Skip To Main Content

Pre-K Program

Welcome to Pre-K - A Bright Start for Children

Effingham County Pre-K
Our Pre-K program serves children who turn 4 years old before September 1st and is guided by Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. We provide a fun, engaging environment aligned with the Georgia Early Learning Standards (GELDS).

How We Learn

Active, hands-on learning is at the heart of our program. Children explore through interest centers—such as blocks, art, books, and science—while building skills in language, math, science, social studies, the arts, and physical development. Teachers use research-based practices and assessments to support growth.

Our Day

Structured daily schedules give children a sense of routine and confidence. Activities include small and large group learning, center time, music and movement, rest, and outdoor play. Teachers also use the “Plan-Do-Review” approach to keep children engaged.

Our Goal

We are committed to providing high-quality preschool experiences that prepare children for school success and a lifetime of learning.

Our Team

Ms. Melissa Long
Ms. Melissa Long Early Learning Coordinator Tap for Info

Contact Info:

912-754-5508

Ms. Susan Vandenbos
Ms. Susan Vandenbos Early Learning Specialist Tap for Info

Contact Info:

912-754-5508

Are uniforms required for pre-k students?

No, uniforms are not required in pre-k.

Are pre-k students expected to follow the school district's dress code policy?

The dress code is relaxed for pre-k students. If a teacher or school administrator has a concern about the child's clothing, you will be contacted. The dress code policy requires that all students, including pre-k, wear "fully closed-back shoes" for safety.

What supplies should families provide for pre-k?

Clear or mesh book bag, small blanket for nap time, and an extra set of clothing. (Please label all items)

What is the age requirement for pre-k?

Children must be 4 years old prior to September 1 of the current school year.

I may have questions about the cleaning/sanitizing plan for the classroom. Who should I contact with questions?

Please be assured that a great amount of effort has been made by the school district to create a district-wide cleaning and sanitizing plan. Each school has integrated this district plan with school-based plans. Contact your child's school for specific questions regarding cleaning/sanitizing. Each school team has included the pre-k classroom in the school's plan.

2026–2027 Pre-K Lottery Timeline

Lottery Application Window Monday, January 26, 2026 – Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Lottery Appointment Window Wednesday, March 11, 2026 – Friday, April 10, 2026
(Closed Spring Break – March 31st–April 3rd)
Pre-K Lottery Drawing Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Pre-K Waiting List Registration

The ability to apply for the 2026–2027 Pre-K Lottery has closed. You may apply for the Pre-K Waiting List below:

  1. Review the Pre-K Waiting List Enrollment Instructions.
  2. Complete the Pre-K Waiting List Online Application.

Required Parent Orientation for 2026–2027 Pre-K

Parents only need to attend one of the four scheduled sessions. Attendance is limited to parents/guardians; Pre-K students are not required to attend.

  • July 16th at Marlow Elementary School - 10:00am or 6:00pm
  • July 21st at Springfield Elementary School - 10:00am or 6:00pm
BES logo

Blandford Elementary

4650 McCall Road, Rincon, GA 31326
912-826-4200

Site Coordinator
Patsy Owens
Teachers
Stacy Leonard, Rebecca Champman, Keeli Wadley
EES logo

Ebenezer Elementary

1198 Ebenezer Road, Rincon, GA 31326
912-754-5522

Site Coordinator
Shana Hester
Teachers
Jennifer Griffin, Rita Montgomery, Anna Allen, Mandy Mitchell
GES logo

Guyton Elementary

719 Central Boulevard, Guyton, GA 31312
912-772-3384

Site Coordinator
Charlene Andrews
Teachers
Rachel Love, Demetra Garvin, Christiana Grant, Emily O'Sako
MES logo

Marlow Elementary

5160 Highway 17 South, Guyton, GA 31312
912-728-3262

Site Coordinator
Nivea Lee
Teachers
Bonnie Scroggins, Susan Wilson, Lily Melville
RES logo

Rincon Elementary

1703 Fort Howard Road, Rincon, GA 31326
912-826-5523

Site Coordinator
Janine Manior
Teachers
Belinda Burke, Kelly Allread, Jennifer Cohens, Jennie Parker
SHES logo

Sand Hill Elementary

199 Stagecoach Avenue, Guyton, GA 31312
912-728-5112

Site Coordinator
Nicole Hildebrandt
Teachers
Carly Mincey, Cara Wiley, Betsy Kessler
SEES logo

South Effingham Elementary

767 Kolic Helmly Road, Guyton, GA 31312
912-728-3801

Site Coordinator
Kristine Bothwell
Teachers
Cerise McCourt, Shadaya Edwards, Kia Callaway
SES logo

Springfield Elementary

300 Old Dixie Highway South, Springfield, GA 31329
912-754-3326

Site Coordinator
Tina-Marie Birthisel
Teachers
Kristian Jerome, Brittany Landram, Sherita Weston
Creekside logo

Creekside Elementary

724 Blue Jay Road, Rincon, GA 31326
912-241-7599

Site Coordinator
Kelly Fortson
Teachers
Kristian Jerome, Laura Williams, Jenna Burnsed, Victoria Collins
ECHS logo

Effingham High School

1589 Highway 119 South, Springfield, GA 31329
912-754-6404

Site Coordinator
Jessica Stephenson
Teacher
Stephanie Caldwell
SEHS logo

South Effingham High School

1220 Noel C. Conaway Road, Guyton, 31312
912-728-7511

Site Coordinator
Krystle Shuman
Teacher
Kate Blaske

Raising Stars Learning Center #2

210 North Columbia Ave.
Rincon, GA 31326
912-826-7752 ext. 2

Effingham Co. YMCA

1224 Patriot Drive
Rincon, GA 31326
912-826-2199

Bartley’s Family Learning Center

126 Andrews Lane
Springfield, GA 31329
912-655-7483

LEAP Youth Development Program

110 Waterford Court
Rincon, GA 31326
912-295-2951

Youth United Learning Center

699 Highway 80 West
Eden, GA 31307
912-748-0700

The Learning Treehouse Too

226 Goshen Road
Rincon, GA 31326
912-826-0204

The Learning Treehouse

250 Goshen Road
Rincon, GA 31326
912-826-2893