The MECK Pre-K Child Development & Family Support (CDFS) Team provides comprehensive support to students and families by offering a broad range of services in a nurturing environment designed to benefit every member of a MECK Pre-K student’s household.
Our team’s mission is to help children, and their parents or caregivers reach their fullest potential, contributing to a more promising future for children in Mecklenburg County.
Family Support
Our dedicated Family Engagement Specialists are passionate about fostering resilience in parents and caregivers. Throughout the year, they provide workshops and family-centered activities, and personalized assistance for families facing challenges. We ensure that every family receives support that’s just right for them.
Child Development Support
Throughout the school year, Child Development Consultants work hand in hand with educators and parents to create and implement customized support plans for students requiring extra guidance. Tailored learning approaches are developed after assessment and observation by our skilled child
development team, in partnership with families and teachers, to identify the most effective educational interventions for
each student.
Educator Support
The Child Development Consultants also provide extensive social-emotional guidance across all locations, promoting the integration of holistic best practices in student education.
Contact the Team
Family Support:
mpkfamily@smartstartofmeck.org
Child Development:
childdevelopmentmpk@smartstartofmeck.org
Key Services
Key Services Referrals:
The team receives referrals from teachers when a student, family, or educational team needs specialized assistance. They then provide additional support based on the needs.
Assessments:
The team conducts additional assessments to measure a student’s abilities at their current stage of development.
Intake Process:
The team gathers basic information on a student or family so that a tailored support plan can be created.
IEP Evaluation:
IEP Evaluation is a formal process used to determine whether a child is eligible for individual education services and what those services should include.
Individualized Education Plans/Program:
Evaluations are completed by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, but our Child Development Team can support families by participating in meetings and helping to understand the document.
Ongoing Support:
Family Engagement Specialists provide workshops, family-centered activities, and personalized assistance for families facing challenges.
Family Resource Links
In immediate danger? Call 911
Feel unsafe or unsure? Call 704-336-3210
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT
Mecklenburg County Community Support Services:
Adult and child domestic violence counseling and prevention services
704-336-3110
css.mecknc.gov
Adult Services:
For survivors of intimate partner domestic violence
704-336-3210
Children Services:
For survivors of intimate partner domestic violence
704-336-3210
Supervised Visitation & Safe Exchange Center:
Safe exchange and visitation services
980-314-8680
Safe Alliance’s Greate Charlotte Hope Line:
24-hour hotline for domestic, violence, sexual assault, parent support, shelter, court assistance
980-771-4673
Domestic Violence Healthcare Project:
Crisis services to victims based at Atrium Health
704-446-3999
New Options for Violent Actions (NOVA):
For adults who have used unhealthy or abusive behaviors against an intimate partner
704-336-4344 (English)
980-314-8991 (En Espanol)
CHILD ABUSE SUPPORT SERVICES
Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina:
Provides resources, training, and advocacy to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect across North Carolina
919-829-8009
preventchildabusenc.org
HEALTH AND NUTRITION SUPPORT SERVICES
North Carolina WIC:
WIC is a Special Supplement Nutrition Program providing breastfeeding support, nutrition education, nutritious foods and referrals to community resources.
ncdhhs.gov/ncwic/mywic
Health Insurance Marketplace:
Call or visit to learn about your health coverage options.
1-800-318-2596
HealthCare.gov
CHILD DEVELOPMENT & CHILD CARE SEARCH SUPPORT SERVICES
Guiding Parents To Services (GPS):
GPS provides navigation, educational, and emotional support to empower families to get the services their child needs.
704-806-5123
Child Care Search:
We’re here to help with free personalized referrals to licensed providers!
704-348-2181
FindChildCareNC.com
HOUSING SUPPORT SERVICES
Community Support Services Housing Innovation and Stabilization Services:
Works to connect individuals and families experiencing homelessness to available community resources
704-336-3210
css.mecknc.gov
Charlotte Family Housing:
Working to solve family homelessness
704-335-5488
charlottefamilyhousing.org
Shelter-Based Substance Use Treatment:
For residents of Roof Above Men’s Shelter, Salvation Army Center of Hope Shelter for Women and Children, and Safe Alliance Domestic Violence Shelter
704-816-0260
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Enhancing Wellness Through Affirming Services & Education (EASE):
For the LGBTQ+ community and HIV/AIDS, MSM population
704-302-4413
Detention Center-Based Substace Use Treatment:
For adult residents of Detention Center Central
704-614-3691
Mecklenburg County Community Support Resources:
Dowload Here
CDFS Services Brochure:
Dowload Here
CDFS Events
See our current newletter in the next section for additional events
For questions about our events please email mpkfamily@smartstartofmeck.org.
LICC Meeting
The Local Interagency Coordinating Council (LICC) is a group of local parents, community members, and professionals who work together to support young children (birth to age 5) who have developmental delays or disabilities—and their families. Email: mpkfamily@smartstartofmeck.org for Virtual Link
Every 3rd Wednesday of the month September – June
12:00pm – 1pm
Ascend Building
601 E 5th St # 510, Charlotte, NC 28202
MAP LINK
Smart Start to MECK Pre-K Screening Events
A developmental screening event for Pre-K is a free and friendly way to check how your child is growing and learning. It helps families understand how their child is doing in areas like speaking and listening, movement and coordination, problem-solving, and getting along with others. These events are designed for young children who are getting ready to start Pre-K and can help identify any areas where extra support might be helpful before school begins.
At the screening, your child will be guided through simple, play-based activities by trained staff. These activities are designed to feel fun and engaging, usually take about 30 to 45 minutes. Developmental screenings are a positive first step in preparing your child for success in school. They are easy, supportive, and completely free for families.
Mondays in the month of June by appointment.
Ascend Building
601 E 5th St # 510, Charlotte, NC 28202
MAP LINK
Smart Start to MECK Pre-K Screening Event
At the screening, your child will be guided through simple, play-based activities by trained staff. These activities are designed to feel fun and engaging, usually take about 30 to 45 minutes. Developmental screenings are a positive first step in preparing your child for success in school. They are easy, supportive, and completely free for families.
Saturday, July 12th
9am – 2pm
Eastway Recreation Center
3150 Eastway Pk Dr, Charlotte, NC 28213
MAP LINK
Screening Week
At the screening, your child will be guided through simple, play-based activities by trained staff. These activities are designed to feel fun and engaging, usually take about 30 to 45 minutes. Developmental screenings are a positive first step in preparing your child for success in school. They are easy, supportive, and completely free for families.
Monday, July 14th – Friday, July 18th
Times Vary By Appointment
Valerie Woodard County Building
3205 Freedom Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208
MAP LINK
Smart Start to MECK Pre-K Screening Event
At the screening, your child will be guided through simple, play-based activities by trained staff. These activities are designed to feel fun and engaging, usually take about 30 to 45 minutes. Developmental screenings are a positive first step in preparing your child for success in school. They are easy, supportive, and completely free for families.
Saturday, August 2nd
9am – 2pm
Eastway Recreation Center
3150 Eastway Pk Dr, Charlotte, NC 28213
MAP LINK
CDFS Newsletter Archive
