Family and Children Services

There was a time when international students of high school age and younger could attend schools in the United States free of charge. There have been changes. To find out if a school age child can attend a public school for free, contact the individual school officials at the school you plan to attend.

Public schools in the United States provide free education to children between the ages of 5 and 18. If your child is entering school for the first time, you will need a birth certificate or other indication of your child's age. If your child has not previously attended school in the U.S., you will need a transcript of grades or some other document indicating the grade level at which your child should be placed. You will also need your passport and I-20 or IAP-66.

In the United States it is illegal to leave children unattended. School age children (6 - 16) are required by law to attend school. All parents are wise to teach children their full name (not just a nickname), address, telephone number, and the "911" emergency telephone number. For more information call:

Childcare

Shop around for the best childcare. Generally, pre-schools emphasize educational activity, while day-care centers have longer hours and are primarily caretakers rather than teachers. Save the Children (404-885-1578) can provide you with a list of schools and day care centers near your home. The child to adult or teacher ratio is one important consideration you should not overlook. Usually the lower the number of children per teacher, the more attention each child receives. Another important consideration is the amount of time parents and family members are involved and welcomed in the classroom. When you visit different schools and day care centers, you may want to ask some of the following questions:

• Are the hours convenient for you?
• Is the center licensed by the Department of Human Resources?
• Is the center accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children?
• What is the ratio of adults to children?
• Is the center clean and well maintained?
• Are the bathrooms clean and child-sized?
• Are there plenty of windows and light?
• Is the environment safe?
• Is the playground fenced and free of dangerous, sharp objects?
• Is there equipment and space for playing?
• Are healthy snacks served?
• Is there a written program or curriculum for the center?
• How is progress monitored and reported to parents?
• What type of learning is emphasized? Music? Art? Dance? Language?
• Are different cultural values and backgrounds respected?
• Do the teachers speak positively and use a pleasant voice with children?
• How long have the teachers been working at the center?
• How are parents involved with the school?

Community Outreach Services

Alcoholics Anonymous (404) 525-3178

American Cancer Society (404) 816-7800

American Diabetes Association (404) 355-4393

American Heart Association (770) 952-1316

American Red Cross (404) 881-9800

Atlanta Christian Enterprise Outreach Center (404) 762-8824

Center for the Visually Impaired (404) 875-9011

Center for Disease Control, Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (404) 639-3311

Council on Battered Women (Fayette County) (770) 460-1604

DeKalb Teen Pregnancy Task Force (404) 371-2889

Families First (404) 853-2800

Georgia Center for Children (404) 876-1900

Georgia Council for the Hearing Impaired (404) 299-0140

Georgia Dental Association (404) 636-7553

Georgia Poison Control Center (404) 616-9000

Metro Atlanta Council on Alcohol and Drugs (404) 351-1800

Planned Parenthood (770) 424-1477

Salvation Army (770) 422-8324

United Way (404) 527-7200

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