Representatives of the Georgia Child Care Association told lawmakers that staffing shortages have forced classroom closures (58% of members reporting closures), widespread hiring challenges and severe burnout; they urged CAPS changes, behavioral supports, career ladders and capital investments.

Chroma and other providers told the committee Georgia is losing licensed childcare centers and urged a menu of policy options including wage supplements, refundable educator tax credits, cost‑based subsidy rates, Tri‑Share employer models and a proposed $300 million children's trust fund.