ATLANTA, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nearly 3,000 early care and
education professionals across the state of Georgia recently received an
incentive check for their dedication to the children they serve.
The INCENTIVES program, sponsored by Bright from the Start: Georgia Department
of Early Care and Learning, distributed approximately $1.2 million to 2,874
people. The checks, ranging from $200 to $1,000, were awarded to eligible
child care professionals.
"The INCENTIVES program is designed to encourage those who work with young
children to enhance their education level as well as lengthen their period of
employment in their current setting," Carol Hartman, grants supervisor for
Bright from the Start, said. "Studies recognize that it is important for young
children to form strong attachments with their primary caregivers, which is
possible when there is longevity among the caregivers serving Georgia's
children," she stated.
Bright from the Start receives many letters every year from long-time
providers who simply enjoy what they do.
"I have been a provider for about 24 years and I love it," Carolyn Phillips
said. "I wanted to do some things to improve my nursery for the children, but
my finances would not allow me to do them at the time. The monies that I
receive will help me to buy some nice educational toys and other needed items
for the nursery."
To be eligible for the program, participants must work at least 25 hours per
week and have 12 consecutive months of employment with the same employer at a
licensed child care learning center, group day care home or registered family
child care home that serves subsidized children or participates in the federal
government's Child and Adult Care Food Program. In addition, educators must
also earn less than $14.45 per hour as well as have a valid qualifying
credential or degree in early childhood education, child development or child
care administration.
Now in its seventh year, the INCENTIVES program has impacted the state
tremendously by distributing more than $8.77 million in supplements to
approximately 4,650 individuals employed in early care and education.
Administered by Care Solutions, Inc., the INCENTIVES program is funded by
Bright from Start using federal Child Care Development funds and with the
support of Smart Start, the Early Learning Division of the United Way of
Metropolitan Atlanta.
For more information about the INCENTIVES program, visit
http://www.caresolutions.com.
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 known Georgia Pre-K
Program, licenses child care centers and home-based child care, administers
federal nutrition programs, manages the voluntary quality enhancement
programs, houses the Head Start 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 http://www.decal.state.ga.us.
CONTACT: Stacey Moore
404-656-0239
Stacey.Moore@decal.state.ga.us
SOURCE Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care & Learning
Stacey Moore of Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and
Learning, +1-404-656-0239, Stacey.Moore@decal.state.ga.us
