What Is Georgia S Pre-K?

FACT SHEET – BASICS OF GEORGIA’S PRE-K

What is Georgia’s Pre-K?

·  Educational program for 4-year-old children funded by the Georgia Lottery.

·  Launched in 1992 for families below a designated income level; opened to all families in 1995

·  Administered by Bright from the Start, the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL).

Who provides Georgia’s Pre-K programs?

·  Available in all 159 counties in the state

·  Provided by approved public schools, private and nonprofit childcare centers, military bases and other education centers under contract with DECAL.

How many children are enrolled in Georgia’s Pre-K?

·  During the 2013-14 school year, Georgia’s Pre-K served approximately 84,000 children (about 60% of the state’s 145,000 4-year-olds) in approximately 3900 classes.

·  Since its inception, Georgia’s Pre-K has educated over 1.3 million students.

What services does Georgia’s Pre-K provide?

·  In 2014-15, classes will operate 180 days/year, 6.5 hours/day, aligned with the K-12 calendar.

·  Maximum class size is 22 students.

·  Teachers are required to have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field and teacher certification. Assistant teachers also must meet minimum credential requirements.

·  Curriculum is aligned with Pre-K standards and birth through third grade standards.

How is Georgia’s Pre-K funded?

·  Georgia’s Pre-K is funded almost exclusively by Georgia Lottery proceeds.

·  In 2013-14 Pre-K received proceeds over $300 million.

·  Federal funds provide approximately $335,000 for quality improvement.

·  No state general revenues support Georgia’s Pre-K.

·  Participating centers may supplement costs of Georgia’s Pre-K but may not charge tuition.

Why is Pre-K important to Georgia?

·  Studies confirm that educational programs for preschool-aged children of all income groups are beneficial for early reading performance, but are especially effective for low-income children.

·  Approximately 30% of Georgia’s children under 6 live at or below the poverty level.

·  A study in 2012 by the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill demonstrated that children in Georgia’s Pre-K exhibited significant growth during their Pre-K year across all domains of learning, including language and literacy skills, math skills, general knowledge, and behavioral skills.

·  Georgia continues to lag behind the nation in high school graduation.

·  National longitudinal studies report that quality Pre-K for very poor 3- and 4- year olds will lead to fewer retentions, less need for special education services and higher graduation rates; and cost savings for the government due to lower instances of welfare, incarceration and substance abuse.

Voices for Georgia’s Children is a non profit child policy and advocacy organization. To learn more about us, visit our website at www.georgiavoices.org.