Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is responsible for meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia's children and their families. It administers the nationally recognized Georgia's Pre-K Program, licenses child care centers and home-based child care, administers Georgia's Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program, federal nutrition programs, and manages Quality Rated, Georgia's community powered child care rating system. The department also houses the Head Start State Collaboration Office, distributes federal funding to enhance the quality and availability of child care, and works collaboratively with Georgia child care resource and referral agencies and organizations throughout the state to enhance early care and education. The Communications office is responsible for working with the press and developing the agency's communications strategy. The office communicates with the media by holding press conferences, issuing press releases and media advisories. The office also handles media requests for interviews and statements. The Government Relations office handles requests from legislators and other key stakeholders as well as tracks legislation during session. Interns will work closely with the Chief Communications Officer and the head of Government Relations and Special Projects. Duties may include: Assist with responding to media, preparing press releases, and social media posts, Assist with preparing talking points and other preparations for interviews Contribute to the monthly newsletter. Assist in filming, editing video and still photography. Assist in special agency events. Attend State House and Senate Committee Hearings and create summary documents (Spring), and Assist in tracking legislation May be asked to serve as agency costumed mascot for special events. Learning Objectives Gain knowledge of communication and government relation at the state agency level; knowledge of the state of early childhood education in the State of Georgia; knowledge of governmental agency operations.