Staff members at Greenbrier Preschool were recognized by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) on Thursday when it was announced that those who qualified would receive an annual $500 bonus.
The quality rated workforce bonuses are a new initiative of DECAL that recognizes staff and teachers at quality rated programs throughout Georgia, including Greenbrier Preschool, said Amy Jacobs, DECAL commissioner.
“The reason we’re doing this is because we know how important high quality (education) is for young kids. Ninety-five percent of their brain is developed by the time they’re five,” Jacobs said. “When they’re immersed in a high-quality environment like Greenbrier Preschool, we know they’re going to be set up for success in future lifelong learning and definitely be ready for kindergarten. The biggest piece of that is quality teachers.”
For Katie Tracy, the director of Greenbrier Preschool, it was exciting to find out the workers who qualified were getting the bonus.
“It was not surprising, because DECAL is always coming up with ways to reward people for the things that they do,” Tracy said. “It was definitely the most substantial reward my teachers have gotten, so I was really excited for them to have something extra to hang their hats on for the hard work they have done going through this process.”
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With the quality rated workforce annual bonuses, Jacobs said that DECAL is investing approximately $17 million into the initiative because of how important the teachers and staff are to achieving high-quality education.
“We know that high quality early education benefits all children, that’s why we established quality rated over 13 years ago,” Jacobs said. “Quality rated is our way to support and acknowledge these programs, like Greenbrier, that offer high quality education day after day. Becoming quality rated and maintain a star rating is not easy. it would not be possible without dedicated staff like there are here at Greenbrier.”
With the bonuses, Jacobs said they are a way to show appreciation for the hard work done by childcare staff members every day, from teachers to management to support staff.
“We at DECAL are so excited about the opportunity we have to offer these quality rated work force bonuses,” Jacobs said. “We hope they convey our support and appreciation for the childcare work force, including the dedicated staff here at Greenbrier.”
Tracy thanked DECAL for coming out and celebrating Greenbrier Preschool and their commitment to proving young children a quality education.
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“We’re always trying to become a stronger program, and we don’t take it lightly at all,” Tracy said. “We’re thankful that Georgia’s Department of Early Care and Learning gives us initiatives like quality rated…program. They help to make us stronger and we’re really grateful for those opportunities. Out staff, they’re proud to education our students too and provide a safe and loving environment for them consistently. But we’re also grateful for our parents and the confidence that they place in us. We really consider is a privilege that we have these 202 children every single day.”
