MECK Pre-K is free, high-quality pre-kindergarten for eligible four-year-old children in Mecklenburg County. Classrooms are located in four-and five-star childcare centers and taught by licensed teachers and teacher assistants. MECK Pre-K is administered by Smart Start of Mecklenburg County and funded by Mecklenburg County.

MECK Pre-K is free, high-quality pre-kindergarten for eligible four-year-old children in Mecklenburg County. Classrooms are located in four-and five-star childcare centers and taught by licensed teachers and teacher assistants. MECK Pre-K is administered by Smart Start of Mecklenburg County and funded by Mecklenburg County.

Decades of research have shown that Pre-K makes a difference in the school readiness of children. Not just in the short-term to get children ready to succeed in school, but in the long-term as children grow up, become employed, and contribute to the strength of the economy.

Each 6.5 hour school day is filled with hands-on, project-based lessons and activities to foster children’s confidence, creativity, critical thinking skills, and to promote positive growth and development for all children. Areas of child development include:

Social & Emotional Skills: Children are encouraged to exhibit eagerness and curiosity as  learners, participate as members of the class community, use words and communication with adults to manage conflicts and follow class rules and routines.

Creative Arts: Children use art and materials for exploration and expression as well as participate in music experiences.

Scientific Thinking: Children are encouraged to ask questions and investigate through active exploration and seek answers or solutions through active problem solving.

Social Studies: Children are provided opportunities to better understand the role of self and others as members of families and communities, show an awareness of other cultures, and show an interest in caring for the environment.

Technology: Children explore technology and its components and use age-appropriate software to support learning.

To be eligible for MECK Pre-K, children must live in Mecklenburg County and turn four-years-old on or before August 31 of the school year they are applying for. Priority will be given to families who earn at or below 400% of the federal poverty level.

If you have applied for and/or been waitlisted for childcare subsidy or other pre-kindergarten programs, you may be eligible for MECK Pre-K.

Apply online on a computer, tablet or smartphone. Families must show proof of child’s date of birth and legal name, parent/guardian identification, proof of residency in Mecklenburg County, and household income. If you are unable to apply online, or need more information on the MECK Pre-K Program, please contact us via email at info@meckprek.org or call 704-943-9585.