GA Pre-K

Our Growing Room curriculums are tailored for Georgia Pre-K programs.

Develop

young minds.

Established in 1993 and funded by the Georgia Lottery for Education, the Pre-K Program provides 4-year-old children with a high-quality preschool experience. Each child is supported in his efforts to make decisions, think creatively, and solve problems at his own pace; providing the learning experiences needed to establish a solid academic foundation.

They will build listening skills, phonological awareness, reading and writing skills, expressive language skills, and build an understanding of numbers, patterns, shapes and so much more. 

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Georgia Pre-K

Call in advance to find out about special requirements to be eligible for the Georgia Pre-K program, including proof of residency, and to assure there are openings, contact your local Georgia-based Growing Room school.

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FAQs

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.
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 .
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.

More Information

GELDS – Pre-K teachers use Georgia Early Learning Development Standards (GELDS) to make every moment with your child a learning opportunity. To explore the GELDS, go to http://gelds.decal.ga.gov/

FAQ for Pre-K – https://www.decal.ga.gov/bfts/Faq.aspx?cat=Pre-K

Pre-K Family Handbook – https://www.decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/PreKFamilyHandbook.pdf

Summary of Georgia Immunization Requirements – https://www.decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/SummaryofGeorgiaImmunizationRequirements.pdf

Link to order Georgia birth certificate online – https://georgia.gov/birth-and-death-certificates

For more information on the High Reach curriculum, please visit www.highreach.com.

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THE CURRICULUM

Pre-K

To participate, your child must be 4 years old on September 1st of the given school year. Program hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and follow local public school calendars. The core instructional program is free; however, fees may be charged for meals and extended day services.

We use the HighReach Learning Approach in our Pre-K classrooms. This approach is theme-based and utilizes a balance of child-initiated and teacher-facilitated learning opportunities with hands-on activities where your child can explore and manipulate real objects and events. It encourages children to solve problems, be creative, be independent, explore, manipulate, investigate, and discover. It emphasizes on developing the whole child – physically, cognitively, and socially. The curriculum includes a suggested scope and sequence of activities to promote the development of the whole child. In this program, children will develop skills in language and literacy, math, science, social studies, and creativity. They will build listening skills, phonological awareness, reading and writing skills, expressive language skills, an understanding of numbers, patterns, and shapes and so much more.

The classrooms are arranged into clearly defined learning areas that include Language and Literacy, Math/Manipulative, Dramatic Play, Art, Blocks, Science, Music and Movement, and Outside Play. A predictable daily routine is followed and posted for children (readers and non-readers) to see. They will work on social and emotional development as well as health and physical development. This program encourages positive interactions to better enhance children’s feelings of comfort, security and self-esteem. Self-control, responsibility and respect for self, others and property are key skills introduced in these classrooms. Children will develop an appreciation of their roles as members of the family, classroom, and the community and a respect for differences in people.

The children will participate in a variety of gross-motor activities to develop control, balance, strength, and coordination. They will participate in activities that foster fine motor development. Children will understand healthy and safe living practices. This program addresses all phases of learning, and assessment is ongoing and involves parents. At the end of the school year, activities are planned to prepare the children and families for the transition to kindergarten.