For the 11th year, the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is again offering a six-week intensive academic program.
The summer program for rising kindergarteners is available for those who met the following criteria:
- Child did not attend a Georgia’s Pre-K Program or Head Start program during the 2020 – 2021 school year OR
- Child attended a Georgia’s Pre-K or Head Start program but did not attend the entire school year OR
- Child attended a Georgia’s Pre-K or Head Start classroom utilizing a hybrid or full distance learning model of instruction during the 2020 – 2021 school year OR
- Child attended a Georgia’s Pre-K or Head Start program the entire school year and falls into one of the priority groups listed below:
- Child identified as needing additional academic support by their teacher or other data
- Dual language learner (Home language is a language other than English)
- Foster care placement
- Child’s family is without permanent housing (homeless as defined by McKinney-Vento
- Homeless Assistance Act)
- Child with an Individual Education Program (IEP)
“The goal of Georgia’s Pre-K Program is to prepare four year olds academically and socially for kindergarten, but some students either do not attend Georgia Pre-K or Head Start or need additional help. The Summer Transition Program (STP) was created to support those students,” said DECAL Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs. “Dedicated Pre-K teachers and providers make this program successful, and we appreciate their willingness to participate again this summer.”
“The Summer Transition Program is a great opportunity for these young students to build their skills and confidence before moving into kindergarten,” added Susan Adams, Assistant Commissioner for Georgia’s Pre-K Program and Instructional Supports. Adams said the program will begin in early June.
Providers are chosen to participate through a competitive application process. Applications are available to providers beginning today with a submission deadline of close of business March 12, 2021. Locations chosen to provide the STP will be announced in April. After classes are awarded, a list of STP providers will be posted to www.decal.ga.gov, and parents can register their children directly with the programs.
