Lisa Kingry, director of The Family Tree Child Development Center at Phoebe, has been appointed by Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning as a member of the 2017-2018 Quality Rated Advisory Committee. Kingry began serving her 18-month term in January alongside 19 of her counterparts from around the state.
 
“I am pleased the Department of Early Care and Learning recognizes the importance of listening to those of us on the ground, day-in and day-out, providing care to our most precious resources, our children,” said Kingry. “It is exciting to think that my voice will be heard and could potentially impact the future of early care and learning in Georgia. This is an exciting time to represent the Early Care and Learning industry, Phoebe and all of South Georgia.”
 
The purpose of the committee is to provide direct feedback to DECAL about the Quality Rated program and process, which will help enhance the value of the program and increase participation. Quality Rated is Georgia’s system to determine, improve and communicate the quality of programs that provide child care, in the state. Quality Rated assigns one, two or three stars to early education and school-age programs that meet or exceed the minimum state requirements. By participating in Georgia’s voluntary Quality Rated program, facilities make a commitment to work continuously to improve the quality of child care they provide to children and families. In 2016, The Family Tree was awarded a three star rating.
 
Kingry has more than 30 years of experience working with children and families. She began her career with the Turner County School System as an elementary school teacher and later served as the system’s Title I Parent Involvement Coordinator and Student Team Coordinator. She also has taught early childhood classes at Moultrie Technical College. Prior to joining Phoebe in 2014, she served as the executive director of Turner County Connection-Communities in Schools of Turner County, the local non-profit Family Connection collaborative and CIS local affiliate organizations.
 
Additionally, Kingry serves on the Georgia Association for the Education of Young Children board of directors and on the education committee for Child Care in Health Care, a national network addressing the responsibilities, needs and problems of child care in healthcare.