Skip to Content
Southeast Region
Newsletter
http://www.decal.ga.gov/images/logos/GADECAL_logo-new.png
DECAL’s Southeast Region includes the following Counties:
Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Bleckley, Brantley, Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Glynn, Jeff Davis, Jones, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, McIntosh, Monroe, Montgomery, Pierce, Screven, Tattnall, Toombs, Treutlen, Twiggs, Ware, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler, and Wilkinson

July 2, 2024

A Newsletter for Early Childhood Education Programs, Partners, and Stakeholders
In this newsletter you will find……
Section 1: “From My Desk to Yours”- find out the latest information pertaining to what is going on in the Southeast Region
Section 2: “All Things DECAL”-read this section to find out about important information and opportunities at DECAL
Section 3: “Our Community Partners has something to say”-find out what is happening at our childcare facilities in the region and what is going on in the local communities
Section 4: “News that you can absolutely use- pertinent information that maybe useful for our providers, community partners, and families
Section 5: Community Partnership Coordinator Contact Information

Independence Day

The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

Section 1: “From My Desk to Yours”

Happy Helpings Kickoff at the Boys and Girls Club in Macon, GA

Child Care Engagement Network (CCEN)

An opportunity for early learning programs to come together to share and support each other

in a safe virtual space.

Please join our CCEN Meeting on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 1pm.

Click Here to Join
Section 2: “All Things DECAL”

The NEW #DECALThrivingBusinessAcademy has free online business training and resources for child care owners.

Training hours available!

Visit https://www.decal.ga.gov/Thriving.

Click here for the Thriving Child Care Newsletter

Click here to view the Getting Started Guide

Invest in Your Child Care Program’s Financial Future at the DECAL Thriving Child Care Business Academy

The DECAL Thriving Child Care Business Academy is back in session for 2024 with dynamic online trainings and resources to help Georgia child care businesses grow and prosper. The Academy houses a comprehensive range of large-group webinars, small study groups, individual coaching and self-study guides covering topics in financial management, marketing, staff recruitment and retention, and leadership.

There are 1-hour trainings from Civitas Strategies, 2-hour sessions from the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center, and 3-hour modules from the National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance, all offering state-approved training hours. Providers can also take deeper dives into topics during four, 1-hour sessions with a small study group, after which they’ll earn state-approved credit hours and a $300 stipend! To start your Academy journey visit the website, then register for trainings @ https://www.decal.ga.gov/Thrive/SchedulesandRegistration.aspx or sign up for the small study groups or 1-on-1 coaching @ wkf.ms/3SjtUPN

Hear It From Your Peers – DECAL Thriving Child Care Business Academy Success Stories

The DECAL Thriving Child Care Business Academy has dynamic online trainings and resources to help Georgia child care businesses grow and prosper. The Academy houses a comprehensive range of large-group webinars, small study groups, individual coaching and self-study guides covering topics in financial management, marketing, staff recruitment and retention, and leadership.

Wondering about the real impact of the DECAL Thriving Child Care Business Academy? Here’s what participants are saying:

·       “After 19 years in the field, [the Academy’s] fresh ideas have rejuvenated my approach to child care.”

·       “Implementing new strategies has led to immediate improvements in my center.”

·       “The program not only boosted my skills but also connected me with an incredible network.”

These testimonials highlight the transformative experience you’ll have when you register for the Academy’s online webinars, small study groups, individual coaching, and self-study guides. In large group trainings learn the basics of financial management, marketing, staff recruitment and retention, and leadership and receive state-approved training hours. Small studying groups also offer state-approved credit hours, plus a $300 stipend for each completed 4-hour course. During the individual coaching sessions, trainers will address your questions and unique needs. Self-study guides let you learn at your own pace on your own schedule.

Ready to create your success story? Visit the DECAL Thriving Child Care Business Academy website then register for trainings @ https://www.decal.ga.gov/Thrive/SchedulesandRegistration.aspx or sign up for the Civitas small study groups or 1-on-1 coaching @ wkf.ms/3SjtUPN

Real Changes, Real Results: Join DECAL Thriving Child Care Business Academy Today

 The DECAL Thriving Child Care Business Academy is an online platform of free trainings and resources that give participants the skills and knowledge to strengthen their programs. The webinars cover topics in financial management, marketing, staff recruitment and retention, and leadership for which participants can earn state-approved training hours. There are small study groups that also award $300 stipends upon completion.

DECAL and its partners at Civitas Strategies and the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center that facilitate the trainings, believe in the power of real experiences. Here’s some feedback from Academy participants:

·       “[The Academy] taught me effective budgeting – a skill I had been avoiding for years.”

·       “Every session brought new insights and practical tips that I could immediately apply.”

·       “The sense of community and ongoing support has been invaluable to my professional growth.”

Take advantage of this chance to enhance your business practices and the sustainability of our child care program.

Visit the DECAL Thriving Child Care Business Academy website then register for trainings @ https://www.decal.ga.gov/Thrive/SchedulesandRegistration.aspx or sign up for the Civitas small study groups or 1-on-1 coaching @ wkf.ms/3SjtUPN

Chat with Pam Stevens

With over 4,300 licensed child care programs in Georgia, our Child Care Services Division is dedicated to ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment through licensing, monitoring, and professional development. We do it all to support the growth and development of Georgia’s young children. Today we’re chatting with Deputy Commissioner of Child Care Services Pam Stevens.

Click here to listen to Episode 33

Section 3: “Our Community Partners has something to say”
Section 4: “News that you can absolutely use”
Section 5: My Contact Information
Please feel free to share this information with your community.
A very special thank you for your caring and support of families with young children.
Tomisher Campbell
(470) 512-7216
Georgia Department of
Early Care and Learning www.decal.ga.gov
Facebook  Twitter  Linkedin
Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning | 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE Suite 754, East Tower | Atlanta, GA 30334 US