Starting Pre-K is an exciting step in your child’s learning journey—a time to explore, build friendships and become comfortable with new routines. Georgia’s Pre-K is a Georgia Lottery-funded early-learning program that helps families take that next step toward kindergarten.

Explore Georgia Pre-K at Chroma and use our campus finder to begin a conversation with a participating location. Chadwick and North Hall do not offer Georgia Pre-K.

Who can attend?

Children must live in Georgia and turn four by September 1 of the school year. For 2026–2027, families may also choose Pre-K at age five if their child has not previously been served. Children who are six by September 1 are not eligible. DECAL eligibility.

If your child will enter at five, the campus can walk you through the required parent acknowledgment and review any earlier attendance. Withdrawing within the first 30 instructional days can preserve eligibility for the following year. If your child turns four after September 1, plan for the next eligible school year.

How do we apply?

Start by contacting your preferred participating campus. Ask when registration opens, how to apply and when families hear back. Each provider sets its enrollment process, which may use first-come selection or a lottery drawing. DECAL enrollment procedures.

Gather proof of your child’s age and Georgia residence. Accepted age records include a birth certificate, passport or hospital live-birth record. Residency examples include a lease, utility bill or shelter letter. If you need help finding the right paperwork, ask the campus which documents fit your circumstances.

You will also need immunization documentation (Form 3231 or an applicable exemption) and hearing, vision, dental and nutrition screening documentation (Form 3300). DECAL allows filing periods after entry: 30 calendar days for immunization documentation and 90 for screenings. You can begin the application while arranging these documents; ask the campus about deadlines and any appointment provisions that apply. DECAL enrollment documents; health-document requirements.

If your preferred classroom is full, ask about its waiting list and other participating locations nearby.

Does my child need to be toilet trained?

No. Independent toileting cannot be a condition of Georgia Pre-K enrollment. Discuss your child’s routines and support needs with the director so you can plan together. DECAL enrollment protections, §3.1.

What is the school day like?

The program provides 6.5 instructional hours daily across 180 instructional days. The campus calendar will help you plan for start and dismissal times, holidays and teacher-planning days. DECAL family program overview.

The current standard classroom maximum is 20 children. DECAL classroom requirements, §5.2.

During your campus conversation, ask how stories, play, movement and conversation come together throughout the day. It is a helpful way to picture your child’s experience and talk about the routines that will help them settle in.

What qualifications do teachers need?

Lead teachers qualify through DECAL-approved degree or certification pathways. These include approved early-childhood or related degrees, as well as other bachelor’s degrees paired with an approved early-childhood credential. Georgia teaching certification is one pathway, rather than a universal requirement. Ask about your classroom teacher’s background and approach to helping children learn. DECAL lead-teacher qualifications.

What is free, and what may be separate?

Georgia Pre-K instruction is free, including program registration, curriculum materials and classroom supplies. Before- or after-school care is a separate service and may carry charges where offered. The campus’s written policies can help you plan for your family’s needs. DECAL family fee explanation.

Meal charges follow DECAL rules and depend on family eligibility. Families with verified Category One status, and children whose meals receive CACFP reimbursement, are exempt from meal charges. Ask the campus to explain which policy applies to your family. Upfront meal or extended-day payments cannot be required for enrollment. DECAL meal and enrollment protections.

A practical planning note: Openings, schedules and additional services vary by campus. Confirm enrollment with your chosen location and ask about meals, transportation, school-break or summer care and any separate charges before finalizing your plans. DECAL family handbook.

How can we support our child?

Small, familiar moments can make starting school feel more comfortable. Share books, talk about the day, play together and practice morning routines at a pace that feels right for your child.

Ask the teacher how learning is planned and how your child’s progress will be discussed. Georgia Pre-K uses approved curriculum aligned with the Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards. DECAL family classroom overview.

If your child has a disability, developmental concern or existing support plan, share what helps them feel comfortable and participate. A conversation with the director can help you explore their needs and how to coordinate with the relevant support team.

Questions to take to your campus conversation

  • Is this campus offering Georgia Pre-K this school year, and what is its application or waiting-list process?
  • Which documents should we provide, and who can help with missing paperwork?
  • What are the instructional hours, calendar and pickup procedures?
  • Who teaches the class, and what are their approved qualifications?
  • How will you communicate about learning, routines and our child’s support needs?
  • What do the written meal and separate-service policies say?
  • Can we arrange a visit, and what can we see or discuss at that time?

Take the next step together

Ready to explore Georgia Pre-K for your child? Discover Georgia Pre-K at Chroma, then use our campus finder to contact a participating location. Bring your questions about learning, routines and enrollment, and start a conversation about your child’s next chapter.