georgia’s universal pre-k marsha moore, executive director office of school readiness
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Georgia’s Universal Pre-KMarsha Moore, Executive Director
Office of School Readiness
Target PopulationTarget Population
Georgia’s Pre-K Program is open to all four year olds regardless of family income.
In 2002-2003 Georgia’s In 2002-2003 Georgia’s Pre-K Program Served:Pre-K Program Served:
65,900 ChildrenOver 28,600 Category IIn all 159 counties in Georgia
Benefits of Universal Benefits of Universal AccessAccess
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 Help For Working FamiliesFamilies
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 DevelopmentEconomic 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 Challenges of Universal AccessAccess
Funding in unstable economyEnsuring access in all areasOversight and program quality
Office of School Office of School ReadinessReadiness
GovernanceGovernanceIndependent State AgencyExecutive Director appointed by GovernorReports Directly to GovernorOperates Without Board of DirectorsIndependent of the State Department of
EducationUses Volunteer Advisory Groups
Office of School Office of School Readiness Readiness
ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities
Universal Pre-K ProgramChild Care ServicesNutrition ServicesHead Start Collaboration ProjectStandards of Care Program
Unique Features of Unique Features of Governance in GeorgiaGovernance in Georgia
Lottery Proceeds Provide Dedicated Funding Stream
Successful Public/Private PartnershipVoluntary ProgramFamily Support Services ProvidedInteragency Collaboration to Coordinate
Service Delivery at the Community Level
Advantages of the Advantages of the Governance StructureGovernance 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 Challenges of the Governance StructureGovernance Structure
Political PressuresViewed as “Not Real School”Perception of Difference Between Public
and Private Pre-K ProgramsSchool Systems Involved With Additional
State Agency (DOE and OSR)Perceived as Having Too Much Autonomy
FundingFunding
Georgia Lottery for EducationLegislation Mandates How Lottery
Proceeds SpentGeorgia General Assembly Allocates Funds
Annually
GEORGIA LOTTERY TRANSFERS TO EDUCATION FY 1994-2003
$362,635,000
$500,429,000
$543,234,000
$581,439,000$555,072,000
$646,705,000
$683,827,000
$726,202,000$751,557,000
$691,672,000
$-
$100,000,000
$200,000,000
$300,000,000
$400,000,000
$500,000,000
$600,000,000
$700,000,000
$800,000,000
FY1994 FY1995 FY1996 FY1997 FY1998 FY1999 FY2000 FY2001 FY2002 FY2003
Flow of Funding for Flow of Funding for Georgia’s Pre-K ProgramGeorgia’s Pre-K Program
Citizens of Georgia
Pre-K Providers
Pre-K/OSR
Georgia Lottery For Education
State of Georgia
HOPE ScholarshipTechnologyEducational Reserves
Pre-K Funding FormulaPre-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 RatesFunding Formula RatesPre-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 HistoryFunding HistorySchool Year
Funded Approximate Children Served
Approximate Cost/Child
1992-93 $3 M(State) 750 (Pilot Year)
$4,000
1995-96 $182 M(Lottery) 44,000 $4,136
1996-97 $205 M(Lottery) 57,000 $3,596
1997-98 $210 M(Lottery) 60,000 $3,500
1998-99 $216 M(Lottery) 61,000 $3,540
1999-00 $225 M(Lottery) 62,000 $3,629
2000-01 $229 M(Lottery) 62,500 $3,664
2001-02 $237 M (Lottery)
63,500 $3,732
2002-03 $252 M(Lottery) 65,900 $3,824
Totals $1,874 M (Lottery)
500,850
Public-Private Public-Private PartnershipPartnership
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 Unique Features of Georgia Pre-KGeorgia 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:
www.osr.state.ga.us