After the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning’s online Pre-K succeeded exceptionally, DECAL decided to extend this program to those 1-2 years old with “Toddler Time at Home”. These programs are in response to the many school and daycare closures throughout the state of Georgia.

Press Release:

More than a Little Learning Going on Inside DECAL’s Toddler Time at Home 

Online Resources Include Weekly Activities for Our Youngest Learners

ATLANTA, Ga., (April 6, 2020) – Following the success of Georgia’s Pre-K at Home, the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is introducing a new online feature called “Toddler Time at Home”, for children 12 to 36 months old. Toddler Time at Home features weekly activities for families with new content for each day.

“Even in their earliest years, our children are developing socially, mentally, and emotionally,” said DECAL Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs. “By the time a child enters kindergarten, their basic cognitive skills, which are the foundation for math, science, reading, and other academics, are already quite developed. We need that early start to help children as they enter Pre-K and begin to prepare for Kindergarten.”

“Quality infant care is centered on relationships,” explained Jennie Couture, Director of Practice and Support Services. “Young children learn and grow in the context of secure, trusting relationships with caring adults. The same Infant Toddler Care Specialists who help providers understand and practice a model of relationship-based care have helped design these Toddler Time activities for use at home. They aren’t designed just to keep the child busy but to encourage interaction and development while having fun.”

Using Toddler Time at Home, parents will find new activities each day under the categories of On the Move, Adventures Online, Sensory Time, Store Time, and Art & Creativity. Activities are based on the Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS) and involve simple household items easily found at home.

To find the new resources, visit www.decal.ga.gov.