Shawnell Johnson

Shawnell Johnson is an early childhood educator with extensive experience in public policy. Shawnell started her career teaching as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher at a child care program in Atlanta and became the center’s Curriculum Director, where she provided instructional support to teachers and helped the center achieve national accreditation.

After gaining direct knowledge and experience in the child care field, she moved into state government. She has spent over a decade at the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). Currently, she is the Director of Program Administration of the Child Care and Parent Services (CAPS) program, where she leads the operation of a comprehensive system of child care financial assistance and services for families who experience low incomes. Prior to CAPS, she worked in the state’s Child Care Services division, helping child care providers meet health and safety standards. She has experience with delivering training and providing technical assistance to child care providers and families. She has served in numerous committees and worked collaboratively with other state agencies, professional associations, and stakeholders to support quality improvement efforts for child care providers to become Quality Rated and improve access for families. Supporting families and child care providers has been an integral part of her career.

Shawnell has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from Fisk University and a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Mercer University.