Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning

See schedule othe Georgia Foundation for Early Care + Learning makes strategic investments to improve and expand high-quality Early education to help ensure all children in Georgia are prepared to succeed when they enter kindergarten regardless of family income or location. The Foundation supports education excellence by partnering with families, communities, the Early Care and education industry and stakeholders. Since 2017, the Foundation has recognized Georgia's pre-k teachers of the year from private child Care programs and public schools. In 2021, we began recognizing Early childhood educators of the year. So, in the 2023 fiscal year, we awarded winners in the following five categories: infant Early childhood educator of the year, toddler Early childhood educator of the year, preschool Early childhood educator of the year, Georgia pre-k teacher of the year (private school category), and Georgia pre-k teacher of the year (public school category). As in previous years, the Foundation identified a diverse group of educators who have made a significant difference in the lives of young children. By highlighting their achievements, we have not only acknowledged the hard work and commitment of these educators but also inspired others in the field to strive for excellence.this year, we also celebrated and highlighted the successes of quality rated providers across the state. In fy23, the Foundation received $517,500 through our partners at the united way of greater atlanta (uwga) via the joseph b. whitehead Foundation to support quality rated marketing materials for every quality rated provider in our state. Through this generous support, each quality rated provider received a new quality rated sign with refreshed graphics to display at their facility to let the public know they provide quality child Care above and beyond minimum state licensing requirements. The Georgia Foundation for Early Care + Learning received $475,000 from the united way of greater atlanta (uwga) via the joseph b. whitehead Foundation to support providers going through the virtual quality rated process between july 1, 2021, and june 30, 2022. These funds awarded to the Foundation by uwga enabled 360 providers to purchase technology equipment during the past fiscal year. Funding allowed decal to also hire two part-time it staff members to help grant recipients purchase and install equipment and help with other general it needs. By helping these child Care providers receive training and resources to meet decal's standards for delivering high-quality Early childhood education, the Foundation is enhancing equitable access to the state's Early Care and education system.