Georgia early childhood educators reflect on post-pandemic workforce shortages

On the first day of Pre-K Week this year, 22 four-year-olds gathered for storytime in the dual-language classroom of the Kids R First Academy in Marietta. Their eyes were fixed on a visitor: a woman with a book in hand, whom the toddlers affectionately called “Ms. Amy.”

Amy Jacobs — “Ms. Amy” — is the Commissioner for Georgia’s Department of Early Care and Learning. Her visit to Kids R First inaugurated this year’s state-wide celebration of Georgia’s pre-K program. 

“We cheer for our teachers who teach us to read!” Jacobs exclaimed to the group of almost-perfected criss-cross-applesauce. She read from “Cheer” by Uncle Ian Aurora.