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Starting Pre-K is an exciting milestone for both children and their families! Whether this is your first time sending a child to school or you’ve done it before, preparing for the first day can make the transition smoother, more enjoyable, and less stressful for everyone. Here are some simple ways to get your child—and yourself—ready for a great start at MECK Pre-K this fall.

When it comes to preparing your child for success, the data is clear: high quality early learning makes a lasting difference.

Recent data from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools shows that MECK Pre-K graduates performed better on the district’s Kindergarten literacy assessments than the district average. This is powerful evidence that MECK Pre-K is doing exactly what it was designed to do—prepare children for a strong start in school and beyond.

When you picture a Pre-K classroom, you might think of story time, playtime, and lots of colorful artwork—but did you know that pre-K students are also learning critical thinking skills? In high quality pre-K early learning programs like MECK Pre-K, children build more than just social skills—they also begin developing the ability to think critically, solve problems, and make thoughtful decisions.  

Pre-K environments encourage children to explore new activities, overcome challenges, and develop independence. By engaging in tasks that require problem-solving and perseverance, children build self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. Research indicates that early positive experiences in pre-K contribute to a child’s belief in their abilities, fostering resilience and a proactive approach to learning.

In North Carolina, pre-kindergarten (pre-K) education is not mandatory. However, many parents choose to enroll their children in pre-K programs due to the significant benefits these programs offer in preparing children for future academic and social success.

Enrolling your child in a high-quality pre-K program like MECK Pre-K offers more than just early educational benefits—it can also positively impact your family’s economic well-being. A new study from the Yale School of Management has found that access to free pre-K enables parents, especially mothers, to pursue full-time employment or higher-paying positions, leading to increased household income.

Have you ever walked into a room full of four-year-olds and been bombarded with questions? “Why is the sky blue? How do airplanes stay up? Can I have a snack?” If you have, then you know firsthand just how curious young children can be. A good curriculum doesn’t just tolerate this curiosity—it celebrates and builds on it to teach valuable skills and knowledge. That’s exactly what we do at MECK Pre-K!

Do you ever wonder how teachers teach Math and Science to four-year-olds? It may seem like a challenge to introduce complex subjects to young children, but in reality, math and science are taught in ways that are engaging, hands-on, and incredibly fun.  

For children to experience the thrive in structured educational settings, they must cultivate self-regulation—the ability to manage their emotions, behaviors, and reactions in various situations. This skill enables them to focus, persist through challenges, and engage positively with peers and educators.

Equally important is the capacity to identify and label their own feelings, which empowers them to express emotions appropriately and develop empathy toward others. Recognizing and responding to the emotions of those who may look, act, or believe differently fosters inclusivity and respect.

As a parent, you’re always looking for the best ways to support your child’s growth and prepare them for success. One big decision is whether to send your child to pre-K or keep them at home. While homeschooling offers some flexibility, research consistently shows that high-quality in-person pre-K programs provide significant benefits for children. Here are five reasons why enrolling your child in pre-K might be the best choice for their development.