Child care providers across Northwest Georgia, including those in Chattooga County, will have an opportunity next week to learn about state program updates, available resources and professional development opportunities during a regional meeting hosted by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning.

The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, at the Clarence Brown Conference Center in Cartersville.

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, commonly known as DECAL, oversees several of the state’s early childhood education and child care programs, including child care licensing, Georgia’s Pre-K Program, Quality Rated and the Childcare and Parent Services program, known as CAPS.

The regional meeting is intended to provide child care professionals with information about state initiatives, program requirements and resources available to help them operate their facilities and serve families.

Why The Meeting Matters To Chattooga County

Child care availability is an important concern for working families, particularly in rural communities where parents may have fewer options for licensed care.

Child care providers must navigate state licensing requirements, health and safety standards, staffing regulations and ongoing training requirements.

State-sponsored meetings offer providers an opportunity to receive updates, learn about available assistance and ask questions about programs affecting their operations.

Georgia’s Quality Rated program provides a system for evaluating and recognizing child care programs that meet additional quality standards.

The CAPS program helps eligible families pay for child care, allowing parents and guardians to work, attend school or participate in approved training activities.

Georgia’s Pre-K Program provides state-funded early education opportunities for eligible four-year-old children.

Information about these programs can be particularly useful to smaller child care centers and family child care providers operating in rural counties.

Meeting Scheduled For Next Tuesday

The October 20 regional meeting will be held at the Clarence Brown Conference Center in Cartersville, providing an opportunity for child care professionals from Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Bartow and surrounding counties to participate.

The meeting is directed toward child care providers and early childhood education professionals rather than being a general public enrollment event.

Additional information about DECAL programs and resources is available through the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning at www.decal.ga.gov.