Episode 29 - Summer Transition Program

This episode of the Decal Download Podcast dives into Georgia's Summer Transition Program (STP), a vital initiative offered during June and July to prepare children for pre-K and kindergarten. Host Ray is joined by key DECAL leaders and program directors—Megan McNeil, Devin Porter, Jeff Randa, and Pam Weiser—who detail the program's evolution, impact, and structure. Originally launched in 2011 as a rising kindergarten program, STP has expanded to include rising pre-K, multilingual classrooms, and inclusion programs, serving over 300 classrooms across the state. The program targets children turning four by September 1st for rising pre-K and five for rising kindergarten, with a strong focus on dual language learners—particularly Spanish, Dari, and Farsi speakers—through immersive, culturally responsive instruction. The episode highlights the program's success in reducing summer learning loss, building school readiness, and fostering family engagement through bilingual transition coaches and in-house field trips, including a partnership with the Alliance Theater for arts-integrated learning. Guests emphasize the transformative experience for both children and families, urging policymakers to visit classrooms to witness the real impact firsthand.