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Bright From The Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. Lyn Steed University of West Georgia. Georgia’s Pre-K Program. Established in 1993, serving 750 at-risk children. By 1995, enrollment was 44,000 and opened to all eligible 4-year olds.
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Bright From The Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Lyn Steed University of West Georgia
Georgia’s Pre-K Program • Established in 1993, serving 750 at-risk children. • By 1995, enrollment was 44,000 and opened to all eligible 4-year olds. • Private/public partnership allows over 74,000 children served each year. • Provides a smooth transition from Pre-K to Kindergarten.
Essentials for School Readiness • Children are physically healthy, rested and well-nourished. • Children are able to communicate needs, wants, and thoughts verbally. • Children are enthusiastic and curious in approaching new activities.
Components of Pre-K • Play and learning centers • Understand how children learn • Active learning Consistent daily routines • Positive behavioral management • Assessment strategies • Provide appropriate experiences emphasizing growth language and literacy, math concepts, science, social studies, arts, health, physical development and social and emotional competence.
Variety of School Settings • Public/private elementary schools • Public/private secondary schools • Post secondary campus • Learning centers (profit and non-profit) • Head Start • Hospitals • Military bases • YMCA/YWCA
Georgia Pre-K • Variety of Curriculum Choices • Offered free to all 4 years old with birthday by Sept. 1 • 6.5 hour instructional day, 5 days a week, 180 days a year. • Each class must have a lead teacher (certified °reed) and one trained assistant.
Georgia Pre-K • Classrooms clearly arranged in defined learning areas. • All learning areas are equipped to provide children opportunities to explore, manipulative, investigate and discover. • Have appropriate daily routine • Facility meets child/staff ratio • Provides an environment and instruction that promotes language development.
Kindergarten Readiness • Practice morning routines (moment of silence, pledge) • Raising hand to answer questions • Practice carrying cafeteria trays • Learn to open milk cartons and straws • Learn to open condiment packets • Practice walking in a line • Answer roll call • Practice getting on and off a bus
Kindergarten Readiness • Practice checking out library books • Listen to read aloud books • Learn to sharpen a pencil • Practice working in groups and with a partner. • Practice packing and unpacking book bag.