THE GEORGIA PRE-K PROGRAM
What is the Georgia Prekindergarten Program?
The Georgia Prekindergarten Program was established in 1993 to provide Georgia's four-year-old children with high-quality preschool experiences.
This unique program, funded by the Georgia Lottery for Education, is expected
to serve about 63,500 children this school year. With this statewide prekindergarten
program, Georgia reaches a higher proportion of four-year-old children
than any other state in the nation.
The goal of every Georgia Prekindergarten classroom is to provide our
four year olds with the learning experiences they need in order to prepare
for kindergarten.
How Does the Program Impact Early Childhood Education?
The Georgia Prekindergarten Program is successfully preparing children for school by providing an opportunity for them to develop school readiness skills in an environment that encourages children to have fun while learning.
An evaluation by Georgia State University found that children who attended
prekindergarten had higher academic and social ratings by their kindergarten
teachers and better kindergarten attendance than children who did not
attend preschool programs. Participation in a high-quality preschool program
also helps children develop social and preacademic skills that will help
them succeed in kindergarten and throughout their educational experiences.
Other studies have also shown that children who enter kindergarten ready
to learn are much more likely to succeed in school.
Who is Eligible?
Children four years of age on September 1 of the current school year, whose parents are Georgia residents, are eligible to attend the Georgia Prekindergarten Program during this school year. The Program is voluntary for both families and communities.
Because participation in the Prekindergarten Program is voluntary on the
part of public schools and private child development centers, there may
not be enough spaces in every community for all four year olds who wish
to participate. Every effort will be made to contract with eligible centers
to match children with available spaces.
When are the Programs Offered?
Prekindergarten programs usually operate on the regular school system calendar for the length of a typical school day.
Extended day services beyond the 6.5 hour instructional day (before- and
after-school care) are available in our center.
What should I bring with me to registration?
Parents/guardians should bring proof of Georgia residency. Examples of such proof include, but are not limited to:
*
Utility Bill
* Library Card
* Voter Registration Card
* Letter from a shelter or employer.
Documentation of age is also required. Birth certificates, passports,
official medical documents, or official documents from other countries
are acceptable to document age.
How much does it cost to register for the Georgia Pre-K Program?
Pre-K
providers cannot charge a registration fee for the 6.5-hour instructional
day.
What are the School Readiness Goals of the Prekindergarten Program?
The school readiness goals of the Georgia Prekindergarten Program are to provide a developmentally appropriate preschool program emphasizing growth in language and literacy, math concepts, science, arts, physical development, and personal and social competence. Suggested activities for children participating in the Georgia Prekindergarten Program are as follows:
Language and Literacy:
Understand
and tell stories
Recognize pictures, words, and stories
Recognize ABC s
Understand that writing is communication
Math Concepts:
Count
and sort objects into groups
Recognize shapes
Make comparisons of size, shape, length, and weight
Science:
Explore
the natural environment
Observe seasonal changes
Communicate observations
Use tools to measure
Arts:
Express
ideas and thoughts in creative ways
Paint, draw, and sculpt
Listen to music and sing songs
Recognize colors
Physical Development:
Move
with balance and coordination
Participate in indoor and outdoor physical activity
Use writing tools, puzzles, scissors, blocks, clay, and computers
Social Competence:
Play
and work cooperatively
Follow classroom rules
Interact positively with other children
Goals for Parents:
Actively
participate in your child's education
Understand the correlation between home environment and school success
Be aware of available community resources
Preparing
Our Children for Success in School is the Best Gift We Can Give Them