10.17 Early Childhood Education

Georgia State Seal

Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
Child Welfare Policy Manual

Chapter:

(10) Foster Care

Policy Title:

Early Childhood Education

Policy Number:

10.17

Previous Policy Number(s):

N/A

Effective Date:

August 2026

Manual Transmittal:

2026-02

​Codes/References

O.C.G.A. § 20-1A-4 Department powers and duties
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA)
PL 105-17 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments (IDEA) of 1997 Part B § 619 and Part C
PL 110-134 Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007

​Requirements

The Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) will:

  1. Enroll children under the age of five in the custody of DFCS, in traditional early childhood education programs licensed by the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) to promote their physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional development, and prepare them for kindergarten. The programs options include:

    1. Early Head Start, Head Start

    2. Pre-K

    3. Child care programs participating in Quality Rated, Georgia’s tiered quality rating and improvement system (QualityRated.org)

      Traditional early education programs are the preferred option for children in the custody of DFCS. Children in the custody of DFCS are categorically eligible for Early Head Start and Head Start early childhood education programs.
      If the child is participating in Georgia’s Department of Public Health Home Visiting Program, they are exempt from enrollment in a traditional early childhood education program (see Practice Guidance: Georgia Department of Public Health’s Home Visiting Program).

  2. Request an early childhood education waiver from the DFCS Early Services program for a non-traditional early childhood education program; or, to exempt the child from participating in an early childhood education program (traditional or non-traditional). Reasons for such waiver requests include but are not limited to:

    1. The child is medically fragile;

    2. There is no traditional early childhood education program available within a reasonable geographic area near the caregiver’s home;

    3. The child has an individualized education program (IEP) or individualized family service plan (IFSP) that recommends a non-traditional early childhood education setting;

    4. Other extenuating circumstances as identified by field operations staff.

    An early childhood education waiver is not required to exempt a child 12 months and younger from participating in an early childhood education program.

  3. Monitor the child’s participation in early childhood education programs to determine if the services are appropriate to meet their needs. This includes regular communication with caregivers and early childhood education providers (see policies 10.18 Foster Care: Purposeful Contacts in Foster Care, 19.16 Case Management: Collateral Contacts and 19.17 Case Management: Service Provision).

  4. Document all activities related to a child’s early childhood education selection and participation in Georgia SHINES within 72 hours of occurrence, including updating the Education Detail page whenever:

    1. A child is transferred to another placement;

    2. A child enrolls in a different early childhood education or childcare program;

    3. Other changes occur involving a child or caregiver receiving Early Head Start, Head Start, Pre-K, or Quality Rated child care services.

  5. Adhere to confidentiality and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) provisions outlined in policies 2.6 Information Management: Confidentiality/Safeguarding Information and 2.5 Information Management: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Obtain a signed Authorization for Release of Information (ROI) to facilitate sharing of information, when applicable.

​Procedures

​Social Services Case Manager

  1. Discuss the requirements and benefits of early childhood education with caregivers of children under the age of five, including Early Head Start, Head Start, Pre-K, or Quality Rated Child Care programs (see Practice Guidance: Early Childhood Education and Quality Rated Child Care Options.

  2. In conjunction with the caregiver, determine the most appropriate early childhood education program for the child based on their age and individualized needs.

    Consult with the DFCS Early Childhood Services program via email at early.childhood@dhs.ga.gov when assistance is needed.

  3. If Early Head Start or Head Start is determined to be the best option for the child:

    1. In conjunction with the caregiver, complete and submit an enrollment application to the selected program.

      1. Visit eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator to locate a center.

      2. Visit eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/how-apply for additional guidance on eligibility and enrolling a child in an Early Head Start or Head Start program (see Practice Guidance: Traditional Early Childhood Education Programs - Head Start and Early Head Start Programs).

    2. Assist the caregiver in completing any next steps identified by the Early Head Start or Head Start program.

    If the child is unable to be enrolled at the time services are requested, the Head Start or Early Head Start program will place the child on a waitlist and contact the child’s caregiver with additional follow-up.

