ATLANTA – State Representative Lynne Riley (R-Johns Creek) will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Georgia’s Pre-K program this week by visiting Findley Oaks Elementary School as part of “Georgia Pre-K Week.” During her visit, Rep. Riley will read to a group of 4-year-old pre-kindergarten students and see firsthand the learning that happens each day thanks to Georgia’s Pre-K Program.
“We know that early childhood education is critical to future success, and preparing for elementary school is an important part of life for a child from birth through age five,” said Rep. Riley. “We are thrilled to be honoring some of our youngest learners this week, and proud of what our state is accomplishing through Georgia’s Pre-K program.”
From October 1-5, the state will celebrate its second official “Georgia Pre-K Week.” This week allows the state to bring attention to the tens of thousands of Georgia’s youngest children in recognition of the important work they do to prepare for school success. Georgia Pre-K Week also gives state leaders a unique opportunity to visit one of their local Pre-K classes to see the many ways Pre-K gets young children ready for school and on a path to reading proficiency by the third grade.
Rep. Riley will visit Findley Oaks Elementary School from approximately 9:00 – 10:00 AM on Friday, October 5. The school is located at 5880 Findley Chase Drive, Johns Creek, GA 30097. While there, Rep. Riley will participate in learning activities with the children, take a tour of the facility, talk with the staff, and get an up-close look at the many ways that the center is supporting early learning.
“Georgia’s Pre-K is an exceptional education program that serves 84,000 4-year-olds throughout Georgia,” said Pat Willis, Executive Director of Voices for Georgia’s Children, a child advocacy organization. “Pre-K is a milestone in a child’s early education. Studies show that early education programs for children age birth to five — in all income groups — will have long-term impact on a child’s education. We are proud that Georgia’s Pre-K is making a difference in the lives of so many of our youngest learners, preparing them for future success in school and in life.”
Georgia Pre-K Week is sponsored by Voices for Georgia’s Children and several of its partner organizations, including Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy (www.ferstfoundation.org), Georgia Association for Young Children (www.gayconline.org), Georgia Child Care Association (www.georgiachildcare.org), Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (www.geears.org), Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education (www.gpee.org), The Junior League of Atlanta (www.jlatlanta.org), and Quality Care for Children (www.qualitycareforchildren.org).
Representative Lynne Riley represents the citizens of District 50, which includes portions of Fulton County. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Natural Resources & Environment Committee, Retirement Committee, and MARTOC.
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