Latest news with #DECAL
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Marietta daycare worker accused of dragging, dangling toddler
A childcare center employee is facing three felony counts of cruelty to children in the first degree. According to the arrest warrant, security camera video shows the alleged abuse. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Police were called to the First Step Learning Center in Marietta in May. Nearly one month later, Johnkea Baity was charged and arrested. Jail records show she was released on bond. According to the warrant, police say security camera video shows Baity lifting a 1-year-old by her wrist, dragging and dangling the toddler by her feet in the air for seconds at a time, until she fell on the ground. Baity is accused of lifting the 1-year-old by her wrist again and dragging the child across the room with her feet dangling in the air for seconds at a time. Investigators said Baity forced the victim to lie down by aggressively pushing her onto a mattress several times. According to court documents, video shows a third incident of Baity aggressively picking the child up from a mattress by her hand. A manager at the childcare center told Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Mchele Newell that Baity is no longer employed. The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning has launched an investigation. The agency's website has First Step Learning Center listed in good standing. A representative told Channel 2 that 'DECAL is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all children in Georgia's early learning environments. As part of this commitment, DECAL offers free resources to families seeking alternative, high-quality child care options. 'Parents can visit or call the toll-free hotline at 1-877-ALL GA KIDS for assistance' [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Georgia Child Care Association Hosts High-Impact Luncheon with Business Leaders, Policymakers, and Legislators to Address Industry Challenges
ATLANTA, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 22, the Georgia Child Care Association (GCCA) will host its Child Care Impact Luncheon at Maggiano's Buckhead, bringing together over 100 child care leaders, small business owners, state legislators, and key policymakers to spotlight urgent challenges and celebrate recent legislative wins for Georgia's early childhood sector. This high-level event aims to elevate the critical role of child care in Georgia's economy and galvanize continued support for a sector that enables every other industry to function. Attendees will include ten Georgia legislators, leaders from the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), large multi-site providers, independent child care owners, and community stakeholders. "This isn't just a child care conversation—it's an economic one," said Ideisha Bellamy, CEO of GCCA. "When child care fails, so do workforces, businesses, and local economies. This luncheon is about recognizing that truth and building the momentum we need to solve it." Featured speakers include GCCA Board President and President-Elect, GCCA's Government Affairs team, a prominent child care insurance leader, addressing the industry's insurance access crisis, DECAL Commissioner and Legislators. This year's program will spotlight the passage of lawsuit reform legislation—a long-sought win that promises relief for providers struggling with unaffordable insurance premiums. But the conversation won't stop at success. "We've made progress," said Bellamy. "But we are still up against workforce shortages, rising costs, and outdated systems. That's why this event also serves as a fundraiser—to support the advocacy that fuels these wins." Proceeds from the luncheon will directly support GCCA's year-round lobbying and policy efforts, ensuring that child care providers across Georgia have a powerful voice at the Capitol. Media are encouraged to attend and will have access to speakers and participants before and after the program. Interview opportunities can be arranged in advance. Event Details:What: Child Care Impact LuncheonWhen: Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 11:30–1:30 PMWhere: Maggiano's Little Italy – Buckhead | Atlanta, GAWho: GCCA members, legislators, DECAL, business leaders Press Contact:Ideisha BellamyCEO, Georgia Child Care Associationadmin@ | 404-254-3969 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Georgia Child Care Association
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Even 77 degrees can turn deadly for children in cars, Georgia officials warn
The Brief Georgia officials launched the 12th annual "Look Again" campaign after two children died in hot cars last July; so far in 2025, eight incidents have occurred at child care facilities with no fatalities. Experts warn that a child's body temperature rises 3 to 5 times faster than an adult's, and even mild outdoor temperatures can cause parked vehicles to become dangerously hot within minutes. Authorities urge caregivers to check the back seat before locking their cars and to call 911 if they see a child in a parked vehicle; Georgia law allows entry if a child is in distress. COBB COUNTY, Ga. - As we get closer to Georgia's summer, temperatures have started to climb, and that can be a dangerous time in parked vehicles—especially if you're transporting kids. Last year, numbers show two children died in Georgia after being left in a hot car. What we know It's a mistake parents and caregivers have made time and time again across the country. In 2024, the National Safety Council says 39 kids lost their lives after being left in a vehicle. Thursday morning, the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, also known as DECAL, kicked off its 12th annual 'Look Again' campaign. It comes after two Georgia kids died from heatstroke last July after being left in hot vehicles; one of them was in Cobb County. "I want to do all that I can to get the word out—to just do a simple thing—and that's stop, look in the back seat, and make sure you're locking the door because little people can crawl in there, and it can become a trap," said Allen Poole, from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety. RELATED: Critical warning for parents after Cobb County 2-year-old boy dies in hot car According to Georgia ranks 5th for the number of child deaths from vehicle heatstroke. Thursday, officials demonstrated how quickly vehicles can heat up, even with the temperature around 77 degrees. A graphic from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta shows it can take just minutes for a parked vehicle to get dangerously hot for pets and kids. "The child's body temperature increases 3 to 5 times faster than in adults, and that is a deadly combination," said Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Commissioner Amy Jacobs. DECAL says so far this year, Georgia child care facilities have left kids in vehicles eight times—luckily, no one died. Officials say if you see a child in a parked vehicle, call 911, and if a child is in distress, the law allows you to enter that vehicle. What they're saying "We never think that's going to happen to us, and so that's why we continue to remind folks that it can happen so quickly—and you can completely avoid it," Jacobs said. Officials say parked vehicles can be dangerous year-round. "Our ultimate goal is to save every child and not have one child fall to heatstroke in the state of Georgia," Poole said. Officials say one way to prevent forgetting is by putting something like a phone or a purse in the back so you have another reason to turn around.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bonuses for Georgia child care teachers, staff
The Brief $500 bonuses coming: Georgia will award child care teachers and staff a one-time $500 bonus. For Quality Rated providers: Bonuses apply to eligible staff at state-approved child care centers. Apply online: Educators can check eligibility and apply through a dedicated DECAL website. ATLANTA - Georgia child care teachers and staff will soon receive a $500 bonus as part of a new state initiative aimed at recognizing their ongoing dedication and hard work. What we know The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) announced the launch of the Quality Rated Workforce Bonuses program, which will provide the one-time payments to eligible employees working at Quality Rated child care providers across the state. The bonuses are intended to support and retain early childhood educators, whose roles are considered critical in child development and community stability. A dedicated website has been set up for child care staff to check their eligibility, submit applications, and track their status. The department encourages all qualifying educators to apply and take advantage of the recognition and financial support. What you can do More information and application resources are available on the DECAL website. You can also contact Care Solutions at support@ or 770-642-6722 ext. 613. For general Quality Rated information, please contact the QR Provider Help Desk at 1-855-800-7747 or email QualityRated@
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Georgia to give child care teachers and staff $500 annual bonus
GEORGIA (WJBF) – Georgia child care teachers and staff will soon receive strong recognition of their ongoing hard work and commitment: a $500 bonus. As part of its continuing dedication to improving quality early child care, the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is launching a new initiative – Quality Rated Workforce Bonuses (QRWB) – to distribute an annual bonus to eligible staff members at Quality Rated Child Care providers. The initiative begins this month and is among the first of its kind in the nation. The payments are a commitment by DECAL to reward and recognize full-time teachers and support staff who help their programs deliver care and education that exceed minimum standards and earn 1, 2 or 3 stars under Quality Rated, the state's quality rating and improvement system. The bonuses are available to all on-site teaching and support staff at Quality Rated child care programs, with each staff member eligible to receive one payment per year. To learning more or to see if you're eligible, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
