Dalton, GA – March 3, 2026 – Dalton/Whitfield Family Connection, in partnership with local education leaders from Dalton Public Schools, Whitfield County Schools, and Family Resource Agency Head Start Programs, is excited to announce a community Pre-Kindergarten Registration event for the upcoming school year.
This event will provide parents and guardians with the opportunity to register their child for a free Georgia Pre-Kindergarten program in the community.
Event Details
Day 1
Date: Tuesday, March 24
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Mack Gaston Community Center, 218 N. Fredrick Street, Dalton, GA 30721
Day 2
Date: Wednesday, March 25
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Mack Gaston Community Center, 218 N. Fredrick Street, Dalton, GA 30721
Why Attend?
The Pre-Kindergarten Registration event is designed to help families navigate the registration process in one central location. Parents who are unsure which school district their child is zoned for can find out during the event.
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Receive assistance with the registration process, including required forms and documents
- NEW THIS YEAR: Representatives from the Whitfield County Health Department will be on site to print immunization records for families who need them. Additionally, uninsured children or children with Medicaid will be able to receive their 4-year-old immunizations at Mack Gaston during the event.
- Access valuable information and resources from community partners, including representatives from WGA Crisis Center, Chattanooga Area Food Bank, North Georgia Health District, Amerigroup, Dalton-Whitfield County Public Library, and more.
- Learn about additional local childcare centers that offer Georgia Pre-K programs.
Who Can Register?
The Pre-Kindergarten program is open to all children who will be 4 years old by September 1, 2026. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to secure a spot for their child in a high-quality early childhood education program that fosters social, cognitive, and emotional growth.
What to Bring
- Birth Certificate
- Proof of residence (utility bill or lease agreement in parent/guardian’s name with service address)
- Social Security Card
- Immunization Records (GA Form 3231)
- Eye, Ear, and Dental Certificate (GA Form 3300)
- Parent/Legal Guardian Photo ID
- Medicaid/PeachCare Card (if applicable)
Additional Information
Whitfield County Schools also offers online enrollment at www.wcsga.net/prek2026 on March 24th and 25th. Once you receive online confirmation of your completed application, there is no need to attend the in-person enrollment event.
Placement in Pre-Kindergarten at Dalton Public Schools and Whitfield County Schools is determined by a lottery system, not on a first-come, first-served basis. Families who provide all required documents will be entered into the lottery and notified in April regarding acceptance.
Head Start Programs have income-based eligibility requirements. Families will be contacted in late June or July regarding acceptance into Head Start.
“We are thrilled to provide an opportunity for families in our community to register their children and introduce them to the exciting world of early childhood education,” said Malisa Pedro of Dalton/Whitfield Family Connection. “Pre-K programs are designed to nurture and prepare children for success, and we look forward to welcoming the next generation of learners.”
For More Information
Please contact the enrollment offices:
- Dalton Public Schools: 706-876-4000
- Whitfield County Schools: 706-876-3955, www.wcsga.net/prek2026
- Family Resource Agency Pre-K: 706-278-8202
Media Contact:
Malisa Pedro
Dalton/Whitfield Family Connection
706-934-2851
malisa.pedro@dalton.k12.ga.us