The research is clear: children who enter Kindergarten with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes they need to succeed are more likely than their peers to experience later academic achievement and attain higher levels of education. Georgia’s Pre-K Program is a voluntary, free program available to all of Georgia’s fouryear-olds regardless of parental income. Approximately 1.6 million Georgia students have been served by Georgia’s Pre-K since it began in 1992. The program continues to be nationally recognized for its success. Pre-K Week began eight years ago when funding for the state's universal Pre-K program was in jeopardy. The first week of October is now dedicated to raising awareness of the importance and benefits of a quality Pre-K across our state by providing leaders the opportunity to engage with classrooms in their local communities.