The Quarterly: Summer 2025

From Capitol Hill to Child Care Classrooms: Ellyn’s Insights

Dear Friends,

In May, I had the opportunity to travel with several QCC team members to Washington, D.C. for the Child Care Aware of America Symposium—a national gathering of early childhood advocates working to strengthen the child care system. We were proud to join fellow champions from across Georgia on Capitol Hill to meet with our state’s legislators and staff, elevating the voices of the children, families, and providers we serve.

These visits were a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we come together to advocate for policies that support high-quality early care and education. We shared real stories from the field, outlined persistent challenges, and highlighted effective solutions that are already helping Georgia’s youngest learners thrive.

I’m also excited to share the results of our recent evaluation of QCC’s Business Support Services (BSS) program. With coaching, training, and tools to support smart financial management and automation, BSS empowers child care providers to build stronger, more sustainable businesses. Thanks to support from Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), and in partnership with Luminary Evaluation, we now have even more evidence that BSS is increasing enrollment, reducing debt, and boosting revenue for providers across the state.

In addition, we’re proud to share findings from the evaluation of our Staffed Family Child Care Network, launched in 2020 to reverse the sharp decline in family child care programs in Georgia. This initiative offers intensive training, business coaching, and support to help providers grow their businesses while maintaining high-quality care. Evaluation results show real impact—participants reported improved financial stability, increased revenue, and greater confidence and professionalism.

In this issue of The Quarterly, you’ll also find highlights from our annual Early Start Breakfast, featuring special guest Chef Kevin Gillespie; a behind-the-scenes look at how our board members are giving back; insights from our Provider Pulse Check; and stories of how QCC staff are leading and learning at both local and national levels.

Best,

Ellyn Cochran

President and CEO