ATLANTA – This week, State Representative Mickey Stephens (D-Savannah) applauded a comprehensive quality program for childcare providers, which will begin this month and extend through September 2010.
“I’m excited to see such a wonderful program evolve in Georgia,” said Representative Stephens. “As a retired educator, I believe that an investment in Georgia’s youth is one of the most beneficial investments that we can make.”
The comprehensive quality programs are a joint effort by the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) and Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning’s Bright from the Start. Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the project will offer one-on-one technical assistance, training, and online learning. In addition, it will provide safety and compliance coaching, professional development for all staff, and monetary support and progress evaluation to selected childcare providers. Once childcare providers have successfully completed the program, they will receive a one-time monetary bonus of $1,500 to enhance equipment and materials in their childcare facility.
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Representative Mickey Stephens represents the citizens of District 161, which includes portions of Chatman County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2008, and currently serves on the Health and Human Services, Insurance, and Ways and Means Committees.