Overview

The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is honored to offer 114 lottery funded Georgia Pre-Kindergarten Program classes in 76 sites throughout the district. The Pre-Kindergarten program is funded by the Georgia State Lottery, governed by Bright from the Start. The DCSD Pre-K program is an age appropriate instructional program that prepares students for a successful transition to kindergarten and beyond. In order for a child to be school ready, it means they are socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively prepared for success in kindergarten.

Note: A student is only eligible to participate in the lottery at the home school that serves the student’s address for the school year. If multiple registration forms are submitted, the child will be withdrawn from the DeKalb Pre-K program.

Parents may access the following Bright from the Start website for a complete listing of all private state-funded PreK programs in Georgia: www.decal.ga.gov or 1-888-442-7735. Interested parents are responsible for contacting these providers on an individual basis. The DeKalb County School District is not affiliated with any of the private providers listed on the website.

Why Pre-Kindergarten?

The DeKalb County School District’s Pre-Kindergarten Program helps children become independent, self-confident, enthusiastic learners. Participation in the program encourages children to develop good habits and daily routines. It encourages teachers to adopt child-centered instructional practices based on the interests and the skill levels of each child.

The vision of the Office of Early Childhood Education is to support caring and effective personnel who transform learning by creating engaging instruction, cultivating individual potential, and galvanizing resiliency and compassion for all early childhood students.
The mission of the Office of Early Childhood Education is to advance the practice of teaching and learning by promoting the understanding of early childhood development that supports the healthy progression of social, emotional, academic, and physical growth of the child.