Dear Child Care Program Partner,

MECK Pre-K is beginning the site selection process for the 2024-2025 school year.  Please note important information below regarding our more targeted campaign this year.

MECK Pre-K has been working very closely with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, as administrators of North Carolina Pre-K (NCPK), to ensure that all 4-year-old children in the County have access to a publicly funded pre-kindergarten program.  To that end, we are looking to add locations in parts of the County that currently have far fewer seats available than the number of applications we receive.  We also are working together to disburse some classrooms from areas of the County that are oversaturated with seats available, but no children applying to fill them.

Based on current US Census data, applications received by both MECK Pre-K and NCPK for the 2023-2024 school year, 2023-2024 enrollment, and the number of slots available for children in all zip codes in the County, MECK Pre-K is focusing our site selection on the following zip codes:

TIER 2—Next Level of Need

• 28205
• 28215
• 28226
• 28262
• 28270
• 28078
• 28134

Centers from other zip codes may still apply, but preference will be given first to the above listed areas and every attempt made to place classrooms where data shows us they are most needed.

We will be holding an information session (in person and virtual) to inform interested parties about program requirements and the application process!  Mark your calendar for:

MECK Pre-K provides a free high quality educational experience for all children in Mecklenburg County in order to prepare them for kindergarten and school success.  We seek centers that are dedicated to excellence in providing clean, safe, and stimulating early childhood environments, developmentally appropriate instructional experiences, professional development for teachers, full engagement for families, and can meet the high standards MECK Pre-K holds for all areas of its operation.

Site application forms are available below.  Two copies of the completed application and documents are due by January 5, 2024, no later than 4:00 pm (MECK Pre-K Program, 601 E. 5th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202)

Please note that in order to be considered for a MECK Pre-K classroom, your site must adhere to the following steps:

Step 1: Hold a star rated license (temporary, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5).

Step 2: 90% or higher compliance history (no violations for child/staff ratio, supervision and child maltreatment)

Step 3: Guarantee to adhere to MECK Pre-K Policies.

Step 4: Guarantee transportation and wrap-around care for MECK Pre-K students.

Step 5: Guarantee to operate a MECK Pre-K classroom for 6.5 hours, 10 months and follow CMS school calendar.

Step 6: Classroom licensed for a minimum of 20 children, closed room with a restroom and sink.

Step 7: Have at least one floater at site.

Step 8: Guarantee to have a Site Administrator on-site to monitor the MECK Pre-K program during the MECK Pre-K hours of operation (Site Administrator must hold a Principal License or Level III NC Early Childhood Administrator Credential) 

Complete the survey by December 20th if you plan to attend the site selection information session on December 21, 2023.
Survey link: https://forms.gle/zWLSea1oqyg6ub7Y6

Thank you in advance for your interest in partnering with us to implement this exciting Pre-K program for the County’s four-year-olds.

Sincerely,

Mary Margaret Kantor
Chief Early Education Officer