Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning

The Early Childhood Educators of the Year 2025-2026 were recently in the DECAL office to record a podcast discussing their experiences as Early Childhood Educators. They are (L-R) Gleydis Estrada, Golden Age Family Child Care Learning Home in Lawrenceville; Gloria Linley, Towne Lake Academy, South Campus in Woodstock; and Kenyetta Robinson, Lifetime Youth Learning Center in Union City. Stay tuned.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation recently informed DECAL about a new requirement for providers to receive background check determination letters for your employees.

The new process requires that every program sign a form called the Georgia National Child Protection Act/Volunteers for Children Act (NCPA/VCA) Public Qualified Entity Certification Statement. This statement must be signed by both the owner and the director of the child care entity. The new statement will be available by July 1, 2026, in your DECAL KOALA account. After opening the statement, you will fill out the necessary information and then sign the form digitally in your KOALA account. You will then press a button in KOALA to send the completed signed statement to DECAL. DECAL will evaluate the statement and, if verified as correct, will send it to the GBI.

Not signing the NCPA/VCA Statement will prevent your program from receiving background check determination letters after July 1, 2026, and until the requirement has been fulfilled.

More information will follow.

Questions? Please call 1-855-884-7444.

🌊🐠 Under the sea, learning comes alive! Infants at The Family Tree in Albany loved exploring ocean life as they discovered colorful sea creatures through stories, songs, and hands-on activities. These early learning experiences spark curiosity and support development every day! 💙

Building Better Menus: Nutrition Trends You Need to Know

Join us June 9, 6:00-7:00 PM to learn about current food and nutrition trends, including the new Dietary Guidelines, ultra-processed foods, and protein. You’ll leave with practical, budget-friendly strategies for incorporating more real foods into your CACFP and Happy Helpings menus.

✅ Earn 1 state-approved hour
🔗 Register in GA ATLAS: https://decalatlas.com/prod/Splash.aspx
🔗 Register in GaPDS: https://gapds.decal.ga.gov/Training/Sessions/105599

The Nutrition Services Division with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is excited to partner with YMCA of Rome and Floyd County to kick off the 2026 summer meals session for Happy Helpings, Georgia's Summer Food Service Program.
Join us for free meals for kids 18 and under and fun.
📅 June 11, 2026
⏰ 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Banty Jones Park
212 E. 13th Street, Rome, GA 30161
Together, DECAL Nutrition Services and the YMCA of Rome & Floyd County are helping ensure children have access to healthy meals while school is out.
We look forward to seeing you there.
-FloydYMCA

Before the Special Session begins on June 17, take a look back at the 2026 Georgia General Assembly and what it means for DECAL, child care providers, families, and Georgia’s youngest learners. Stay informed on the policies shaping early care and education.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/211637/episodes/19185870

☀️ As temperatures begin to rise across Georgia, it’s a great time to refresh healthy hydration habits. Encourage children to drink water regularly during play, snacks, and transitions. Share some of your tips for promoting water in your program.💧

Looking for free nutritious meals? Locate a Happy Helpings meal site by texting “Summer Meals” to 914 342 7744, call 1 866 3 HUNGRY / 1 877 8 HAMBRE, or search decal.ga.gov/nutrition/search.aspx. Happy Helpings serves nutritious meals all summer long — no cost, no sign up. Learn more at happyhelpingsga.com.

Hey GA Child Care Owners! This FREE Thriving Child Care Business Academy webinar will help with retirement planning and options to offer your team. Get training credit hours! Register now @ https://gapds.decal.ga.gov/Training/Sessions/89713. Email [email protected] with ?s.