Universal pre-K for every four-year-old whose family wants it

What the campaign plan says

Our summary of the plan, published April 2026. Read the original.

• Georgia Pre-K reached about 58% of four-year-olds in 2023–24, and the plan counts about 52,000 more children who would need a seat.
• Full access could take up to 2,600 more classrooms, each with a lead teacher and an assistant teacher.
• Recurring costs would come from lottery revenue plus new casino-gaming revenue, which would need a constitutional amendment approved by voters. The plan assumes $300 million to $500 million a year and estimates about $330 million a year in added operating costs.
• One-time costs such as classroom conversion and equipment would come from reserves and other nonrecurring funds.
• Expansion would start in the counties with the longest waiting lists, then spread statewide as teachers and classrooms become available.
• An Early Educator Workforce Compact of colleges, technical colleges, RESAs, school systems and approved providers would build the teacher pipeline, alongside higher pay for early educators.

Not specified in the campaign material

• A calendar for statewide coverage
• Which counties would go first
• The size of the pay increase for early educators
• What happens if the casino amendment does not pass

Who can act on it

The Georgia General Assembly (budget and any constitutional amendment), the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (which runs Georgia Pre-K), and local school systems and providers that operate classrooms.

Why it matters to school boards: Most districts run some Georgia Pre-K classrooms. More seats would mean new space, staff and transportation decisions, and could change kindergarten enrollment and readiness.

Verified developments

1. November 4, 2026

   Won the November 2026 general election for governor, as projected by news organizations on election night.

   Fox 5 Atlanta: Bottoms wins Georgia governor race