Annual Report 2025:

Stronger Together: Empowering Georgia's Children, Families, and Educators

Dear Friends,

Thank you. Because of your partnership this past year, Quality Care for Children reached deeper into Georgia communities than ever before, strengthening the programs, educators, and families who shape our children's futures. As we reflect on 2025, one truth stands out clearly: progress in early childhood is never achieved alone. It is built through partnership, persistence, and a shared commitment to Georgia's children and the adults who care for them.

Throughout 2025, challenges across the early childhood landscape continued. Families faced rising costs and limited access to child care. Providers navigated workforce shortages and financial strain. Yet even amid uncertainty, QCC didn't just endure—we led. We strengthened. We advocated. And with your support, we ensured that Georgia's children and the systems surrounding them remained strong, equitable, and responsive.

This year, your investment in QCC reached deeply into communities across Georgia. We provided business coaching to over 200 programs, distributed $2.7 million in scholarships to 504 children, and served nearly 7 million nutritious meals. Our Family Child Care Network supported 184 dedicated business owners, strengthening stability and sustainability across Georgia’s child care sector. Through professional learning, nutrition initiatives, and literacy-focused leadership development, we strengthened the foundation for Georgia's youngest learners.

Moments of collective impact defined this year for QCC. Nearly 200 leaders and advocates gathered at our Early Start Breakfast, raising $95,000 to support early childhood initiatives statewide. At convenings like our annual Elevating Early Literacy Summit, early learning leaders strengthened foundational literacy practices. This work extends far beyond individual classrooms and shapes lifelong outcomes for children across Georgia.

As QCC marks more than 45 years of service, our commitment remains unwavering. When challenges arise, we show up. We listen. We lead. We advocate. QCC stands alongside families and educators, amplifying their voices and pushing for systems that ensure every child—regardless of zip code—has access to quality care, nourishing food, and meaningful learning experiences.

Looking ahead to 2026, we are focused on deepening our impact to expand access to high-quality child care, strengthen the early childhood workforce, and advance equitable systems statewide. This ambitious work requires continued investment, bold partnerships, and shared leadership. We invite you to join us in building what's next. Your support can help us scale proven solutions, reach underserved communities, and ensure Georgia's youngest learners have the strong start they deserve. Together, we can do even more.

Thank you to our dedicated staff, board, partners, funders, and supporters. Your belief in this work, plus your investment in Georgia's children, make our impact possible. Together, we are building stronger systems, stronger communities, and brighter futures for Georgia's children.

Highlights & Milestones: A Recap of Our Journey and Successes

Over the past year, we worked alongside families, child care providers, and community partners across Georgia to strengthen early learning and build brighter futures. From expanding access to quality child care and supporting small business owners to nourishing young learners and advancing equity through innovative programs, each milestone reflects our shared commitment to helping children thrive. We invite you to explore the stories, data, and highlights to learn how small moments of care and connection lead to big futures.

Voices from Our Community

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Voices from Our Community 〰️

Nora Arrieta

“Quality Care for Children has always been there to give us the tools and resources we need to provide a quality educational experience for our children.”

Head of School | Milton, GA                                                 2-Star Quality Rated

Anisha Rose

“I have enjoyed being a part of this training for many different reasons! The connections, the tools provided, the knowledge, and the communication and advice from Mrs. Simpson has been amazing. I’ve enjoyed every bit of it and I’m excited to take the things I’ve learned and implement them. I’m thankful for it all!”

Family Child Care Owner | Valdosta, GA
Family Child Care Owner | Gillsville, GA                                            3-Star Quality Rated 

Amber Dean

“I am beyond grateful for everyone who works with QCC; you have made my job a million times easier by being the best at what you do!”

Opening the Gateway to Support: Helping Families Access Care

“Each day without support is a day of anxiety and frustration. Thanks to QCC’s help, my child is now thriving and excited to go to school.”

-Sylvia Guzman, APS Parent

When a parent faced significant barriers accessing critical benefits for her child, QCC stepped in as a trusted Gateway partner to help navigate a complex system and overcome language and communication challenges. Through strong partnerships and persistent advocacy, QCC helped coordinate next steps with Atlanta Public School's Department of Special Education and community providers, ensuring the family received the evaluations, services, and transportation supports needed for their child’s safety, development, and success. This story reflects the power of connection, partnership, and timely access to essential resources to strengthen families and change futures.

Guzman

Nourishing Healthy Growth for Programs and Families

“We’re moving more, learning more, and building healthy habits every day,” reports family child care provider Erin Skinner in Nashville, Ga. Through coaching and mini-grant support from QCC’s nutrition team, Erin enhanced her program with new equipment that promotes active play, balance, and healthy development.

“One parent shared that while she wishes she had more time to prepare healthy meals at home, she feels reassured knowing her child receives a great breakfast, lunch, and snack every day. That peace of mind is priceless.”

-Provider enrolled in Child and Adult Care Food Program

“Since joining CACFP, our program is more efficient, staff confidence has grown, and every meal meets required standards with ease.” Participation in Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) helps providers streamline meal planning, simplify staff training, and reduce food waste—ensuring children receive consistent, nutritious meals.

-Provider enrolled in Child and Adult Care Food Program

2024-25 Board of Trustees

Thank you to the members of our board who work tirelessly to support QCC's mission to create a system that equips families and child care providers with the knowledge and resources to nurture and educate Georgia’s infants and young children.

Alexandra Peurach

Alexandre Palma

Andrew Smith

Angela Walton​

Ben Pivar

Cristel Williams​

Jayson Hill

Jennifer Williams

Jerry Boerner

John Giegerich

Lacey Hartford

Michelle Guthrie

Nazia Ali

Nitin Tahiliani

Philip Safir

Pratyush Lal

Romvadee Overbey

Saira Joseph

Scott Lyon

Vasanne Tinsley

Vicki Raimey

William Hudson

Thank you Donors

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Thank you Donors 〰️

Alston & Bird

Astound Digital

Athens-Clarke County

Atlanta Metropolitan State College

Atlanta Public Schools

Atlanta Women's Foundation

Care Solutions

Carter's Charitable Foundation

City of Clarkston, Georgia

DeKalb County Department of Human Services

Fathers Matter ATL

The Betty and Davis Fitzgerald Foundation

GEEARS/PAACT

Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning

Georgia Department of Human Services/USDA SNAP-Ed

Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning

Georgia Power Foundation

The Goizueta Foundation

Greenberg Traurig

Warren and Augusta Hume Foundation

Impact Analytics

Inova Payroll

Kindred Futures

McMaster-Carr Supply Company

Metro Atlanta Chamber

The Naserian Foundation

Papa Johns

Peach State Health Plan

PNC Foundation

Primrose Schools

PwC Charitable Foundation

Rollins Center for Language & Literacy

Salesforce

Stream Realty Partners

Terex Corporation

United Way of Greater Atlanta/Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation

United Way of Northeast Georgia

The Edna Wardlaw Charitable Trust

Western Union

YWCA Greater Atlanta

The Zeist Foundation

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the many individual donors who invest in stronger families, quality child care, and thriving communities. Together, we can do even more—make a gift today.