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.
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.
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.
No, social security cards/numbers are not required to enroll in Georgia’s Pre-K.
The Social Security Number Information Form may be completed in lieu of providing a copy of your child’s Social Security card.
Georgia’s Pre-K Program operates just like a school classroom. Parents commit to sending their child to school for the complete 6.5 hour instructional 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.
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.
Chronic tardiness is defined as late arrival or early departure more than once per week.
You may search for Pre-K locations by clicking
here, this will take you to the Pre-K Provider Search a site listing can also be obtained by by contacting 1-877-ALL GA Kids (1-877-255-4254).
Parents/guardians should bring proof of Georgia residency and age documentation.
Pre-K providers cannot charge a registration fee for the 6.5 hour instructional day.
Each site can set their own registration dates, so check with the providers in your community.
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.
To learn how to enroll a child in Georgia's Pre-K program please refer to "Enrolling in Pre-K"available at
http://decal.ga.gov/BftS/EnrollingInPreK.aspx .
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 contact 1-877-ALL GA Kids (1-877-255-4254.
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.