Georgia Pre-K Week; recognize October 5-9, 2026
Senate Resolution 977 is a commemorative resolution recognizing October 5–9, 2026, as Georgia Pre-K Week. The resolution highlights the history and statewide reach of Georgia’s Pre-K Program, noting that it began in 1992 as a pilot program, has been administered by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning since 2004, and now serves more than 70,000 children annually in all 159 counties. It also cites research and program recognition showing that Georgia Pre-K improves school readiness and produces lasting gains in children’s learning outcomes.
The resolution further celebrates the educators and staff who support the program, including the 2025–2026 Georgia Pre-K Teachers of the Year, and encourages parents, educators, community members, and business leaders to support high-quality, accessible, and affordable early education. It references ongoing efforts to improve the program, including recommendations from a House Working Group on Early Childhood Education related to class sizes, teacher pay, operating funds, enrollment counting, and lease payments for private providers. The resolution itself does not change law or create new program requirements; it is a formal expression of legislative support and public recognition.
SR 977 has no direct legal effect and does not amend Georgia statutes or appropriate funds. Its practical impact is symbolic and promotional: it designates a week of recognition for Georgia Pre-K, acknowledges the Department of Early Care and Learning and participating providers, and reinforces legislative interest in early childhood education policy. By citing improvement recommendations, it may also help frame future policy discussions about Pre-K funding, staffing, access, and provider support.
The overall sentiment around the resolution is strongly supportive and celebratory. The bill presents Georgia Pre-K as a successful, nationally recognized program that benefits children, families, and the state’s education system, and it praises the teachers, aides, staff, and partner organizations involved. No votes or committee debate are provided, but the text itself reflects broad bipartisan-style appreciation for early childhood education and encouragement for continued public support.
There is little direct contention in the resolution because it is a nonbinding recognition measure. The only potentially contentious material appears in the background references to the House Working Group on Early Childhood Education, which identified policy changes such as smaller class sizes, higher assistant teacher pay, pay parity with K-12 teachers, increased operating funds, counting Pre-K enrollment for school system earnings, and equivalent lease payments for private providers. Those recommendations suggest areas where future legislation could involve budgetary and program-design disputes, but SR 977 itself does not resolve them.