This video presentation, hosted by early literacy professional development specialist Caroline Lacksen, covers the state of reading in Georgia. Mrs. Lacksen shares evidence-based practices for the early childhood classroom, discussing their influence on academic outcomes and wellbeing. Sharing about and assisting with implementation of these practices allows the Deal Center and its partners to equip adults in Georgia with the tools they need to support children on the path to literacy. 

The Deal Center is proud to be taking part in Georgia Literacy Academy’s new virtual professional learning series, Knowledge Building for School and District Leaders. This exciting opportunity is facilitated by the Rollins Center in partnership with the Georgia Department of Education. We are excited to share that our Professional Development Specialists, Caroline Lacksen and Jamie Thomas, are moderating breakout rooms during the sessions! Join the next meeting on January 29th; for more information, click here.

The Deal Center was pleased to host a Georgia Public Library Service Prime Time training event at Georgia College & State University on December 2nd! We welcomed GPLS Children’s Librarians and community representatives from across the state for this program. During this eight-hour event, Prime Time staff reinforced the program’s purpose, including the many ways literature can enrich the lives of children. Prime Time promotes bonding by encouraging reading together as a family and discussing important, relevant, and engaging topics. Prime Time, together with partners like the Deal Center, encourages continued reading after the program concludes. For more information about the Deal Center’s support of GPLS Prime Time, please visit https://www.galiteracycenter.org/collaborations  

Our Faculty Collaboration Initiative kicked off January 18th. This event was designed to further orient GCSU faculty and staff to the work of the Deal Center and to brainstorm possibilities for collaboration. The Deal Center looks forward to the future work and collaboration with the faculty and staff of Georgia College & State University. We wish all of the GCSU Bobcats continued success in 2024!