Earlier this year, Governor Nathan Deal proposed new legislation that would reduce the Georgia Pre-Kindergarten program from the full, 6 1/2-hour day to a 4-hour day program. He was met with strong resistance from both parents and educators, and has since revised the plan.
As of now, the pre-K program will continue to be a full-day class for 4-year-olds in Georgia. However, the school year for these students will be reduced from 180 to 160 days. In addition, class size will increase from 20 to 22 children (with one lead teacher and one paraprofessional in each room, resulting in an 11:1 student:teacher ratio). Pre-K teachers will face a 10% salary cut to reflect the shorter school year, which is down from the 30% cut they were facing with the half-day program proposal. Governor Deal estimates these changes will save $21 million next year, and 2000 new students will be able to join the program.
Many questions remain, however. Which 20 days will the pre-K students not go to school with their older siblings and peers? Will there be alternate programs available on those days, at a cost, to help working parents with scheduling conflicts? Will some counties (including DeKalb) pick up the cost of those 20 extra days and allow the pre-K classes to remain on the same schedule with the rest of the elementary schools where they are housed? Stay tuned.
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In the meantime, here's how to register your child for next year. In DeKalb County, pre-K spaces are filled by way of a lottery. This year's DeKalb County Lottery will take place on April 14, 2011. In order to enroll in the lottery:
- Go to your home school between 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on April 14.
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- Student must turn 4 before Sep. 1, 2011.
- Parents of kindergarten-eligible students (who will be 5 by Sep. 1, 2011) who have an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or 504 plan may elect to have their child enter the Pre-K if it better meets the needs of the child (as outlined in the plan).
- When you go to register on April 14, make sure to have the following items with you:
1. Original Birth Certificate.
2. Proof of Residency (current electric, gas, or water bill, apartment lease, or house contract).
3. Child's social security number.
4. Photo ID.
The drawing for spots will take place at the school on Thursday afternoon, April 14. Any children not chosen will be placed on a waiting list and notified if space becomes available.
For more information, call the DeKalb County Pre-K help line at 678-676-0370.
