DECAL Commissioner Launches New Advisory Network
12 Groups will help influence future policies for Georgia's earliest learners, birth to five years old
ATLANTA, March 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Bobby Cagle, commissioner of Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), has launched a new advisory network made up of 12 committees advising the Commissioner and DECAL on policy priorities for Georgia's earliest learners, birth to five years old. The committees engage a variety of stakeholders including Pre-K parents, Pre-K teachers, school superintendents, child care owners and directors, business leaders and the faith community.
"The Advisory Network assures that the community has a voice in influencing the future direction and policy priorities of DECAL," said Cagle. "In addition to inviting feedback regularly on departmental policy and operations, these meetings allow me to hear directly from more than 100 Georgia citizens who are interested in early childhood education and care. We also discuss the impact of statewide trends and the local issues that are unique to each group and community."
Improved communications with the community has been a priority for Commissioner Cagle since being appointed to the position by Governor Nathan Deal in January, 2011. Using the latest technology, the meetings are held via conference call and webinar, saving the cost of travel. Advisory committees focus on Georgia's Pre-K Program, Child Care Services, Nutrition Services, Quality Initiatives and Infant and Toddler Care. Advisory Committee members are appointed by Commissioner Cagle and serve a one-year term.
Anyone interested in being considered for a DECAL Advisory Committee should contact Deidria Bolden, director of special projects for DECAL, at 404-232-1612 or on e-mail at [email protected].
About Bright from the Start
Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is responsible for meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia's children and their families. It administers the nationally recognized Georgia's Pre-K Program, licenses child care centers and home-based child care, administers federal nutrition programs, and manages voluntary quality enhancement programs.
The department also houses the Head Start State Collaboration Office, distributes federal funding to enhance the quality and availability of child care, and works collaboratively with Georgia child care resource and referral agencies and organizations throughout the state to enhance early care and education. For more information, go to www.decal.ga.gov.
Media Contact: Reg Griffin
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SOURCE Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
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