Georgia SEEDS for Success: What It Is and How Child Care Programs Can Get Help - post

Georgia SEEDS for Success helps child care programs improve how they include and support children with extra needs. This guide explains what SEEDS is, who can get help, how to ask for help, and simple steps you can start today. You’ll also find trusted links to Georgia agencies and ChildCareEd training so you can act fast.

What is Georgia SEEDS for Success?

Georgia SEEDS for Success is a support program that helps early care and education programs use stronger classroom practices for inclusion, social-emotional development, and challenging behavior support. It is connected with Georgia’s Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL).

SEEDS can connect programs to:

• Coaching that helps teachers try new strategies step by step

• Professional development (training)

• Tools and tips for classroom routines, behavior support, and learning supports

Why this matters: Early help can keep children learning in the classroom and help teachers feel more confident. When staff have the right supports, everyone feels less stress—including families. #coaching

Who can get SEEDS help, and what services may be available?

Many Georgia early learning settings can reach out for help, including centers and other early care programs. The best way to confirm what’s available for your specific site is to contact DECAL’s Inclusion and Behavior Support team through SEEDS.

Services you may be able to access include:

• Coaching (on-site or virtual): support with routines, inclusion strategies, and behavior prevention

• Training: professional development on inclusion and social-emotional practices

• Behavior support planning: help with creating and using a behavior support plan process

• Resource connections for families: referrals to community support agencies (including early intervention)

A big benefit is that coaching is hands-on. A coach may watch a routine (like circle time), suggest one small change (like picture cues), and help staff practice it until it sticks.

How do I contact SEEDS and request coaching or support?

DECAL’s Inclusion Services page includes SEEDS contact info and a simple way to request help.

Use the SEEDS Helpline to request training, resources, or coaching:

• Phone: 1-833-354-4357

• Email: seedshelpline@decal.ga.gov

You can also start here to learn about Inclusion Services and supports:

• DECAL Inclusion Services (SEEDS and supports): https://www.decal.ga.gov/InstructionalSupports/InclusionServices.aspx

• DECAL SEEDS overview page: https://www.decal.ga.gov/InstructionalSupports/Seeds.aspx

Simple step-by-step request (director-friendly):

1. Call or email the SEEDS Helpline. Share a short reason you’re reaching out.

   • Example: “We have a 3-year-old who needs help joining circle time.”

2. Schedule a visit or virtual session. A coach may observe and ask questions.

3. Try a small plan. The coach helps you pick strategies staff can really do.

4. Track what works. Make quick notes and adjust the plan as needed.

Tip: Don’t wait until the problem feels “big.” Early support often prevents bigger struggles later.

What should I do before I call (so the process is smoother)?

Gather a few simple notes. You do not need a long report just clear basics.

Bring this information to your call/email:

• Child’s age and classroom

• What’s hard right now (one or two examples)

• When it happens most (arrival, transitions, meals, nap, etc.)

• What you already tried (visual schedule, first/then board, calm corner, extra warnings)

Family partnership reminder: Families are key partners. If possible, tell the family you are asking for support and ask what works at home.

How does SEEDS connect families to early intervention and other supports?

SEEDS may help connect families to community supports, including early intervention services for infants and toddlers.

Georgia’s early intervention program for children birth to age 3 is Babies Can’t Wait.

• Babies Can’t Wait (Georgia DPH): https://dph.georgia.gov/babies-cant-wait

This matters because children may need support beyond the classroom, and early services can make a big difference.

What can programs do right away while waiting for coaching?

Start small. Pick one or two changes your staff can do consistently. Small changes done every day often work better than big changes no one can keep up with.

Easy classroom supports you can add this week:

• Post a simple picture schedule (arrival → centers → snack → outside → lunch, etc.)

• Create a calm corner with a soft mat, a few calming tools, and a quiet activity

• Use a 2-minute warning before transitions (“In 2 minutes, we clean up.”)

• Offer choices (“Do you want crayons or markers?” “Walk or hop to the sink?”)

• Adjust the activity so the child can join (bigger materials, fewer steps, a helper job)

ChildCareEd resource you can download and use right away:

• Visuals for class schedule and activities (PDF): https://www.childcareed.com/r-00585-visuals-for-class-schedule-and-activites.html

Which ChildCareEd trainings fit SEEDS goals (inclusion + behavior support)?

If you want your staff to feel confident with inclusion supports, training helps everyone use the same simple steps.

Here are 3 ChildCareEd courses that match SEEDS-style supports (inclusion, behavior understanding, and practical strategies):

• Special Needs: From Referral to Inclusion

• Supporting Skill Development: Children with Special Needs

• The ABCs of Behavior: Turning Challenges into Learning Opportunities

What common mistakes should programs avoid?

These are easy to fix once you notice them:

• Waiting too long to ask for help

  • Fix: Call early when you see repeated struggles.

• Trying to “fix the child” instead of changing the environment

  • Fix: Adjust routines, directions, and materials first.

• Changing too many things at once

  • Fix: Pick 1–2 strategies, practice daily, then add more.

• Not writing anything down

  • Fix: Keep a one-page plan and a short weekly note. This also helps with licensing and team communication.

FAQ: Quick answers for busy directors

• Do programs pay for SEEDS coaching?
  Many supports are provided through DECAL’s Inclusion and Behavior Support services. Ask the SEEDS Helpline what applies to your program.

• Can SEEDS help family child care programs too?
  Reach out to DECAL’s Inclusion Services/SEEDS Helpline to confirm what supports are available.

• How fast will we see change?
  Some small changes (like visuals and transition warnings) can help in days. Bigger routines may take a few weeks of practice.

• What should we keep for documentation?
  Keep coaching notes, training certificates, and a simple written plan of supports you’re using.

What’s a helpful ChildCareEd article to learn more about inclusion supports?

For simple classroom ideas and Georgia-focused links, read:

• Inclusion in Child Care: Simple Classroom Supports for Children With Disabilities (Georgia Resources)