GeorgiaSummer.org Aims to Increase Summer Learning, Safety, and Access to Free Meals for Children and Teens

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Summer vacation in Georgia is here again. For some students it’s a time to rest and recharge, play outside, cook out with family, and establish new skills and friendships at summer camp. For Georgia’s most vulnerable children it’s a time when three meals get cut to one a day, they must care for themselves, and they become vulnerable to boredom and risky behavior while parked in front of TV screens.

Our kids must continue to have access to healthy meals, safe environments, and educational opportunities so they can keep learning while school’s out. That’s why Get Georgia Reading Campaign for Grade-Level Reading partners have again teamed up to bring our kids GeorgiaSummer.org.

Parents and children can access—in one place—information about and links to:

  • meals in your community;
  • safe, licensed summer programs;
  • access to high-quality summer learning experiences;
  • Georgia Public Library Service’s virtual summer reading program;
  • childhood vaccine information;
  • access to GPB’s summer learning programs for families;
  • free access to Capstone’s interactive fun digital books; and
  • dozens of learning resources.

Get Georgia Reading also teamed up again with Clear Channel Outdoor Americas for a public service campaign. Billboards across the Metro Atlanta area, courtesy of Clear Channel’s Atlanta Division, are pointing to GeorgiaSummer.org.

Look Again

Families, child care providers, and the public can all prevent pediatric vehicular heatstroke if we just look again before we get out of our vehicles. Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) calls for families and caregivers of children to increase awareness of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles.

“Look Again” is a message not only for child care programs and teachers, but for anyone caring for a child to always account for the children in their care as they drive them from place to place.

“When you arrive at your destination, check the front and back of your car, and after you’ve looked, just to be sure to look again,” said DECAL Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs. “There’s absolutely no reason for a child to suffer or die in these conditions.”

Jacobs pointed out that technology can help, too. Phone apps and sensors in car seats and vehicles signal reminders when you reach your destination and can help build habits to check the backseat after driving.

“And if technology isn’t an option,” said Jacobs, “you can always place a stuffed animal in your passenger seat to remind you that your child is in the back.”

For more information, visit decal.ga.gov or noheatstroke.org.

Spread the Word

“We encourage community leaders, librarians, educators, and parents to help spread the word about meal assistance, safety tips, and learning resources that are available to all Georgians,” said Get Georgia Reading Campaign Director Arianne Weldon. “Download our virtual billboard and share it on your websites and social media platforms.”

Share your photos, videos, and stories that show how families are incorporating these tools into their summer routines using the hashtag #SchoolsOutGA.

Download the GeorgiaSummer.org virtual billboard, flyer, Facebook cover photo, and Twitter header photo to share with your community.

If you have any questions or comments, please email GGR@gafcp.org.

 

Contact:
Bill Valladares
GaFCP Communications Director
404-739-0043
william@gafcp.org


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