SR977: SR977 Georgia Pre-K Week; recognize October 5-9, 2026

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia Senate rather than a change to state law. It recognizes October 5-9, 2026, as Georgia Pre-K Week, marking the 16th year the observance has been held by Voices for Georgia's Children and the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. The resolution recounts the history of Georgia's Pre-K Program, started in 1992 under Governor Zell Miller, and cites research on its educational benefits and national ranking. It thanks the teachers, aides, and staff who work in the program, including two named Teachers of the Year for 2025-2026, and encourages parents, educators, and community and business leaders to take part in the week and support early education. The Senate also directs that a copy of the resolution be given to Voices for Georgia's Children.

• Formally designates October 5-9, 2026, as Georgia Pre-K Week in Georgia.
• Thanks the programs, teachers, aides, and staff involved in Georgia's Pre-K and other early education programs.
• Encourages parents, educators, community members, and business leaders to participate in the week and support early education.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to Voices for Georgia's Children.

The resolution touches Georgia's Pre-K teachers, aides, and program staff, the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, Voices for Georgia's Children, and by extension the families and four-year-old children who take part in Georgia's Pre-K Program statewide.

The resolution does not change funding, staffing rules, or program requirements; it is a symbolic recognition. Its practical effect is publicity and appreciation for Georgia's Pre-K Program during a designated week, which may draw attention to ongoing discussions about class sizes, teacher pay, and program access.

• The resolution recites the history and outcomes of Georgia's Pre-K Program, including its 1992 founding and current statewide reach.
• It references findings from a Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute study on learning gains from Pre-K participation.
• It notes recommendations from the House Working Group on Early Childhood Education, such as restoring class sizes to 20 students and raising assistant teacher pay.
• The final resolved clause designates October 5-9, 2026, as Georgia Pre-K Week and calls for public participation.
• A further clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to Voices for Georgia's Children.

1. 2026-03-19Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-03-18Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)Primary sponsor
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Steven McNeel (R, SD-018)
• Timothy Bearden (R, SD-030)
• Shawn Still (R, SD-048)
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• Greg Dolezal (R, SD-027)

• Pre-K education
• early childhood education
• Georgia schools
• legislative recognition