The Joint Education and Youth Committee and Higher Education Committee of the Georgia Senate convened on November 25, 2024, to discuss critical issues affecting early childhood education and teacher retention in the state. The meeting highlighted the importance of investment in early education programs and the challenges faced by childcare professionals.

The session began with a focus on Georgia's Pre-K program, which has been recognized for its high quality and the qualifications of its certified teachers. However, it was noted that maintaining this standard requires a significant investment of $500 million. The discussion then shifted to the lack of state funding for the DECAL Scholars Program, which supports childcare professionals through scholarships and incentives. Currently, this program is funded entirely by federal dollars, with over 50% of DECAL's budget coming from federal sources.

Committee members emphasized the need for increased state investment in early childhood education, particularly for wage supplements that would assist teachers pursuing credentials while working. The issue of low pay for childcare teachers was also raised, with concerns that many cannot afford childcare for their own children. A pilot program using federal funds to subsidize childcare for teachers was mentioned, but the lack of ongoing funding for such initiatives poses a challenge for teacher retention.

Senator Dixon expressed gratitude to the schools and universities present, acknowledging the valuable insights shared during the meeting. He pointed out that while many ideas presented were commendable, the focus should be on implementation rather than new legislation. The senator highlighted the importance of supporting underperforming and underfunded schools to improve teacher recruitment and retention across Georgia.

The meeting concluded with a positive note on initiatives like "grow your own" programs, which aim to inspire local residents to become teachers, thereby fostering a sense of community and continuity in education. The committee plans to continue exploring ways to enhance educational outcomes and support for teachers in the state.