Applications to provide Georgia’s pre-K program now available

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is accepting applications for new and returning licensed childcare providers of Georgia’s Pre-K program for the 2020-2021 school year. The

deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 24, 5 p.m.

Georgia’s Pre-K Program is an educational program for age-eligible children in Georgia funded by the Georgia Lottery for education. To be eligible to apply for the Pre-K grant, an applicant must be a licensed childcare program, local school system or a Head Start program. Programs are offered in a variety of settings: public schools; for profit and nonprofit child care learning centers; military bases, and faith-based organizations.

To attend Georgia’s Pre-K in the 2020-2021 school year, a child must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2020. Georgia’s Pre-K Program normally operates on the regular school system calendar for the length of a typical school day.

This year, approximately 81,000 4-year-olds are being served in 3,859 Georgia’s Pre-K classes at 1,866 locations.

The purpose of the program is to prepare children for success in Kindergarten and later school years. Programs are offered in a variety of settings: public schools; for profit and nonprofit child care learning centers; military bases, and faith-based organizations.

“Since its beginning 27 years ago, Georgia’s Pre-K Program has grown and improved to meet the ever-changing needs of Georgia’s children and families,” said DECAL Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs. “Recent research supports that, on average, children’s skills in language/literacy, math, self-knowledge, and general knowledge gained during their Pre-K year were sustained through Kindergarten. These findings confirm that Pre-K provides the strong foundation needed for future learning.”

For more information about the application process for offering Georgia’s Pre-K Program, email panda.support@decal.ga.gov.