Blank Funds Incentives for Teachers, Parents to Share Early Childhood Care, Learning Needs

Print This Post


Georgia Family Connection Partnership (GaFCP) is going to provide incentives that will encourage teachers and parents of young children to participate in vital focus groups throughout Georgia, thanks to funding from The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. The focus groups will give teachers and parents of children from birth to age five an opportunity to discuss their needs relating to early care and education.

GaFCP is working with the Georgia State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care (GSAC) and the Carl Vinson Institute of Government (CVIOG) at the University of Georgia to study early childhood care and learning needs in Georgia.

“We thank the Blank Foundation for their generous contribution toward this important work,” said GaFCP Executive Director Gaye Smith. “These focus groups will provide the Georgia State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care with relevant, useful data from the most critical players in children’s lives—their teachers and parents.”

The results of the needs assessment will help GSAC develop a comprehensive plan for a coordinated SYSTEM of early childhood education and care in the state so that all children will enter kindergarten ready to learn.

CVIOG will facilitate the groups and will work closely with GaFCP to distribute the incentives of cash or gift cards to teachers and parents who participate in the focus groups. Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is the lead/fiscal agent for GSAC.

“This is just further evidence of the Blank Foundation’s continuing commitment to early childhood education,” said DECAL Commissioner Bobby Cagle. “We are extremely grateful for this grant, which will assist us in better understanding the needs of teachers, parents and Georgia’s young learners.”

Contact:

William Valladares
GaFCP Communications Director
404-527-7394 (x114)
william@gafcp.org

Reg Griffin
Chief Communications Officer
Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
404-656-0239
reg.griffin@decal.ga.gov