THE GEORGIA EARLY LEARNING INITIATIVE (GELI), NOW SMART START GEORGIA

July 1, 2003

JULY 1, 2003 (Atlanta, Ga.) - The Georgia Early Learning Initiative (GELI) has officially changed its name to Smart Start Georgia. The program?s focus on and commitment to creating high-quality early learning opportunities for all of Georgia?s children ages birth through five remains the same. According to Smart Start Georgia Director Sharen Hausmann, the new name further clarifies the program?s purpose for the critical developmental years in a child?s life. 

?Many of our constituents found the Georgia Early Learning Initiative name did not reflect the program?s mission,? said Hausmann. ?Our new name emphasizes our commitment to improving the quality of early learning environments,? said Hausmann.

Smart Start Georgia was established as the Georgia Early Learning Initiative to develop and implement a long-term plan to increase school readiness in Georgia with the aim of having all children ready to succeed in school by the time they enter kindergarten. Smart Start Georgia is a public/private partnership among the State of Georgia, the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation, United Ways of Georgia, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and more than 40 additional supporting organizations. 

In its four-year history, Smart Start Georgia has developed a reputation as an agent for change. This summer Smart Start Georgia will host celebrations in 9 counties across the state to recognize its past accomplishments in 14 counties and future successes under the new name. Governor Sonny Perdue congratulates Smart Start Georgia on its new name. ?The care and support of the youngest Georgians is a priority in my administration, and I look forward to working with Smart Start Georgia to ensure that all children begin school ready to learn,? said Governor Perdue. He added, ?The new name represents the emphasis on early education that Georgia needs.?

The programs of Smart Start Georgia include initiatives to promote professional development among early child care professionals and incentives for child care centers to increase the quality of their services.

About Smart Start Georgia
Smart Start Georgia, previously known as the Georgia Early Learning Initiative (GELI), is dedicated to creating and implementing innovative programs and outreach initiatives to improve the quality of early care and education for all children ages birth through five throughout the state, promoting lifetime learning and ensuring greater achievement throughout the child's education and beyond. Smart Start Georgia is a public/private partnership among the State of Georgia, the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation, United Ways of Georgia, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and more than 40 additional supporting organizations.

For additional information on Smart Start Georgia programs or how to become involved, please call 1.877.STARTGA or visit www.smartstartga.org. 

Stephanie Woolbright
Edelman
404.262.3000
stephanie.woolbright@edelman.com

Amanda Bolster
Smart Start Georgia
404.527.7307
abolster@unitedwayatlanta.org