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Nationally, only 37% of children arrive in kindergarten with the skills they need to be successful in school. Several states, like Georgia, have created universal Pre-K programs to address these deficits and provide more children with quality early learning opportunities. These programs are considered universal because all children are eligible, though funding often limits the number of seats available. The state of Georgia currently ranks 8th in the nation in the percentage of students who attend state-funded Pre-K programs.

Quality Pre-K programs are essential in building social, emotional, and cognitive skills needed for success in kindergarten and beyond. In these early years, children learn a lot from their settings and environment. A quality Pre-K program allows children to develop language skills, practice social skills by interacting and forming relationships with others, and improve self-regulation and emotional skills.

Quality programs provide children with stimulating environments that allow them to explore the world around them, usually through play-based activities. These can include:

  • Hands-on activities: art & crafts projects, science experiments, building blocks, and sensory play
  • Story-telling, reading, imaginative play, singing, and dancing
  • Collaborative activities where children work together to create something or solve problems
  • Appropriate use of technology and devices
  • Plenty of free play and outdoor exploration

Children may be considered at risk if any of the following apply:

  • from low-income families
  • currently in foster care
  • from migratory farm families
  • are currently homeless or housing insecure
  • have a diagnosed disability

Research on Quality Pre-K Programs

Research on Quality Pre-K Programs:

Research suggests the first 5 years of life are critical to brain development. During this time children are learning and developing through interaction with people and their environment, calling for some states to extend universal Pre-K programs to all 3 year old children as well, though only about 6% of 3 year olds nationwide are in state funded programs.

Evidence suggests that students that attend a quality Pre-K program have higher graduation rates, lower rates of suspension, and are less likely to be involved in the juvenile justice system. They are also more likely to attend and graduate from college. Beyond equipping kids with skills needed to be successful in the classroom, quality Pre-K programs provide the socio-emotional development necessary for early childhood success.

To find a Quality Rated Childcare Facility near you, including at home providers, you can search the DECAL website. This includes quality rated providers that serve children from birth to kindergarten.

Online and Community Resources

Where to find Georgia Pre-K Programs in Bulloch County and register your child

If you work outside of Bulloch County and would like to find a provider closer to your workplace, you can search the Georgia Department of Early Learning and Care website to find a provider near you.


Georgia Department of Education GKIDS Kindergarten Readiness Checklist

The Georgia Department of Education has created the GKIDS Readiness Check to provide an assessment of skills of students entering kindergarten. Parents that would like to find out what skills are important to make sure kids are ready socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically to enter kindergarten can find information and activities to help support learning at home on the GKIDS Readiness Check website.