Georgia launches 24/7 hotline for child care feedback
Callers can leave an anonymous two-minute message that will help inform Georgia’s Child Care Needs Assessment and future funding decisions.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Georgians can now share their experiences and concerns about child care through a new 24/7 hotline launched by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning.
The program, called “DECAL Listens,” is being conducted in collaboration with the nonprofit research group Child Trends and is designed to gather public input on the state’s child care system.
Beginning Monday, residents can call 888-222-8740 at any time to leave a two-minute message, anonymously if they prefer. Feedback collected through the hotline will contribute to Georgia’s Child Care Needs Assessment and help guide the allocation of more than $400 million in federal discretionary child care funding over the coming years.
The initiative seeks input from a broad range of voices, including parents, grandparents, child care professionals, business leaders and educators.
“Every family, educator, and employer experiences the childcare system in a different way,” DECAL Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs said in a statement. “Through DECAL Listens, we’re creating a simple and accessible way for people across Georgia to share their experiences and ideas directly with us.”
Child Trends will independently review and summarize the feedback for DECAL, ensuring confidentiality and anonymity for callers. The organization will not share actual recordings or respond to individual messages.
In addition to the phone line, DECAL and Child Trends are soliciting input through surveys, stakeholder discussions, focus groups and a series of regional DECAL Road Shows scheduled throughout October in cities including Tifton, Cartersville, Morrow and Statesboro. The Road Shows offer child care providers opportunities to meet with DECAL leaders, participate in professional learning sessions and give feedback about challenges facing early care and education in Georgia.
DECAL officials encourage all Georgians with an interest in child care to participate in “DECAL Listens” to help shape the future of early care and education in the state.
How to Participate:
DECAL LISTENS
888-222-8740
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Leave a message of up to two minutes sharing:
- Your experiences with child care in Georgia
- Challenges facing families or providers
- Ideas for strengthening child care services
- Suggestions for future investment and support
