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362 | P a g e FFY 2025–2027 CCDF State Plan
provided; any distinct activities for sharing this information with parents, providers, the general public; and any partners in providing this information. The Lead Agency has established a website (Developmental Milestones (https://development.decal.ga.gov/#/) providing information on developmental milestones and monitoring for families, educators, and the public. Resources include milestones checklists, links to resources for obtaining developmental screening, strategies for conducting developmental monitoring in classrooms, and instructions on how to obtain referrals to early intervention and special education and other services. The resource includes links to programs and resources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Learn the Signs. Act Early. materials; information on resources for obtaining developmental screening; making referrals to early intervention and special education, child health, and wellness; choosing high quality care; breastfeeding practices; and supporting positive child development. The Lead Agency also uses Family Peer Ambassadors who are family members of children in child care who receive training and resources on child development, high quality early learning, and strategies to support school readiness. The ambassadors then share this information with families of young children in their communities at local events, on social media, or by hosting virtual meetings. Family Peer Ambassadors also serve on advisory groups and taskforces to provide family perspective and advise on family engagement for policies and programs. The Lead Agency plans to train three new cohorts of Family Peer Ambassadors over the next three years. 9.3.5 Unlimited parental access to their children Does the Lead Agency have procedures to ensure that parents have unlimited access to their children whenever their children are in the care of a provider who receives CCDF funds: [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe: 9.3.6 Informing families about best practices in social and emotional health Describe how the Lead Agency shares information with families, providers, and the general public regarding the social-emotional and behavioral and mental health of young children, including positive behavioral intervention and support models based on research and best practices for those from birth to school age: The Lead Agency has a state leadership team focused on the social-emotional, behavioral and mental health of young children. The Lead Agency makes information about children’s social-emotional and behavioral needs available to families, providers, and the public through multiple sources. Agency websites and social media posts include information on topics such as early brain development, strategies for promoting young children’s development, and preventing and addressing challenging behavior. Training, coaching, and technical assistance addressing evidence-based prevention strategies and strategies for responding to persistent challenging behavior are offered to early childhood professionals through the agency. Teachers, administrators, and families can contact the SEEDS Helpline (1-833-354- 4357 or SEEDSHelpline@decal.ga.gov) for resources, referrals, and classroom-based support. Specialists provide training, consultation, on-site coaching, materials, and resources to teachers and administrators on topics such as preventing suspensions and expulsions, social-emotional competencies, and pro-social classroom practices. Additionally, specialists work with classroom teachers, administrators, and family members to develop and implement behavior intervention plans for children with serious, persistent, challenging behavior. Specialists support programs in making referrals to early intervention, special education, and supplemental mental health services as appropriate through the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation pilot sponsored