What are the age requirements to enroll in Georgia’s Pre-K Program?
A child must be age-eligible (four-years-old on September 1) and a Georgia resident. Acceptable proof of age must be on file the day the child begins the Pre-K program.
What is considered acceptable documents for proof of age?
Examples of acceptable proof of age include: Original/certified birth certificate, passport, green card, pink card, or Federal I-94 card and hospital record of live birth. Immunization forms and Medicaid cards are not acceptable documentation for proof of age.
What is acceptable documentation for proof-of-residency?
Examples of proof of residency include: current lease, current vehicle registration form, letter from shelter, letter from employer if employer provides housing, mortgage documents, property tax notice, homeowner's insurance bill, or current Peachcare eligibility documents and any utility bill listing the residence as the service address. A cell phone bill or a driver’s license are not acceptable proof of residency.
Does my child have to have a social security card/number to attend?
No, social security cards/numbers are not required to enroll in Georgia’s Pre-K.
Is there a specific waiver form I need since my child does not have a social security number?
There is not a specific waiver form required by Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. If you do not wish to or cannot provide a social security number for your child, you may provide a written statement to the school/center stating that you do not wish to or cannot provide that information.
Can I pick up my child early a few days a week?
Georgia’s Pre-K Program operates just like a school classroom. Parents commit to sending their child to school for the complete 6.5 hours day 180 days per year. Children can be disenrolled for being chronically tardy in the morning or being picked up prior to the end of the instructional day.
Can I bring lunch for my child?
Georgia’s Pre-K requires centers and schools provide a complete nutritional meal for children. Local schools/sites may set policies regarding bringing food to school. If your child has identified special food requirements, contact your Pre-K provider for individual guidance.
What is “excessive” in regards to the tardy policy?
Chronic tardiness is defined as late arrival or early departure more than once per week.
How do I know who offers Pre-K in my area?
You may search for Pre-K locations by clicking
here, this will take you to the Pre-K Provider Search on our website. Or a site listing can also be obtained by calling 1-888-4GA-PREK or (404) 656-5957.
What should I bring to registration?
Parents/guardians should bring proof of Georgia residency and age documentation.
How much does it cost to register for Pre-K?
Pre-K providers cannot charge a registration fee for the 6.5 hours instructional day.
Will my child participate in graduation at the end of Pre-K?
Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning does not recommend “graduation” for four-year-old children as an appropriate activity. More appropriate activities include, but are not limited to, a field day, an open house, family/child picnic, dinner, etc.
When will Pre-K Registration be held?
Each site can set their own registration dates, so check with the providers in your community.
Why doesn’t my child’s class take field trips?
Field trips are recommended but not a required part of Georgia’s Pre-K. Schools/centers are encouraged to offer special educational experiences, which may include, but are not limited to field trips.
What do I need to know to enroll a child in Georgia's Pre-K Program?
To learn how to enroll a child in Georgia's Pre-K program can be obtained from the article "Enrolling in Pre-K".
The Pre-K class I wanted is full. What do I do now?
Most programs maintain a waiting list of students who are interested in attending Pre-K at their program. You will need to contact the program and request that your child's name be placed on their waiting list. The site will contact you directly if a slot becomes available for your child. You may also search for additional pre-k sites in your area by using the online
Provider Search (instructions provided on the search page) or calling 404-656-5957 (toll-free at 1-888-4GA-PREK) and asking for the Pre-K consultant of the day. If you need additional assistance, please call the department (1-888-4GA-PREK) and ask to be connected with the Pre-K consultant assigned to your area.
How can I start saving for college for my child?
Although your child is only beginning his education, now is a good time to start planning for the future. The Path2College 529 Plan, an authority operated under the Georgia Office of Treasury and Fiscal Services (OTFS), gives parents a way to start saving today to prepare for a child's tomorrow. With a Path2College 529 Plan account, any earnings in your account are free from federal income taxes when used for qualified higher education expenses. Then, when it's time for college, the money you withdraw for qualified higher education expenses is also tax-free.
For additional information visit the
Path2College website.