Pre-K Registration FAQ
What does the Whitfield County Schools (WCS) Pre-K Program include?
The WCS Pre-K Program is funded through Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. The program provides a full-day, five-days-a-week learning experience that focuses on early language and literacy development, math readiness, social-emotional skills, and hands-on learning through play. Classrooms are led by certified teachers and designed to support children’s growth in a safe, nurturing, and structured environment that prepares them for success in kindergarten.
When does Pre-K registration take place?
Registration for the 2026–2027 school year will take place on March 24–25, 2026. Last names A–M: Tuesday, March 24, 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Last names N–Z: Wednesday, March 25, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where do I register?
Families may register either in person or online. In-person registration will be held at the Mack Gaston Community Center, located at 218 Frederick Street in Dalton, Georgia. Online registration is available at www.wcsga.net/prek2026 and will open on March 24 at 7:30 a.m. and close on March 25 at 4:30 p.m.
Can I register at my child’s school?
No. Registration does not take place at individual schools. All registration must be completed either online or at the Mack Gaston Community Center.
Does registering earlier improve my chances?
No. Because placement is determined by lottery, registering earlier does not increase your chances, as long as your application is completed and confirmed within the registration window.
What if I do not have the online application completed by March 25, 2026 at 4:30p.m.?
No applications will be accepted after March 25, 2026. Please see below for more information.
I am later than March 25, 2026, should I still apply?
No. However, if you miss the lottery window, please contact our enrollment office at 706-876-3955 to add your cold’s name to our call list. Sometimes schools do not fill up during the lottery, which means that late applying students may be added. Also, we keep waiting lists for our schools, so if at some point during the process a family decides not to take their spot, we can offer that spot to the next family on the waiting list.
What documents are required for registration?
Families must bring the following required items:
- Child’s birth certificate. A “Mother’s Copy” of a birth certificate is also acceptable. Children will not be included in the lottery drawing without a birth certificate or “Mother’s Copy.” (A link that explains how to obtain a Georgia birth certificate)
- Most recent proof of address (power, water, internet, or cable bill in parent/legal guardian’s name with service address, or current lease agreement).
What is acceptable proof or residence?
Acceptable Documentation for Proof of Residency includes one of the following. Please provide a current:
Power bill that says service address in parent’s name
Water bill that says service address in parent’s name
Rent or deposit receipt with parent’s name, date, current address and owner’s signature
Lease Agreement (We do not accept lease agreements or rent receipts from friends or family members)
Closing Disclosure- if home was purchased recently
If you are living with someone, please have a notarized letter from the person you are living with, along with one of the documents listed above in their name. The letter should state the name of the person(s) you are living with, the address that you and your child(ren) are currently residing, and the signature of the person that you are living with, along with the Notary’s signature and seal.
Where can I get a letter notarized for the proof of residence?
We will have notaries at the event who will be able to provide a notarized letter template and provide notary services free of charge. Other places, such as the courthouse and banks, can also provide this service for free.
What additional documents should I bring?
While not required to complete registration, bringing these items is strongly encouraged: Social Security card, Proof of immunizations (Form #3231), Eye, ear, and dental certificate (Form #3300), Medicaid or PeachCare card (if applicable), Photo ID for one parent or legal guardian.
How do I know my registration is complete?
You must receive a confirmation email stating that your registration is COMPLETE. Only applications with a confirmation email will be included in the lottery drawing.
How does the lottery work?
This is a true lottery drawing. Placement is not first come, first served. Each completed application is entered into the lottery without preference or priority. Names are then randomly selected, giving every eligible child an equal and fair chance of being offered a spot. The process is conducted in a transparent manner to ensure fairness, and selected families are notified following the drawing. If more applications are received than available slots, remaining names are placed on a waitlist in the order they are drawn.
Are children of employees of Whitfield County Schools given preference, or do they also go through the lottery?
Children of employees are not given any special preference. They must meet the same requirements (Georgia residence / child’s age) for eligibility, and go through the lottery process like any other applicant.
Are siblings of students already in school given preference or do they also go through the lottery?
Siblings are not given any special preference. They must meet the same requirements (Georgia residence / child’s age) for eligibility, and go through the lottery process like any other applicant.
Which schools offer Pre-K classrooms?
Pre-K classrooms are available at the following schools: Antioch, Beaverdale, Cedar Ridge, Cohutta, Dawnville, Dug Gap, Eastside, Pleasant Grove, Tunnel Hill, Valley Point, Varnell, Westside.
What is my zoned school?
Call our Transportation Department at North End 706-463-5896, South End 706-463-8995 OR our Enrollment Department at 706-876-3955.
Do I have to register for my zoned school?
No, for Pre-K, you may choose to register at any of our sites.
My zone is New Hope Elementary School. Do you have a class there?
No. WCS does not have a class at NHE. NHE students can apply for another WCS Pre-K school, but transportation will not be provided for “out of zone, but in district.”
May I apply for more than one school?
No. A child can only go through one school’s lottery drawing. Multiple applications will be deleted.
Can I choose a 2nd choice?
No. However, you may select multiple school sites as backup choices. Please note that your child will not be entered into the lottery for those backup sites.
What about twins, triplets, etc?
You are able to include multiple children on one application. However, no drawing preference is given to siblings.
What ages are accepted into WCS Pre-K?
Our classes are designed for 4-year-olds. Students must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2026 to be eligible for the 2026–2027 Pre-K school year.
Children with birthdates from Sept 2, 2020 thru Sept 1, 2021 can attend Pre-K, but families are required to complete a 5 year old waiver to acknowledge that they understand that their child is kindergarten age eligible and have not previously attended a Pre-K program for more than 30 days.
What if my child is going to be 5 by Sept 1st, and I do not feel he/she is ready for kindergarten?
Children with birthdates from Sept 2, 2020 thru Sept 1, 2021 who have not previously attended a Pre-K program for more than 30 days can attend Pre-K as long as families are required to complete a 5 year old waiver to acknowledge that they understand that their child is kindergarten age eligible.