Enrollment

131 years. Six generations of families. 50,000 children. Sheltering Arms is Georgia’s largest non-profit early childhood education organization. Each year, we provide more than 3,500 children, from six weeks to five years of age, and their families with world-class early learning, care and family support services at 13 metropolitan Atlanta locations in Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton and Gwinnett counties. On average, children attending Sheltering Arms score in the 90th percentile for language and literacy, exceeding developmental milestones for kindergarten readiness.

We are accepting applications for the 2020-2021 school year.

• Fall Enrollment Parent FAQs
• Download 2020 Application (English)
• Download 2020 Application (Spanish)
• Required Documentation Checklist (English)
• Required Documentation Checklist (Spanish)
• Enrollment FAQs
• Center Locations

Enrollment Process

Step 1: Application

Complete the online application (Spanish) to join our waitlist.

NOTE: Completing the online application does not guarantee your child’s enrollment, which is based on availability and the time of the school year. Sheltering Arms follows a school year calendar and enrolls at the beginning of the school year.

Step 2: Waitlist

After completing the online application, you will be contacted to attend an Eligibility Day, where you will be required to bring in specific documents. This will also be the time when we will determine which program your child is eligible for (Pre‐K, Early Head Start, Preschool Head Start, Child Care/Tuition).

Click here for the list of documents in English.

Haga clic aquí para la lista de documentos en Español.

NOTE: Parents are required to attend an Eligibility Day to be considered for enrollment and remain on the waitlist. Due to the number of applications we receive, prospective families on our waitlist will be removed after one full year.

Step 3: Enrollment

After eligibility is confirmed and space becomes available, you will be contacted for enrollment. Please review the Enrollment FAQs for commonly-asked questions. If you have further questions, contact the appropriate Enrollment Specialist.

Eligibility Dates

Due to the recent events around the Coronavirus, we are adjusting our Eligibility process to limit the potential spread of the virus and suspending the open application dates for the remainder of the month. However, we are adding the option to complete the application virtually to allow for us to continue accepting applications to limit any inconvenience.

How to proceed if you would like to submit an application virtually:

Download and complete the application.
Submit your application via email to the Enrollment Specialist for your first choice location. (See the Enrollment Specialist contact information below listed under the Center Locations.) When sending your email, please use this format in the Subject line: “Center Name – Child(ren)’s Name.” (This will allow for easier tracking of applications.)
Please make sure to include all required documents as attachments to your email.
Please allow 24-48 hours to receive confirmation of receipt of your application (via email or phone).
After your application is received, you will be contacted by an Enrollment Specialist to schedule an over-the-phone interview to review the documents you submitted. (This should only take 5-10 minutes.)
Finally, you will receive notification of your child’s status (whether selected or waitlisted) within 1 month of receipt via email or phone.

How to proceed if you would like to submit an application in person:

We will resume open Eligibility dates when it is determined that the spread of the Coronavirus is no longer a threat. Please check back for updates and newly posted dates and locations.

How to proceed if you would like to submit an application by mail:

Download and complete the application.
Please make sure to include copies of all required documents with your application.
Send your application and copies addressed to: Sheltering Arms – Enrollment, 385 Centennial Olympic Park Drive, NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.
Please allow 24-48 hours to receive confirmation of receipt of your application (via email or phone).
After your application is received, you will be contacted by an Enrollment Specialist to schedule an over-the-phone interview to review the documents you submitted. (This should only take 5-10 minutes.)
Finally, you will receive notification of your child’s status (whether selected or waitlisted) within 1 month of receipt via email or phone.