Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS)

Georgia has a long history of leading efforts to support positive early learning and development outcomes for young children. The Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS) provide a comprehensive framework describing what children from birth to age five should know and be able to do across key developmental domains. Designed to support high-quality learning experiences, the GELDS recognize that children develop at individual rates and within diverse cultural and community contexts.

The recently updated GELDS reflect current research and best practices in early childhood education and child development. Revisions include the integration of findings from the Science of Reading, incorporation of the latest research on how young children learn and develop, and refinements to the developmental continuums to more accurately represent children's developmental progressions. These updates strengthen alignment across the birth-to-five years and support educators in providing intentional, evidence-based learning experiences that build a strong foundation for future success.

The GELDS continue to serve as a flexible framework for curriculum, instruction, assessment, and family engagement, helping ensure that Georgia's youngest learners are prepared for continued learning and development as they transition into kindergarten and beyond. The GELDS are aligned with the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework, the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) for K-12, and the Work Sampling System Assessment.

For more information, visit www.gelds.decal.ga.gov.