The Three Public Pre-K Programs in North Carolina
MECK Pre-K is one of three public pre-k programs available in Mecklenburg County. In order to ensure that all families in Mecklenburg County have the information they need to choose the best program for their children, we are providing a quick overview of the three programs, what they offer, and how they may be similar and different.
| MECK Pre-K | Bright Beginnings | NC Pre-K | |
| About | MECK Pre-K is high quality free pre-K education open to all four-year-old children in Mecklenburg County. MECK Pre-K is administered by Smart Start of Mecklenburg County and funded by Mecklenburg County. | Bright Beginnings serves eligible four-year-old students. Eligibility is determined through demonstrated academic need, assessed through a formal screening process. Bright Beginnings is administered by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. | NC Pre-K serves eligible four-year-old students. Eligibility is based on family size, gross income, and other qualifying indicators. NC Pre-K is administered by the NC Department of Health and Human Services under the Division of Child Development and Early Education. |
| Locations | Classrooms are located in high-quality, community-based child development centers. | Classrooms are located in Charlotte Mecklenburg elementary schools. | Classrooms are located in high-quality, community-based child development centers. |
| Age | Child must turn four on or before August 31 of that year. | ||
| Income | No income requirement. | No income requirement. | Family gross income must be at or below 75% of the State Median Income level. |
| Residency | Child must live in Mecklenburg County. | ||
| Other Requirements | No other requirements. | Eligibility is determined through a screening process. | Priority is given to children who received no prior early education services. |
| More Information | MeckPreK.org | EnrollPreK.com | EnrollPreK.com |
Download this handy reference guide
