ATLANTA (AP) - Some experts say pre-kindergarten programs in Georgia and across the nation are paying off by giving children a head start in basic education and life skills.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the issue was discussed Thursday night during a forum on what's ahead for Georgia's lottery-funded pre-k program.

Jeanette Betancourt, senior vice president of outreach and educational practices at Sesame Workshop, said Georgia's pre-k program is exemplary because it emphasizes the family and community connections.

Gary Henry, a professor of public and higher education policy at Peabody College at Vanderbilt University, says that high-quality pre-k has been found to have a positive long-term impact on students nationally.

The forum was hosted by the Journal-Constitution and PNC Bank. It will be broadcast Monday at 7 p.m. on Georgia Public Television.

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