  4. If Pre-K is determined to be the best option for the child:

    1. In conjunction with the caregiver, select a Pre-K provider and register the child based on the provider’s registration dates and requirements.

    2. Visit families.decal.ga.gov/ChildCare/Search for the list of programs and decal.ga.gov/bfts/enrollinginprek.aspx for guidance on enrollment (see Practice Guidance: Traditional Early Childhood Education Programs - Georgia’s Pre-K Program).

    Children must be 4 years old by September 1st of the current school year.

  5. If Quality Rated Child Care is determined to be the best option for the child:

    1. In conjunction with the caregiver:

      1. Identify Quality Rated Child Care programs that participate in the Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program. The list of programs can be found at families.decal.ga.gov/ChildCare/Search.

      2. Select a Quality Rated childcare program based on the identified needs of the child.

    2. Submit a CAPS referral to for the selected childcare program in accordance with policy 10.16 Foster Care: Child Care.

  6. If the child cannot adequately participate in a traditional early childhood education program and requires a non-traditional program; or to exempt the child from participating in an early childhood education program (traditional or non-traditional):

    1. Complete an early childhood education waiver request. Include the following:

      1. Case Identifier (region, county, case name, case ID#, child’s name, child’s DOB, child’s PID#)

      2. The reason the waiver is needed

      3. If appropriate, supporting documentation identifying significant levels of mental, emotional, and physical needs that require care and services that cannot be adequately provided in a traditional early childhood education setting. (i.e., IFSP, IEP, developmental assessment, medical documentation).

      4. Verification that a referral has been submitted to Children 1st in accordance with policy 19.28 Case Management: Children 1st and Babies Can’t Wait.

    2. Obtain the Social Services Supervisor (SSS) approval of the early childhood education waiver request.

    3. Submit the early childhood education waiver request for consideration to the DFCS Early Childhood Services program via email at early.childhood@dhs.ga.gov with any required supporting documentation.

      The DFCS Early Childhood Services program will acknowledge the waiver request within two business days of receipt and provide a decision within five business days.

    4. Review the notification of the waiver decision from the DFCS Early Childhood Services program when received and upload to Georgia SHINES External Documentation.

    5. Contact the DFCS Childcare Services team at dfcs.childcare@dhs.ga.gov to explore the payment of specialized child care options (i.e. informal childcare provider, supplemental supervision waiver) (see policy 10.16 Foster Care: Child Care).

  7. Direct inquiries regarding traditional or non-traditional early childhood education programs, or waiver requests to the DFCS Early Childhood Services program at early.childhood@dhs.ga.gov.

​Social Services Supervisor

  1. Consult with the SSCM regarding assessing and selecting the most appropriate early childhood education options for children in DFCS custody under the age of five, including when non-traditional programs are best to meet the needs of the child (see policy 19.6 Case Management: Supervisor Staffing).

  2. Provide oversight of case management activities needed to ensure that referrals for early childhood education services are submitted timely.

  3. Review and approve waiver requests for non-traditional early childhood education programs prior to submission to DFCS Early Childhood Services to verify that it includes all pertinent information required.

  4. Regularly review the child’s case record in Georgia SHINES to ensure all appropriate sections have been updated and reflects all relevant case activities.

​Practice Guidance

​Early Childhood Education and Quality Rated Child Care Options

Choosing an early childhood education program for a child is an important decision. Most children will be able to enroll in one of the three traditional categories of early childhood education or child care programs; however, there are times when the needs of the child may require non-traditional options. Below are the traditional and non-traditional services and information to help with decision-making.

​Traditional Early Childhood Education Programs

  1. Early Head Start and Head Start Programs: DFCS partners with the Georgia Head Start Collaboration Office and local Early Head Start/ Head Start agencies to provide comprehensive early childhood and family development services to children birth to five years of age.

