A partnership between local funders and educators will strengthen coordination of early childhood initiatives serving families across DeKalb County.

The DeKalb County Community Foundation has awarded a $110,000 grant over three years to the DeKalb County Regional Office of Education to support several countywide programs focused on early learning and school readiness.

“This investment reflects a shared commitment to helping young children thrive,” said Jolene Willis, Foundation Grants & Community Initiatives Director. “We are deeply grateful to the donors who made this work possible and to the Regional Office of Education for continuing and strengthening these efforts.”

The grant supports ongoing coordination of the DeKalb County Collaborative for Young Children and Basics DeKalb County through 2027. For more than a decade, the Community Foundation has provided funding and supported early care and education efforts in DeKalb County in partnership with the Regional Office of Education, educators, nonprofits, and other public partners. Through these initiatives, the shared work has focused on giving children a strong start by strengthening coordination, supporting families, and promoting early learning and school readiness across the county.

“Systems change is possible when a community moves in one direction,” said Samantha McDavid, Coordinator of Early Learning Programs at the DeKalb County Regional Office of Education. “This generous support from the Community Foundation validates the collective impact work of the DeKalb County Collaborative for Young Children. This funding strengthens the efforts of the Regional Office of Education and our dedicated partners to bridge gaps in early childhood services, partner with families, and support our youngest learners so they are prepared for school and life.”

Beginning in 2026, the Regional Office of Education took the lead in coordinating the Kindergarten Readiness Toolkit Program, helping ensure it continues to reach families across DeKalb County. Since the program began in 2020, more than 5,000 toolkits have been distributed to children and families across the county. By transitioning the program to the Regional Office of Education, the work will continue under a trusted local organization with strong connections to schools, educators, and families. The toolkits provide age-appropriate books and learning materials that help children build key skills as they prepare to enter school. The Regional Office of Education works closely with schools and manages ongoing fundraising and program costs as part of the transition.

“This kind of partnership is exactly what our community needs to give children a strong start,” said Micki Chulick, a Community Foundation donor and lifelong child advocate. “When schools, community leaders, and donors work together, we can open more doors for young learners. We know that high-quality early care and education is essential for success in school and in life. Tony and I are proud to support the Foundation’s long-term commitment to this work through our CommunityWorks Fund, which was created to help sustain these important efforts for years to come.”

Funding for this work is made possible through the generosity of Community Foundation donors, with the majority of grant dollars coming from the endowed CommunityWorks Funds. Together, this support reflects a shared commitment to early learning and strong families. It also helps ensure these programs remain accessible and sustainable for children across DeKalb County. Anyone interested in helping grow these important Funds can contact Foundation Executive Director Dan Templin at dan@dekalbccf.org

For more information about the DeKalb County Community Foundation and its work to support local communities, visit dekalbccf.org.

About the DeKalb County Community Foundation

The DeKalb County Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter. Through grantmaking, endowment building, and community leadership, the Foundation works to improve quality of life for all who live and work in DeKalb County.

About the DeKalb County Regional Office of Education
The DeKalb County Regional Office of Education supports students, families, and educators by strengthening learning opportunities across DeKalb County. The Regional Office of Education works closely with schools and community partners to support early learning, promote family engagement, and help ensure children have the resources they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Volunteers at the 2026 Kindergarten Readiness Toolkit packing event included representatives from the Regional Office of Education, local educators, nonprofits, and other community partners.

Volunteers assemble more than 1,000 Kindergarten Readiness Toolkits during the 2026 packing event held in partnership with School Tool Box in DeKalb.

Hosted by the DeKalb County Collaborative for Young Children, Baby Fest connects families with home visiting programs, Basics Insights texting, and other early learning opportunities.

Playgroup events give families opportunities to learn about and practice The Basics.

Toddler Garden events give families an opportunity to practice The Basics together in nature.