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8.1.1 Coordination with required and optional partners Describe how the Lead Agency coordinates and the results of this coordination of the provision of child care services with the organizations and agencies to expand accessibility and continuity of care and to assist children enrolled in early childhood programs in receiving full-day services that meet the needs of working families. The Lead Agency must coordinate with the following agencies: a. State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care or similar coordinating body (pursuant to 642B(b)(I)(A)(i) of the Head Start Act). Describe the coordination and results of the coordination: The Georgia Children's Cabinet serves as the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care (SAC) in Georgia. The Commissioner of the Lead Agency is the co-chair of the Georgia Children's Cabinet, which is composed of representatives from all agencies of state government serving children and families, philanthropic organizations, parents, Head Start, and other key child/family stakeholders.

As the leader of the Lead Agency AND the co-chair of the Children’s Cabinet (SAC), the Commissioner is uniquely positioned to ensure that: 1. The Cabinet is aware of and has an opportunity to provide input into the CCDF State Plan; and 2. Any organizations/individuals/stakeholders/etc. necessary to fulfill the goals of the State Plan are aware of their responsibilities in implementing the Plan. This coordination helps ensure that the goals of the Plan are successfully achieved, thereby enhancing the well-being of Georgia’s children and families.

The Georgia Children's Cabinet meets three times a year to ensure ongoing communication, coordination, and information sharing. The Georgia Children’s Cabinet has created a 2Gen Leadership Academy which develops leaders who can execute a collaborative strategy using a 2Gen approach to improve outcomes for Georgia’s children and families. Each member of the Georgia Children’s Cabinet nominates a representative from their organization to participate in the nine month leadership academy each year. The 2Gen Academy provides learning, collaboration and a capstone project focused on implementing a 2Gen approach for all participants who then incorporate these competencies into their work with children and families. As a result of the coordination with the Georgia Children's Cabinet, Georgia was able to graduate a total of fifty representatives of through the participation of the organizations. Georgia looks forward to the continued growth of the 2Gen Leadership Academy and celebrating each individual that graduates. b. Indian Tribe(s) and/or Tribal organization(s), at the option of the Tribe or Tribal organization. Describe the coordination and results of the coordination, including which Tribe(s) was (were) involved: [x] Not applicable. Check here if there are no Indian Tribes and/or Tribal organizations in the State/Territory. c. State/Territory agency(ies) responsible for programs for children with disabilities, including early intervention programs authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Describe the coordination and results of the coordination: Georgia's Part C program is housed in the Department of Public Health (DPH). The Lead Agency