    1. Early Head Start serves infants, toddlers under three years of age

    2. Head Start serves children three to five years old

      Children who turn five years old after the September 1st enrollment deadline for Head Start are eligible for the program; however, children who are five years old and enrolled in kindergarten are not eligible for the program.

    Early Head Start/ Head Start is child-focused and has the overall goal of increasing school readiness of young children from low-income families by providing a learning environment that supports children’s growth in areas such as language, literacy and social and emotional development. Additionally, Head Start agencies provide comprehensive wraparound supports, including a range of individualized services in the areas of education and early childhood development; medical, dental and mental health; nutrition; parent involvement and family support. Leveraging these resources not only enhances safety by ensuring that children remain within the sight of mandated reporters but also facilitates consistent breaks for caregivers.

    To participate in Early Head Start and Head Start programs, families must meet the Head Start Family Income Eligibility Guidelines. However, children in foster care, children who are homeless, and children from families receiving public assistance (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)) are categorically eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services regardless of income.

    If the Head Start program does not operate during the summer, children should be enrolled in a licensed childcare facility.

  2. Georgia’s Pre-K Program Research confirms that students in Georgia’s Pre-K Program, a nationally recognized, lottery funded pre-kindergarten program continue to exhibit positive outcomes through the end of kindergarten across all domains of learning. Georgia’s Pre-K program is available in all 159 counties. Georgia’s Pre-K Program provides age appropriate activities and learning experiences that help young children become school ready, which means they are socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively prepared for success in kindergarten. Children develop skills in language and literacy, math, science, social studies, creative, health and physical, and social and emotional areas.

    Children who are Georgia residents and are four years of age on September 1 of the current school year are eligible to attend Georgia’s Pre-K Program. Pre-K programs usually operate on the regular school system calendar for the length of a typical school day. Pre-K Programs may be offered at local public schools or through private providers of preschool services. Every effort should be made to enroll children four years of age in Georgia’s Pre-K program.

  3. Quality Rated Child Care Access to early education supports the achievement of developmental milestones and increases school readiness for young children (birth to five years of age). Child safety and well-being are primary considerations when selecting an early childhood education program. Therefore, select the highest Quality Rated program available in the area of the child’s foster care placement. If possible, choose a provider familiar to the child to minimize trauma associated with removal. The major categories of formal child care providers:

    • Family Child Care Learning Home: Operates in a private residential home less than 24 hours per day. The operator receives pay for providing care for three to six children under the age of 13 or 18 if the child meets the criteria for CAPS special needs or court-ordered supervision.

    • Child Care Learning Center: This is a group care program operated by an individual or business entity recognized under Georgia law. The program serves seven or more children under the age of 18 for less than 24 hours per day.

      For eligibility requirements for CAPS programs, refer to policy 10.16 Foster Care: Child Care.

​Non-Traditional Early Childhood Education Options

Non-traditional programs are used when the child’s needs are not adequately served in a traditional early education program. This includes but is not limited to medically fragile, geographical location concerns, IEP or IFSP determinations, based on documentation in the case plan supported by the child’s medical records, etc. Use of this option requires an early childhood education waiver to ensure that children receive high quality early education experiences when they are unable to enroll in a traditional early childhood education program.

​Georgia Department of Public Health’s Home Visiting Program

Home visiting is a strengths-based, family-centered support strategy that gives pregnant women and at-risk families with children from birth until kindergarten entry, the resources and skills they need to raise children who are physically, socially, and emotionally healthy and ready to learn. Specific goals of home visiting are to (1) increase healthy pregnancies; (2) improve parenting confidence and competence; (3) improve child health, development, and readiness; and (4) increase family connectedness to community and social support. The Georgia Home Visiting Program uses the following evidenced based home visiting (EBHV) program models:

  • Healthy Families Georgia (HFG)

  • Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)

  • Parents as Teachers (PAT)

For additional information about eligibility and enrolling a child in one of Georgia’s Home Visiting Programs visit dph.georgia.gov/homevisiting.

​Forms and Tools

Certificate of Vision, Hearing, Dental and Nutrition Screening (GA DPH Form 3300)