Commissioner's Message - https://youtube.com/shorts/LB2OgTwxkag?feature=share
DECAL Announces 2026 Road Shows for Georgia’s Early Care and Education Community
Regional events will connect child care providers with agency updates, resources, and professional learning opportunities
ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), in partnership with Child Trends, will host a series of regional DECAL Road Shows in October 2026 to connect child care providers with the latest agency updates, resources, professional learning opportunities, and direct access to DECAL program staff.
The Road Shows are designed to support Georgia’s early care and education community by bringing information, training, and resources directly to providers in regions across the state. Each event will include a plenary session, breakout learning opportunities, and an exhibition hall showcasing services and supports available through DECAL.
“These Road Shows are an important opportunity for us to meet providers where they are, share timely information, and strengthen our connection with the people who support Georgia’s youngest learners every day,” said DECAL Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs. “We look forward to hearing directly from providers and sharing tools and resources that can support their work.”
Dates and Tentative Locations
DECAL Road Show dates and tentative locations
| Date
|
Tentative Location
|
| October 15, 2026
|
Tifton, UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center
|
| October 20, 2026
|
Cartersville, Clarence Brown Conference Center
|
| October 22, 2026
|
Morrow, The Morrow Center (Southlake Mall)
|
| October 29, 2026
|
Statesboro, Georgia Southern University CPE Center
|
Event Schedule
DECAL Road Show event schedule
| Time
|
Activity
|
| 8:15 a.m.
|
Registration Opens
|
| 9:00 a.m.
|
Plenary Session
|
| 10:00 a.m.
|
Breakout Sessions
|
| 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
|
Exhibition Hall
|
Breakout Learning Opportunities
Breakout session topics will include:
- Interactive feedback session (facilitated by Child Trends)
- Quality Rated & Child Care Services
- The New GELDS
- Behavior Support
- Criminal Records Checks (CRCs)
Exhibition Hall
The Exhibition Hall will feature 17 informational tables representing nearly every division and program area within DECAL. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet staff, learn about available services, ask questions, and connect with experts across the agency.
- Meet DECAL staff
- Learn about available services and resources
- Ask questions about programs and initiatives
- Connect with experts across the agency
- Discover tools and supports available to providers and families
Partnership with Child Trends
DECAL is partnering with Child Trends, a nationally recognized research organization focused on improving outcomes for children and families. Child Trends will help lead content during the Road Shows, including the Needs Assessment breakout session and discussions related to current research and provider needs.
Registration:
Registration opens October 1. Stay tuned!
Questions? Contact us at: roadshow@decal.ga.gov