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DECAL Scholars is a transformative initiative designed to support early childhood educators on their journey to earning a degree or credential. From personalized educational counseling to scholarship assistance, DECAL Scholars is making a real difference for those who dedicate their careers to giving Georgia’s youngest learners the best possible start. Joining us this week to talk about DECAL Scholars is Dr. Christi Moore, Director of Workforce Supports and Learning here at DECAL, and Charlotte Pelz, Vice President of Education at Care Solutions.

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On this episode we’re focusing on an exciting opportunity for Pre-K programs here in Georgia: the Pre-K Classroom Refurbishment Funding. These funds bring a chance to further enhance learning environments with a one-time payment of $15,000 per eligible classroom. Joining us to talk about Pre-K Classroom Refurbishment Funding is Meghan McNail, Director for Georgia’s Pre-K Program Instruction and Regional Operations, Cheryl McChargue, Project Director from the Coweta County School System along with one of her Pre-K teachers, India Jackson, and Dr. Clarice Ford-Kulah, project director from Bethesda Christian Academy in Gwinnett County, along with her Pre-K teacher, Snova Pennerman.

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Nutrition plays a crucial role in early care settings by supporting children's growth, development, and ability to learn. Establishing healthy eating habits during these formative years sets the foundation for lifelong wellness and academic success. We recently welcomed back to DECAL Monica Griffin, our new Nutrition Education and Physical Activity Supervisor. Monica brings over 15 years of experience as a registered dietitian, supporting early care and education programs throughout Georgia. She was with us before as Nutrition Education Manager, then went to work for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Quality Care for Children. Catch up with Monica on this week's podcast.

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This week we’re preparing to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Inclusive Early Learning Week, happening all across Georgia February 9-13, just before Valentine's Day. This milestone event honors a decade of commitment to supporting children with disabilities and their families. Joining us to talk about Inclusive Early Learning Week is Katie Hagan, SEEDS Program Director, and Veronia Thomas, Director of Practice and Support Services. From GEEARS, the Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students, is Research Manager Caitlyn Sanders. And Jennifer Jones is Executive Director of a nonprofit called Apparo Academy in Augusta, an early learning program that supports children with special needs using a unique model.

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Today, we’re diving into highlights of the annual Media Symposium hosted by the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, held on January 9, 2026. One of the standout sessions was a dynamic panel focused on early learning, featuring Dr. Bentley Ponder, Deputy Commissioner for Quality Innovations and Partnerships, Kristen Bernhard with Primrose Schools, Shawnell Johnson with Promise All Atlanta Children Thrive, and Ellyn Cochran from Quality Care for Children.

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On Monday, January 12, 2026, the Georgia General Assembly continues its 158th session…which began with the 2025 General Assembly in the traditional two-year cycle. It gets pretty busy around the Gold Dome and even here next door at the Twin Towers. From budget battles and education reform to healthcare, transportation, and election law changes, there is a lot going on. Joining us today to preview the session is Polly McKinney, Advocacy Director for Voices for Georgia’s Children and a partner at Lexicon Strategies; Liz Young is Director of Government Relations and Special Projects here at DECAL, Rian Ringsrud is our Deputy Commissioner for Finance and Administration, and our special guest Greg Bluestein is Chief Political Reporter with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. We will also hear from State Rep Rick Townsend who joined us in Brunswick for a recent podcast on our Chop, Look, Listen campaign and took a moment to do a little legislative prognosticating.

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This week, we are excited to shine a light on Helping Mamas, a remarkable nonprofit organization here in Georgia dedicated to connecting essential baby supplies to families in need. From diapers and wipes to car seats and strollers, Helping Mamas plays a critical role in ensuring every child has the basics for a healthy start in life. Joining us to talk about Helping Mamas is Jamie Lackey, Founder and CEO, Laura Wagner, Executive Director of our Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning, and Quandra Obi, Special Assistant to Commissioner Jacobs and a member of the leadership team that raised the most money for our recent $5,000 donation to Helping Mamas.

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Some Georgia high school students are getting a jump start on their careers in early childhood education by taking classes on the subject as early as high school. For example, Maxwell High School of Technology in Gwinnett County offers early childhood education offerings that include a fully operational Georgia’s Pre-K Program classroom. Joining us to talk about the program is Karey McFall, an Early Childhood Education Instructor, along with Laurynn Martin, a paraprofessional and former student at the program, plus current students Aubrey Hoyt and Justin Davilla Mora. And Rokeya Stone is a Georgia’s Pre-K Program Specialist who works with the team at Maxwell High School of Technology.

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