Pre-K centers across the state will celebrate Georgia Pre-K Week, welcoming state, business and community leaders to visit and learn about the value of early childhood education.

Oct. 6-10 is the state’s official Pre-K Week, hosted by Voices for Georgia’s Children (www.georgiavoices.org) and supported by Georgia Power, Synovus and Scholastic Corporation. The weeklong, statewide celebration brings together a diverse group of leaders and places them in Pre-K classrooms in all 159 counties, drawing attention to this hallmark program that was pioneered in Georgia 22 years ago.  

“Georgia’s nationally recognized Pre-K program supports a critical developmental milestone each year for 84,000 four year olds,” said Pat Willis, Executive Director of Voices for Georgia's Children, a child advocacy organization. “Our state’s outstanding Pre-K program and other health and early learning programs work together to help children read to learn by third grade.” 

Georgia Pre-K Week invites community leaders into the classroom showcasing how early education is making a difference for our children. Gov. Nathan Deal and First Lady Sandra Deal will be among the first to read a children’s book to a Pre-K class and experience firsthand the joy and excitement of our youngest learners. Copies of Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons, written by Georgia children’s author Eric Litwin and illustrated by Georgia artist James Dean were donated for the event.