Georgia’s Universal Pre-K Marsha Moore, Executive Director Office of School Readiness

Target Population Georgia’s Pre-K Program is open to all four year olds regardless of family income.

In Georgia’s Pre-K Program Served: 65,900 Children Over 28,600 Category I In all 159 counties in Georgia

Benefits of Universal Access Expanded pool of Pre-K providers Removal of stigma associated with an “at-risk” program More diversified student population enriches learning experience for all children Trickle down effect on services to younger children as high quality Pre-K classes operate in the private early care and education sector Increased school readiness for ALL children

Help For Working Families Provides a cost effective high quality educational program for children and eliminates barriers faced by many low-income parents who need time to pursue work or education related opportunities Allows low and middle income families to send children to Pre-K Guaranteed before and after school child care subsidies for eligible families Expansion of Head Start program services Improved quality in classrooms serving younger children

Economic Development Pre-K funds are used as matching funds to increase access to federal education, nutrition, Medicaid and child care funds. Pre-K strengthens the fragmented fragile system of early care and education. Pre-K is a model of a successful education program that will improve all education outcomes in the state. A stronger education system will, in turn, attract business. Participation in high quality preschool programs has been linked to reduced high school drop out rates.

Challenges of Universal Access Funding in unstable economy Ensuring access in all areas Oversight and program quality

Office of School Readiness Governance Independent State Agency Executive Director appointed by Governor Reports Directly to Governor Operates Without Board of Directors Independent of the State Department of Education Uses Volunteer Advisory Groups

Office of School Readiness Responsibilities Universal Pre-K Program Child Care Services Nutrition Services Head Start Collaboration Project Standards of Care Program

Unique Features of Governance in Georgia Lottery Proceeds Provide Dedicated Funding Stream Successful Public/Private Partnership Voluntary Program Family Support Services Provided Interagency Collaboration to Coordinate Service Delivery at the Community Level

Advantages of the Governance Structure Allows Focus to Remain on Early Education Fast Response to Issues Eliminates Some Bureaucracy Associated With Large State Agency Ability to Treat Public and Private Providers as Independent Contractors Equalizes Footing Between Public and Private Providers Funding Formula Flexibility

Challenges of the Governance Structure Political Pressures Viewed as “Not Real School” Perception of Difference Between Public and Private Pre-K Programs School Systems Involved With Additional State Agency (DOE and OSR) Perceived as Having Too Much Autonomy

Funding Georgia Lottery for Education Legislation Mandates How Lottery Proceeds Spent Georgia General Assembly Allocates Funds Annually

Flow of Funding for Georgia ’ s Pre-K Program Citizens of Georgia Pre-K Providers Pre-K/OSR Georgia Lottery For Education State of Georgia  HOPE Scholarship  Technology  Educational Reserves

Pre-K Funding Formula The Pre-K funding formula is divided into salary and non-salary components and pays for the following types of expenses: – teacher and teacher assistant salaries – classroom supplies and materials – administration (maximum 6%) Pre-K providers must spend all Pre-K funds on the provision of Pre-K services but have flexibility once certain expenditure controls are met.

Funding Formula Rates Pre-K funding is based on a standard formula established by OSR. The amount paid to providers is based on the number of children served. The per child rate varies according to the lead teacher credential, location within the state and provider type. The base formula rate is $2481 to $3566.

Funding History School Year FundedApproximate Children Served Approximate Cost/Child $3 M(State) 750 (Pilot Year)$4, $182 M(Lottery) 44,000$4, $205 M(Lottery) 57,000$3, $210 M(Lottery) 60,000$3, $216 M(Lottery) 61,000$3, $225 M(Lottery) 62,000$3, $229 M(Lottery) 62,500$3, $237 M (Lottery) 63,500$3, $252 M(Lottery) 65,900$3,824 Totals$1,874 M (Lottery) 500,850

Public-Private Partnership Pre-K is a successful public-private partnership. Private sector providers serve more than 50% of the publicly funded Pre-K program children. Private sector participation significantly enhances program capacity and support in cost effective ways that expand private industry interests and maximize the use of limited state resources. The partnership saves facility construction costs and strengthens the local child care industry.

Unique Features of Georgia Pre-K Lottery funds provide dedicated monies Successful public/private partnership Voluntary program 180 days, 6.5 hours a day The goal is to prepare children to be successful in school. Family support services are provided. Interagency collaboration to coordinate service delivery at the community level

For additional information about Georgia’s Pre-K Program, visit our website at: