Georgia Pre-K Week: A Tribute To Early Education

In October, we celebrate the success of Georgia's Pre-K program, all of the children it has helped prepare for Kindergarten, all those who will enjoy that same preparation in the future, and the generous educators who make it all happen.

The research is clear: children who enter Kindergarten with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes they need to succeed are more likely than their peers to experience later academic achievement and attain higher levels of education. Georgia’s Pre-K Program is a voluntary, free program available to all of Georgia’s four-year-olds regardless of parental income. Since its inception in 1992, more than 2 million Georgia students have been served by Georgia’s Pre-K. The program continues to be nationally recognized for its success. This is the 14th year of Georgia Pre-K Week! During the 2009-2010 recession, Georgia's Pre-K Program was nearly eliminated by the Georgia Legislature due to funding constraints. Since then, the first week of October has been dedicated to raising awareness of the importance and benefits of a quality Pre-K across our state by providing leaders the opportunity to engage with classrooms in their local communities.

Since its inception in 1992, Georgia's Pre-K Program has provided crucial early education to over 2 million students, transforming the landscape of early childhood learning in the state. This initiative not only equips children with essential school readiness skills but also promotes social and emotional development, laying a strong foundation for lifelong academic success. By fostering a love for learning from a young age, Georgia's Pre-K has helped to reduce achievement gaps, contributing to better educational outcomes and enhanced well-being for countless families across the state. 

Georgia's Pre-K Program significantly enhances children's school readiness skills, including literacy, numeracy, and whole child development. Research shows that participants demonstrate stronger critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, fostering a love for learning. The program promotes essential social skills, such as cooperation and communication, which ease the transition to kindergarten. 

Georgia's Pre-K Program helps kids understand the world around them through hands-on activities that teach social studies. They develop foundational math concepts through engaging activities. Interactive reading builds language and literacy development. Collaborative play nurtures social-emotional skills, preparing children for future academic challenges and interpersonal success.

To learn more about the Georgia Pre-K Program, visit Bright from the Start, Georgia's Department of Early Care and Learning.

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