The Georgia Council on Literacy Birth-5 Working Group met virtually Aug. 19 to receive updates on objectives and to consider a proposed budget recommendation.
The full meeting agenda can be found by clicking the button below.
Updates on WKCs and GELDS Recommendations
Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) staff updated working group members on revision of Georgia’s Workforce Knowledge and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators (WKCs) and Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS). Expert panels are currently under formation and will consider proposed revisions. A timeline for rule changes was also provided
Literacy Training Requirement
The working group reviewed a proposed training requirement for licensed childcare providers. The proposal would require all staff with direct care responsibilities to annually complete two hours of literacy training. Working group members suggested that this requirement be amended to include literacy and language training.
Proposed CAPS Funding Recommendation
Following the May Birth-5 Working Group meeting, members ranked increasing access to high-quality childcare as a chief goal. To address this priority, the working group considered a recommendation to increase funding for Georgia’s Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program. DECAL staff provided an overview of the program and the benefits of potential increased funding.
The working group tasked DECAL staff with drafting a formal budget recommendation, which will then be emailed to working group members for review and feedback.
 | Next MeetingsThe Birth-5 Working Group will meet next on Oct. 21. The full Council on Literacy has meetings planned for Aug. 26 at Georgia College & State Nov. 19 at Lanier Technical College. |