ATLANTA – School bells are ringing for the state’s youngest learners as Georgia’s Pre-K Program begins its 34th year.
The first day of Georgia’s Pre-K Program varies based on school systems and child care providers.
Instruction started last week in Chattooga County and continues through the week of September 3 in Murray and Webster counties. Most Georgia school systems begin classes during the first two weeks of August.
“Research shows the early education of children from birth to age five is critical to their success in kindergarten and elementary school,” said Amy M. Jacobs, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, the state agency that administers the program. “We believe laying a solid foundation for academic and social emotional success in our youngest learners is also important for the long-term economic growth of Georgia by helping to build a competent and qualified workforce.”
Added Susan Adams, Deputy Commissioner for Georgia’s Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports: “Starting school is an exciting time for children and families and is also a time when learning and education become more formalized. Starting school is a big step, and we’re honored to provide the first quality formal education experience for many children in Georgia.”
For families enrolling their children in Georgia’s Pre-K Program, Adams offered these tips to make the first day go smoother:
• Attend Pre-K orientation at the school where your child will be attending and visit the classroom so your child is familiar with the new surroundings;
• Locate the bathroom with your child and determine special bathroom routines the school observes;
• Practice your morning routine days before the actual first day of school;
• Pick out your child’s outfit the night before and have everything you will need ready to go;
• Send your child to school in clothes they can manage independently in the bathroom;
• Make sure your child’s shoes are comfortable (sneakers are recommended) and safe for playtime;
• Tell your child’s teacher about any fears she/he may have;
• Discuss with the teacher any special dietary needs or allergies your child may have and ask for an explanation of program policies relating to children’s allergies.
• Complete necessary forms or releases your Pre-K provider may require for dispensing medication at school;
• Allow extra time for the first day of school once you arrive. Make sure you have time to say goodbye.
• Ask if your child can bring a familiar blanket for rest time: Can they bring a favorite stuffed animal?
• Send a family photo in your child’s backpack in case they get lonely.
Last year, Georgia achieved a historic milestone by meeting all 10 benchmarks in the annual National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) State of Pre-K Report Card for the 2024–25 school year. This accomplishment marked a major step forward for the state’s early childhood education system and underscored Georgia’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, pre-kindergarten experiences The achievement was made possible by increased funding from the Georgia Lottery. With statewide Pre-K at around 68,500 students, the teacher-to-student ratio decreased to 1:10 and class size was reduced to a maximum of 20, down from 22.
Georgia’s Pre-K Program began in 1992 as a pilot program serving 750 at-risk, four-year-olds at 20 locations. Because of the success of the Georgia Lottery, in 1995 the Pre-K program was opened to all four-year-old children regardless of family income. The program has been consistently ranked one of the top state programs in the nation by NIEER based on quality standards, teacher qualifications and enrollment.
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