Community — Georgia Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies

GACCRRA Resources for the Community

The CCR&R's work diligently in their local communities to promote quality, affordable, accessible child care. Through our efforts, the community has access to many child care related services. Such services can translate into increased productivity on the job, lower absenteeism, and reduced turnover for employers. The popular press and work/family researchers have clearly found that paying for and keeping high quality child care has become a major source of stress for families and of impaired productivity on the job for employed parents in this country. Local CCR&R's serve the community through many avenues including:

Meeting the demand for child care: CCR&R's recruit, train, and provide technical assistance to child care providers so that parents have access to quality care and are able to be successful in the workplace. Referral services to match child care needs with available resources is available through 877-ALL-GA-KIDS. Through these referrals, we educate families about their options for quality child care relative to cost, location, and enhancement services. Providing families with tools to help them identify indicators for quality child care is an essential component of our referral services.
Education: CCR&R's provide the community with information surrounding quality child care issues, coordinate statewide child care programs and provide resources such as: child care supply and demand statistics; information about child development, early childhood education, and quality child care; and links to professional organizations and community resources.
Public Awareness: CCR&R's educate parents and providers so they can serve as advocates for child care issues and support quality care locally, statewide, and nationally. CCR&R's encourage families, providers, and their community to educate their legislators on issues important for young children. Since children can't vote we must be their voice.

Community Partnerships

Community Partnerships: The 6 CCR&R agencies partner with local and statewide agencies to address the needs of Georgia's children. some of our partners are:

Bright From the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning: Bright From the Start is responsible for meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia's children and their families. It administers the nationally recognized Georgia's Pre-K Program, licenses child care centers and home-based child care, administers Georgia's Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program, federal nutrition programs, and manages Quality Rated, Georgia's community powered child care rating system. The department also houses the Head Start State Collaboration Office, distributes federal funding to enhance the quality and availability of child care, and works collaboratively with Georgia child care resource and referral agencies and organizations throughout the state to enhance early care and education.
Georgia Association for the Education of Young Children: The Georgia Association for the Education of Young Children (GAYC) is a non-profit membership organization that promotes quality early care and education for young children. GAYC is the state affiliate of the Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). GAYC's purpose is to work toward improving the general welfare of Georgia's young children from birth through the age of eight by: Providing opportunities for early care and education professionals and paraprofessionals to enhance their experiences and increase their knowledge of young children and working with its membership and other organizations to develop and nurture partnerships on behalf of young children and families.
Georgia Department of Human Resources: The Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) is Georgia's human service agency whose mission is to strengthen Georgia families by providing services through about 80 programs that ensure their health and welfare. Within Georgia DHR is the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS): The part of DHR that investigates child abuse; finds foster homes for abused and neglected children; helps low income, out-of-work parents get back on their feet; assists with childcare costs for low income parents who are working or in job training; and provides numerous support services and innovative programs to help troubled families.
Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students: The Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization operating to inspire and provide leadership for a statewide movement on quality early learning and healthy development for all children ages birth through five. GEEARS was established in 2010 to help business, civic and government leaders maximize the economic return on the state’s investments in early care and learning.
Georgia Family Connection Partnership and Georgia Kids Count: The Family Connection Partnership (FCP) is a public/private partnership created by the State of Georgia and funders from the private sector. We assist communities in addressing the serious challenges facing Georgia's children and families. We also serve as a resource to state agencies across Georgia that work to improve the conditions of children and families. Georgia Kids Count provides citizens and policymakers with current reliable data to inform planning, budget, and policy decisions that impact Georgia's children, families, and communities.
Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education: The Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education was founded in 1990 and today is working hard to be Georgia's foremost change agent in education. The non-profit, non-partisan independent organization consists of business, education, community, and government leaders who are focused on efforts to shape policy and reform public education in the state.
Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network: The Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network (GSAN) is a public-private collaborative that envisions a day when all communities in Georgia have the resources to provide exceptional afterschool programming. Our mission is to advance, connect, and support quality afterschool programs to promote the success of children and youth throughout Georgia.
National Black Child Development Institute - Atlanta Chapter: The National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) exists to improve and protect the quality of life of African American children and their families. This nonprofit organization has provided and supported programs. workshops, and resources for African American Children, their parents, and communities in: Early Care and Education, Health, Elementary and Secondary Education, Child Welfare, and Parenting. NBCDI's Affiliate network represents the organization's commitment to create exemplary community-based programs that make a difference.
United Way: United Way of America is the national organization dedicated to leading the United Way movement. Local United Ways create long-lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of the most significant local issues. Common focus areas include helping children and youth achieve their potential, promoting financial stability and independence, and improving people's health. Their goal is to create long-lasting changes by addressing the underlying causes of problems. There are numerous chapters across the state. Click here to find your closes chapter.
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension: County Extension agents help keep farmers abreast of the latest agricultural technology, research, and marketing strategies. Some agents help parents cope with the pressures of balancing home, work, and children; others help keep families healthy with information on nutrition and food safety. Through county Extension offices, the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences helps Georgians become healthier, more productive, financially independent, and environmentally responsible.
Voices for Georgia's Children: Voices for Georgia's Children is an independent 501(c)(3) engaged in research, analysis, and advocacy to give kids in our state a voice on decisions that impact their lives. Use this site to understand our mission, stay informed, and learn why and how your voice can make a difference.