Please see the FAQ for pertinent information regarding the Division’s continued early childhood collaboration support and services for children in care during this time. Please note, this information is subject to change and will be updated as needed and necessary. Feel free to disseminate this information as appropriate.
Early Childhood and Learning Support For Children in Care: Childcare Services
In an effort to continue to ensure the well-being of youth and young adults in our care, the Well-Being Services Section is continuing its efforts to support the needs of our field partners. One of the supports that has been developed over the last two years has been the creation and development of the Early Childhood Collaboration Unit.
The Early Childhood Collaboration Unit provides comprehensive monitoring, consultation, support, and advocacy for children in care, ages birth – 5 years old, who qualify for early childhood educational programming and/or childcare (Head Start, Child and Parent Services (CAPS), and Ga Pre-K). With an emphasis on building and fostering relationships that support educational stability at an early age, the unit works collaboratively with the Division’s state and county DFCS offices, other state agencies, and external partners to ensure the educational needs of this population are met. The unit is comprised of two teams with following primary functions:
Childcare Team: The Early Childhood Collaboration Unit’s Childcare Team assists DFCS Case Managers in resolving issues with Child and Parent Services (CAPS) scholarships (initial referrals, renewals, case changes). The team also offers support to parenting youth in care who are in need of childcare for their child/ren.
Early Learning and Development Team: Early Childhood Collaboration Unit’s Early Learning and Development Team helps DFCS staff identify the most appropriate early childhood education setting (Head Start/Early Head Start, Pre-K, Quality Rated Childcare) for children in foster care and assist with timely enrollment through the establish referral process. The team also offers training on Early Learning and Brain Development.
Contact Information:
Childcare Team: early.childhood@dhs.gs.gov
Early Learning and Development Team: dfcs.headstart@dhs.ga.gov
Below are more detailed examples of when our DFCS Case Managers and field staff should contact our DFCS Early Childhood Collaboration Office for Support:
- You have submitted a referral for CAPS and have not received a response within five business days from DECAL on the status of the CAPS scholarship.
- You would like Confirmation that a CAPS referral has been submitted to DECAL via SHINES.
- You need guidance on completing a DFCS Supplemental Supervision Wavier Request.
- You need support in obtaining proof of citizenship for a child born in Georgia.
- A child on your caseload is due for a CAPS renewal and you want to verify continued services.
- You have a parenting youth on your caseload in need of childcare services.
- You are interested in enrolling a child on your caseload in Head Start/Early Head Start or Pre-K.
- Your county staff needs training in the following areas:
- Early Learning
- Early Childhood Brain Development
- The Child and Parent Services (CAPS) Referral Process
As we move forward in supporting the early childhood needs of our youth in care, feel free to contact the appropriate team for support!
Thank you.
