Quality Basic Education Act; require certain schools that offer after-school programs to make such programs available to pre-kindergarten students

More after-school access for Georgia pre-K students

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, qualifying Georgia public schools must open existing after-school programs to their pre-K students. Schools qualify when they operate Georgia Pre-K and offer kindergarten, primary grades, or upper elementary grades. Pre-K students must have access on the same basis as other students at that school. The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning can waive this rule for up to one school year per request. Schools must submit a written request explaining special circumstances and submit a new request for each additional school year. The law does not guarantee free participation, set prices, or provide explicit funding.