Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, Bright from the Start news feed.en-usCopyright © 2012 Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning.DECAL News Tickerhttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/summersafe.pdfhttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/summersafe.pdfGeneralChild Care Providers reminded to pay close attention to weather conditions and air quality in planning outside play and field trips.Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/readsaloudharrisctyvisit051012.pdfhttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/readsaloudharrisctyvisit051012.pdfGeneralHarris County School won contest for Most Books Read during “Georgia Reads Aloud Day”Mon, 14 May 2012 08:00:00 -0400http://www.henryherald.com/news/2012/may/07/schools-start-kindergarten-round-early-registratio/#http://www.henryherald.com/news/2012/may/07/schools-start-kindergarten-round-early-registratio/#GeneralHenry County Herald: Schools start kindergarten round-up, early registrationsThu, 10 May 2012 08:00:00 -0400http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/qualityratedgrant050412.pdfhttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/qualityratedgrant050412.pdfGeneralEarly education programs participating in Georgia’s new “Quality Rated” program will receive additional technical assistance, equipment and curriculum thanks to a $2.4 million grant from the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation and the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. Tue, 08 May 2012 08:00:00 -0400http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/chinavisit.pdfhttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/chinavisit.pdfGeneralOfficials will study child care centers and discuss enhancements to Chinese language program for Georgia’s Pre-K studentsTue, 08 May 2012 08:00:00 -0400http://www.macon.com/2012/05/03/2013026/early-childhood-literacy-conference.htmlhttp://www.macon.com/2012/05/03/2013026/early-childhood-literacy-conference.htmlGeneralDECAL holds its second of five Infant Toddler Language and Literacy Conferences in Macon.Fri, 04 May 2012 08:00:00 -0400http://daltondailycitizen.com/local/x474408222/Early-learning-official-stresses-readinghttp://daltondailycitizen.com/local/x474408222/Early-learning-official-stresses-readingGeneralThe Daily Citizen covers recent remarks by DECAL Commissioner Bobby Cagle to the Dalton Kiwanis Club.Wed, 02 May 2012 08:00:00 -0400http://www.walb.com/story/17754513/schools-celebrate-georgia-reads-aloud-dayhttp://www.walb.com/story/17754513/schools-celebrate-georgia-reads-aloud-dayGeneralAlbany’s WALB-TV (NBC) 10 covers Georgia Reads Aloud Day.Thu, 26 Apr 2012 07:00:00 -0400http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/summertransition.pdfhttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/summertransition.pdfPreKProgram targets rising Kindergarten students who did not attend Pre-K or need additional support.Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:00 -0400http://www.11alive.com/News/Education/239616/11/Georgia-Reads-Aloud-Day-includes-a-contesthttp://www.11alive.com/News/Education/239616/11/Georgia-Reads-Aloud-Day-includes-a-contestGeneral11 Alive News in Atlanta covers “Georgia Reads Aloud” Day, and a contest for a special visit from Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal.Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/89f1c69924594ecea0f54eac0efecb8d/GA--Daycare-Rating-System/http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/89f1c69924594ecea0f54eac0efecb8d/GA--Daycare-Rating-System/GeneralThe Associated Press (AP) recently covered Georgia’s new Quality Rated program.Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:00 -0400http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/schoolvisitsatlanta.pdfhttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/schoolvisitsatlanta.pdfGeneralBobby Cagle, commissioner of Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning will join Georgia’s First Lady Sandra Deal Friday for her “Read Across Georgia” campaign at public schools in Southwest Atlanta. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:00:00 -0400http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/qualityratedfirstssunshine.pdfhttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/qualityratedfirstssunshine.pdfChildCareServicesMarietta Program among First in the State to enroll in Quality RatedThu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/nieeryearbook.pdfhttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/nieeryearbook.pdfPreKGeorgia joins only four other states in attaining 10 quality benchmarks; Ranks fourth in the nation for enrollment Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-pre-k-gets-1412104.htmlhttp://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-pre-k-gets-1412104.htmlPreKThe AJC covers Georgia’s performance in a new national report on the state of pre-school.Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://www.decal.ga.gov/ChildCareServices/RulesReviewProcess.aspxhttp://www.decal.ga.gov/ChildCareServices/RulesReviewProcess.aspxChildCareServicesRules Review Process Webinar, April 5, 2012Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://www.11alive.com/news/article/237287/3/Child-care-providers-sign-up-for-new-ratings-systemhttp://www.11alive.com/news/article/237287/3/Child-care-providers-sign-up-for-new-ratings-systemChildCareServicesAtlanta's 11 Alive News covers DECAL's new Quality Rated Program. To view the video click the title. Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://daltondailycitizen.com/local/x1224375075/Kiddie-Land-owner-says-compliance-designation-needs-closer-lookhttp://daltondailycitizen.com/local/x1224375075/Kiddie-Land-owner-says-compliance-designation-needs-closer-lookChildCareServicesThe Daily Citizen in Dalton, Georgia, reports on a local day care center found in non-compliance for FY 2010 and 2011.Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://www.macon.com/2012/04/06/1978100/pre-k-cuts-have-impact-on-teachers.htmlhttp://www.macon.com/2012/04/06/1978100/pre-k-cuts-have-impact-on-teachers.htmlChildCareServicesThe Macon Telegraph looks at the impact of recent changes to the Pre-K budget and calendar on Middle Georgia teachers and students.Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://daltondailycitizen.com/local/x1940328015/Most-local-day-cares-complianthttp://daltondailycitizen.com/local/x1940328015/Most-local-day-cares-compliantChildCareServicesThe Daily Citizen in Dalton, Georgia, reports on the status of compliant child care providers in their area.Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://www.savannahbusinessjournal.com/news/103-regional-news/1928-april-2-child-care-providers-are-embracing-georgias-new-quality-rated-program.htmlhttp://www.savannahbusinessjournal.com/news/103-regional-news/1928-april-2-child-care-providers-are-embracing-georgias-new-quality-rated-program.htmlChildCareServicesQuality Rated program and progress reported by Savannah Business JournalMon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://www.newscentralga.com/news/local/Inside-the-Law-Quality-Rating-System-Coming-to-Ga-Daycares-144303245.htmlhttp://www.newscentralga.com/news/local/Inside-the-Law-Quality-Rating-System-Coming-to-Ga-Daycares-144303245.htmlChildCareServicesMacon’s News Central Georgia covers DECAL’s new Quality Rated program in this special report.Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/stakeholdernetwork.pdfhttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/stakeholdernetwork.pdfGeneral12 Groups will help influence future policies for Georgia’s earliest learners, birth to five years old. Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/infanttoddlerconf.pdfhttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/infanttoddlerconf.pdfGeneralConferences will teach strategies to support language development in the infant and toddler classroom.Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/letsmove31812.pdfhttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/letsmove31812.pdfGeneralDECAL joins with the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Child Care in supporting the Let’s Move! Child Care State Challenge and its effort to ensure that all child care settings are “safe, healthy and learning.”Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/schoolvisits032312.pdfhttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/schoolvisits032312.pdfGeneralBobby Cagle, commissioner of Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, will join Georgia’s First Lady Sandra Deal on Friday, March 23, 2012, for her “Read Across Georgia” campaign. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://www.ajc.com/news/best-in-class-1384821.htmlhttp://www.ajc.com/news/best-in-class-1384821.htmlGeneralA Gwinnett County Pre-School teacher is making news by winning a national award.Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2012/03/15/1972266/response-to-child-care-deficiencies.htmlhttp://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2012/03/15/1972266/response-to-child-care-deficiencies.htmlChildCareServicesThe Columbus Ledger-Enquirer notes the recent improvements in Georgia’s child care centers.Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://www.macon.com/2012/03/15/1946404/middle-ga-head-start-to-test-students.htmlhttp://www.macon.com/2012/03/15/1946404/middle-ga-head-start-to-test-students.htmlHeadStartMiddle Georgia Head Start agencies in 13 counties are providing free testing for lead poisoning.Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://www.macon.com/2012/03/14/1944079/georgia-home-day-cares-improve.htmlhttp://www.macon.com/2012/03/14/1944079/georgia-home-day-cares-improve.htmlChildCareServicesGeorgia’s improved score in the recent National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) report makes news in Middle Georgia.Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/release_leadtesting.pdfhttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/release_leadtesting.pdfHeadStartSeven Head Start Agencies in Middle Georgia are testing children there for lead poisoning after higher than average readings raised concerns. Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/release_summertransition.pdfhttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/release_summertransition.pdfPreKBright from the Start has announced a six-week Summer Transition Program for rising kindergartners who either did not attend Georgia’s Pre-K or Head Start, or attended but need additional support to be ready for Kindergarten next Fall. Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/naccrra2012study.pdfhttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/naccrra2012study.pdfChildCareServicesThe National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) has released its latest report, ranking states on their current small family child care home standards and oversight policies.Fri, 09 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500http://decal.ga.gov/video/CredentialRuleDiscussion.wmvhttp://decal.ga.gov/video/CredentialRuleDiscussion.wmvChildCareServicesDECAL conducted a webinar Feb. 23rd regarding the educational requirements for directors and lead teachers effective 12/1/2012. Discussion included financial and academic support available as well as credential equivalency opportunities in process and approved. Please click the title to view the webinar. Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500http://www.gpb.org/lawmakers-tv/2012/02/22http://www.gpb.org/lawmakers-tv/2012/02/22GeneralCommissioner Bobby Cagle was a guest on Georgia Public Broadcasting's Lawmakers program on Feb. 22nd. He was interviewed by host Scott Slade about Georgia's Pre-K Program, the new Quality Rated Program and other current early education topics. Please click the title to view the show. Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500http://video.wjbf.com/v/52032246/wjbf-extra-daycare-pass-or-fail.htm?q=Kim+Scotthttp://video.wjbf.com/v/52032246/wjbf-extra-daycare-pass-or-fail.htm?q=Kim+ScottChildCareServicesDECAL was recently featured on WJBF-TV (Augusta) for a story about state regulations for child care learning centers and family day care homes, training for teachers and what parents can do to find quality care for their children. Click the title to view the entire video. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/HSMOU2012.pdfhttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/HSMOU2012.pdfHeadStartOn January 10, 2012, several agencies signed an agreement designed to strengthen cooperative services to children with disabilities. Click the title to view the entire release and photo. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/SFSPRelease12.pdfhttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/SFSPRelease12.pdfNutritionThe Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is looking for eligible sponsors to serve nutritious meals to children throughout Georgia for the summer of 2012. The SFSP, administered by Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start), is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Click the title to read the news release. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/RFA_Application.dochttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/RFA_Application.docNutritionBright from the Start announced the availability of the RFA Mini-Grant for Caregivers Promoting Healthy Habits.Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/CACFPAtRiskRls12.pdfhttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/CACFPAtRiskRls12.pdfNutritionBright from the Start announces the availability of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) At Risk Afterschool Meals Program at eligible afterschool programs throughout the state. Click the title to read the entire news release.Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/CribStandardsProvider.pdfhttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/CribStandardsProvider.pdfChildCareServicesBeginning December 28, 2012, all Child Care Learning Centers, Group Day Care Homes and Family Day Care Homes in Georgia must use only compliant cribs that meet the new federal safety standards. For more details, click the title. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0400http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/RulesAdoptionEmergencyRules.pdfhttp://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/RulesAdoptionEmergencyRules.pdfChildCareServicesOn July 19, 2011, the Board of Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (Bright from the Start) adopted emergency rules for the Rules for Child Care Learning Centers (Chapter 591-1-1) and the Rules for Group Day Care Homes (Chapter 290-2-1) regarding transportation requirements. Click the title to view the entire letter. Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:00:00 -0400