nutrition Newsletter September 2019 - CACFP

Nutrition Newsletter September 2019 - CACFP View More


Oct 07, 2019
Nutrition Newsletter September 2019 - SFSP

Nutrition Newsletter September 2019 - SFSP View More


Oct 04, 2019
First Lady Marty Kemp and Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs to visit Children’s Development Academy in Roswell

October 10 visit is part of Georgia Pre-K Week View More


Oct 02, 2019
DECAL and Voices for Georgia’s Children host Statewide Celebration of Early Learning

Georgia Pre-K Week is October 7-11, 2019; First Lady Marty Kemp and Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs will Kick Off the Week at Appletree Prep in Bogart, GA View More


Sep 13, 2019
DECAL and Georgia Foundation for Early Care + Learning Announce Georgia’s Pre-K Program 2019-2020 Teachers of the Year

Teachers from Public School System and Private Child Care Center are recognized to represent the public-private partnership that has helped with program’s success View More


Aug 22, 2019
Nutrition Newsletter August 2019 – CACFP

Nutrition Newsletter August 2019 – CACFP View More


Jul 25, 2019
Nutrition Newsletter July 2019 – SFSP

Nutrition Newsletter July 2019 – SFSP View More


Jul 02, 2019
Nutrition Newsletter August 2019 – SFSP

Nutrition Newsletter August 2019 – SFSP View More


Jul 02, 2019
Nutrition Newsletter June 2019 – SFSP

Nutrition Newsletter June 2019 – SFSP View More


Jul 02, 2019
Nutrition Newsletter June 2019 – CACFP

Nutrition Newsletter June 2019 – CACFP View More


Jun 28, 2019
Children across Georgia Have Access to Free Meals This Summer

The Summer Food Service Program is available to children 18 and under throughout the state View More


May 21, 2019
Governor Kemp joins State Agencies to Warn About Dangers of Leaving Children in Vehicles

“Look Again” Campaign Urges Greater Awareness to Protect Georgia’s Youngest Citizens View More


May 17, 2019
DECAL awards 2019 Two-Generation Innovation Grants

Funding will Help Communities Implement Programs that Promote Family Economic Security View More


May 08, 2019
Registration Deadline Approaching for Farm to School and Early Care and Education Summit

Registration Deadline Approaching for Farm to School and Early Care and Education Summit View More


May 01, 2019
Nutrition Newsletter April 2019 - CACFP

Nutrition Newsletter April 2019 - CACFP View More


Apr 18, 2019
Sponsors in South Georgia Needed to Serve Meals to Children in Summer 2019

Summer Food Service Program reimburses eligible organizations for providing free meals to children in low-income areas View More


Apr 10, 2019
Looking for a Summer Camp? State says be a Wise Consumer

DECAL collaborating with Quality Care for Children on Public Awareness Campaign View More


Apr 08, 2019
Nutrition Newsletter April 2019 - SFSP

Nutrition Newsletter April 2019 - SFSP


Apr 04, 2019
Operations and Policy Update April 2019 – SFSP

Operations and Policy Update April 2019 – SFSP View More


Mar 29, 2019
CACFP Nutrition Newsletter March 2019

CACFP Nutrition Newsletter March 2019 View More


Mar 29, 2019
SFSP Nutrition Newsletter March 2019

SFSP Nutrition Newsletter March 2019 View More


Feb 27, 2019
Georgia’s At-Risk Afterschool Meals Program Available to Eligible Schools

Institutions are reimbursed for serving nutritious after-school snacks or supper meal View More


Feb 27, 2019
CACFP Nutrition Newsletter February 2019

CACFP Nutrition Newsletter February 2019 View More


Feb 27, 2019
SFSP Nutrition Newsletter February 2019

SFSP Newsletter February 2019 View More


Feb 01, 2019
Sponsors Needed to Serve Meals to Children in Summer 2019

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) served more than 4.8 million meals in Summer 2018 View More


Jan 18, 2019
Nutrition Newsletter January 2019 - CACFP

Nutrition Newsletter January 2019 - CACFP View More


Jan 18, 2019
Nutrition Newsletter January 2019 - SFSP

Nutrition Newsletter January 2019 - SFSP View More


Jan 15, 2019
Georgia Celebrates Inclusive Early Learning Week

Child Care Providers Encouraged to Help Celebrate February 11-15, 2019 View More


Jan 07, 2019
Georgia Awarded $2.9M Grant for Preschool Development for Children from Birth to Age Five

Georgia has been awarded a $2.9 million Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Education. View More


Jan 02, 2019
Applications to Provide Georgia’s Pre-K Program Now Available

Deadline for Submitting Applications is January 25, 2019, at 5:00 PM View More

Back to Top

© 2021 Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
  • Mission
  • Privacy
  • Legal
  • Employment
  • Get Adobe PDF Reader