FAQ

Q:  Is my child eligible to participate in the HCS GA Lottery Pre-K program if they live outside of the HCS attendance zone?
A:  Applicants who reside in the Henry County Schools district receive priority in the selection process. However, if you reside outside of the HCS district, you may apply and will be considered a tier-3 applicant. Once all Henry County applicants have been selected for a roster and all waitlists have been exhausted, out of district applicants will be contacted to fill vacancies. You can check your address here.

Q: My child was selected in the lottery. What do I do next?
A: Prior to the registration window, you will receive an email from OLRSupport@henry.k12.ga.us This email will contain a roster verification code and steps for completing the online registration process. 

Q: What if my child was not selected for the lottery?
A: Any student that was not selected for a roster seat will be placed on the waitlist based on their position drawn from the waitlist lottery drawing. If a seat is declined or forfeited, a notification will be sent to the next person on the waitlist. At that time, you will be required to complete the registration steps to secure your seat.

Q: What if I cannot provide the Health Immunization Form (Form 3231) and Hearing, Vision, Dental, and Nutrition Form (Form 3300) by the registration date?
A: If you cannot provide the forms during the registration process, forms can be submitted after the start of school.  The Health Immunization Form must be received by the school within 30 days of the start of school.  You have 90 days from the start of school to provide the Hearing, Vision, Dental, and Nutrition Form.  If the forms are not received within those time frames, your child will be unenrolled from their class and removed from all HCS Pre-K waitlists.

Q:  I am a HCS employee, do I receive automatic enrollment into Pre-K? 
A: No, as a HCS employee you are required to follow the lottery process.

Q: I am an HCS employee, does employee choice apply to Pre-K?
A: No, as a HCS employee you are required to follow the lottery process.

Q: Does school choice apply to Pre-K?
A: No, school choice does not apply to GA Lottery PreK. All applicants are required to follow the lottery process.  

Q:  I am a HCS employee, and do not live in Henry County. Can I still apply for the HCS GA Lottery Pre-K program?
A: Employees who do not meet the qualifications for tier 1 will be considered a tier 2 applicant. Employment status will be verified. 

Q: Is transportation provided for Pre-K students?
A: Students living within their school’s attendance zone are permitted to ride the school bus.  Transportation must be provided by parent/guardian for students residing outside the school attendance zone. If your child is riding the school bus, there must be an adult at the bus stop when the student gets on the bus in the mornings and off the bus in the afternoon.  If an adult is not present in the afternoon, your child will be returned to school. You can check your school attendance zone here.

Q:  Will my child be provided with breakfast and lunch?
A:  Breakfast and lunch are available for purchase daily.  Your child may purchase lunch or one must be provided from home daily. Free/reduced meal applications will be sent home with students on the first day of school.

Q: Do students receive rest time in Pre-K?
A: Yes, 1 hour of the day is dedicated to rest time daily. 

Q: How many students/teachers are in each class?
A: There are 20 students per class with 1 teacher and 1 paraprofessional. One of our sites is considered an Inclusion PreK site. This site operates with a reduced number of students, 1 certified teacher, 1 ESE co-teacher, and 1 paraprofessional. 

Q: Does my child have to be potty-trained?
A: Parents are encouraged to work diligently to potty-train prior to the start of the year. However, your child does not have to be potty-trained. It is expected that your child can take care of tasks such as dressing, undressing, wiping, and washing hands.  Parents will be notified should a toileting accident occur, that the child cannot clean up, and will be required to come to the school to change their child within 1 hour. It is suggested that all Pre-K students have a change of clothes in their bookbag in case of accidents.

Q: What if my child requires medication?
A:  If your child requires medication to be taken during school hours, you must complete the required forms that can be obtained from the school.

Q:  Does the school provide after school for pre-k students?
A: Yes, after school services are available. Contact the school for more information.

Q:  Are there any parent/guardian requirements?
A:  Yes. Parent/Guardian involvement is highly encouraged.  You are required to attend 2 parent/teacher conferences a year (fall and spring).  It is expected that you read/respond to all correspondence and keep your teacher updated with any information pertaining to your child and their education.

Q:  What happens if there is inclement weather?
A:  In the event of severe weather or other emergencies, official information about school closing will be broadcast on Atlanta area radio, the HCS webpage, and Atlanta area television stations. Parents should be aware that severe weather or other emergencies could cause school to be canceled during the school day, causing an early release day to occur. Parents should plan accordingly.

Q: What if I still have questions?
A:  Please contact the Early Learning Department at 770-957-6547. 

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