HR 1173: Early Childhood Education Day at the state capitol; February 18, 2026; recognize

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives does not change any law. It formally designates February 18, 2026, as Early Childhood Education Day at the state capitol, recognizing early childhood educators, child care administrators, and staff for their work supporting young children and families. The resolution cites research on the benefits of high-quality early childhood education, including school readiness and long-term educational attainment, and notes that Georgia's licensed early childhood programs serve hundreds of thousands of children. It also encourages continued collaboration among policymakers, community leaders, and stakeholders to strengthen access to early childhood education. The Clerk of the House is directed to make copies of the resolution available to the public and the press.

• Designates February 18, 2026, as Early Childhood Education Day at the Georgia state capitol.
• Formally recognizes early childhood educators, program administrators, and staff for their work with young children and families.
• Encourages continued collaboration among policymakers, community leaders, and stakeholders to expand access to early childhood education.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and the press.

Early childhood educators, child care providers, and program administrators across Georgia, along with the Georgia Child Care Association and families who rely on licensed early childhood programs. The Clerk of the House is also directed to take an administrative action distributing copies of the resolution.

The resolution carries no legal or funding changes, but it gives formal state recognition to early childhood educators and providers, which can raise public awareness of child care issues and support advocacy efforts around early childhood education funding and access in Georgia.

• The resolution's whereas clauses describe the role of early childhood educators and the benefits of high-quality early childhood education in Georgia.
• The first resolving clause designates February 18, 2026, as Early Childhood Education Day at the state capitol.
• The second resolving clause encourages collaboration among policymakers, community leaders, and stakeholders on early childhood education access and sustainability.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and the press.

1. 2026-01-29House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-01-29House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-01-29House Hopper (House)

• Jan Jones (R, HD-047)Primary sponsor
• Chris Erwin (R, HD-032)
• Carmen Rice (R, HD-139)
• Bethany Ballard (R, HD-147)
• Scott Hilton (R, HD-048)
• Matt Dubnik (R, HD-029)

• early childhood education
• child care
• state capitol recognition
• Georgia families