In the early childhood classroom, these subjects aren’t just lessons on numbers and formulas—they’re new languages for young learners to speak, each with its own vocabulary, structure, and rules. And just like with literacy, they learn these “languages” alongside the foundational skills of reading and writing.
Curiosity is the spark that drives learning, and the journey of exploration starts early—right in pre-K. At MECK Pre-K, we know early childhood education is about more than checking off developmental milestones. It’s about fostering a sense of wonder and excitement about the world around us.

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.

Is your little one ready for pre-K? If you are looking at public programs like MECK Pre-K in Mecklenburg County, a high-quality program that is available at no cost to families, you may have some questions. Is your child eligible? What documents are needed for the application? How can you prepare? Whether you’re applying for MECK Pre-K or a similar high-quality public pre-K program elsewhere, we’ve got you covered with the essentials.

Today’s families face many challenges, such as economic pressures, social instability, and health concerns. As a result, the mental and emotional well-being of parents has become a public health issue that can significantly impact the development of young children.

For many children, pre-K is more than just the first step in their educational journey—it’s also where some of their earliest friendships begin. With an enriched curriculum and a focus on experiential learning, high-quality pre-K programs are designed to support children in all areas of development, including the crucial skills needed for building relationships and navigating social situations.

A high-quality pre-K program needs a strong curriculum that teachers can use and build upon as they interact with students in the classroom.

MECK Pre-K’s curriculum is based on The Creative Curriculum®, a research-based framework emphasizing hands-on learning, exploration, and discovery. Teachers use this curriculum and integrate additional strategies tailored to the needs of their students, designed to develop critical thinking skills and foster social-emotional growth. Combined, these elements make up the MECK Pre-K enhanced curriculum.

We know that pre-K programs, especially those with an enriched curriculum and experiential learning, can help children in many areas, including social-emotional learning, character building, and school readiness.

But what do families say? We recently invited a family back to tell us what they have seen since their child graduated from the first year of MECK Pre-K.