Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning

The Pre-K to College Sweepstakes is a chance for your child to win money for college and for their Pre-K program. Enter Below! www.path2college529.com/prek You can also find out more on this week’s #DECALDownload.... https://decaldownload.buzzsprout.com/

Now accepting applications until March 25, 2021! If you have had children in early education or intervention in the past two years, you may qualify! Apply now: https://forms.gle/HMtT3ojWETj5TQUP6

Governor Brian Kemp has announced that starting Thursday everyone 16 and older in Georgia will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccines.

Toddler Time Activities change each week to bring you a variety of activities to support your toddler. You can find these activities at http://www.decal.ga.gov/Instructiona/ToddlerTimeAtHome.aspx

Catherine Broussard, CCS Director of Process and Policy Initiatives, says #sleeveupforchildcare!

When I grow up... Community Helper Day in PreK Prep and Preschool 2! We had a lot of fun learning about our community friends.

Baby teeth are very important to your child’s health and development. They help him or her chew, speak and smile. They also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/baby-teeth

Meet Shabrika, part of our dedicated team of professionals serving Georgia’s youngest learners and their families.

#ASUBlackHistory: In 2019, Jonathon Hines (’12), #AlbanyState alumnus, was the first black man to be named Georgia’s Pre-K Teacher of the Year.

Are you curious about how to support your child’s social emotional development? Check out this article and discover tips, books, and activities to promote your child’s social emotional growth. #GaSEEDSforSUCCESS https://www.naeyc.org//promoting-social-and-emotional-heal

How will you keep the learning going this weekend?

If you haven't listened to #DECALDownload lately, you've missed out on programs about the Summer Transition Program, Summer Food Service Program, and Inclusive Early Learning Week. Join us now wherever you stream podcasts, and be sure to SUBSCRIBE! https://decaldownload.buzzsprout.com/

Thank You to all who have served our country.

Play gets infant toddlers exploring their environment and is a great way to help children link words and concepts together. Check out this short video on one play idea, a sound hunt: https://raisingchildren.net.au//play/sound-hunt-play-ideas

Chives are in season! They're a type of herb that belong to the same family as onions, garlic, and leeks, however, they have a much milder flavor than their family counterparts. Add them to veggie dips, salad dressings, soups, and stews. This versatile herb is a great addition to hands-on food preparations with children when age appropriate. Try them today! #DECALNutrition #GAFarmtoECE

Clark Howard's Clark's Christmas Kids with Georgia Division of Family & Children Services is all virtual this year! Please consider buying gifts for a child in Georgia's foster care program. Our team at DECAL is excited to participate. And listen for Clark and DFCS Director Tom Rawlings on a future episode of #DECALDownload. https://www.clarkschristmaskids.com/

To those who serve Thank You!

If you missed today’s provider webinar on COVID-19 updates, you can replay it here. http://www.decal.ga.gov//2020-11-10COVID-19CoronavirusUpda

Our offices will be closed Wednesday in observance of Veterans Day. We will reopen Thursday morning at 8:00 AM.

There's a new round of financial assistance for licensed Georgia child care providers impacted by COVID-19. Join us for this latest episode of #DECALDownload to learn more about STABLE Round 2. https://decaldownload.buzzsprout.com//6312181-episode-12-s

**Licensed Georgia Child Care Providers** DECAL is offering additional opportunities to learn about using STABLE payments and planning for financial success after COVID-19. Register for a free webinar that fits your schedule and program type! @GADeptEarlyCare @QCCGeorgia

Find out why positive relationships between parents and children are important by reading a few short tips and watching their video on relationships by visiting https://raisingchildren.net.au//bonding/parent-child-relat

Want to help your child communicate their wants and needs? Using signs, gestures, or pictures are all great alternatives to use when communicating with words is difficult. #GaSEEDSforSUCCESS https://cdn.vanderbilt.edu///10/30165553/Communication.pdf

To Infinity & Beyond! These Toddler Time at Home activities are out of this world! Check them out here! http://www.decal.ga.gov/Instructiona/ToddlerTimeAtHome.aspx

Great news from Georgia Department of Education. Thank you teachers and assistant teachers! It all starts in Georgia’s Pre-K Program.

Have you ever tried a persimmon? They are a sweet and delightful edible fruit that are in season September through December in Georgia. They serve as a unique taste test item or menu addition. Find local Georgia Grown farmers to source from: https://bit.ly/2Ic5yYh. Enjoy! #DECALNutrition #GAFarmtoECE