Navigating the Pre-K Admissions Process
Once upon a time, it seems, parents didn’t have to think about lining up schooling for their children for the first few years. Today, parents are researching, contacting, and applying to programs mere months after their child’s birth.
Understanding the pre-kindergarten admissions process for one’s child can be daunting. That’s why we’ve put together this primer.
Pre-K in NC
Pre-K programs were developed to facilitate young children’s readiness for school as well as future academic success. Pre-K programs are available for eligible four-year-olds, and they follow national benchmarks for quality early learning — including evidence-based curricula and nutritional requirements. While pre-K is not mandatory, it can be valuable for priming your child for their beginning years in the school system.
How do I register my child for pre-K?
Wherever you apply, you can expect to fill out a pre-K application. You may be asked for documents to verify your child’s age and residency, among other details. Each program may have different requirements, so make sure you carefully review the application form and instructions. In most cases, the pre-K application package is available online as well as in paper form. You can search by name if you are looking for a particular facility, or you can conduct a more general search for private and/or public pre-K programs in your county.
How apply to for public pre-K
Public pre-K programs have their own applications, and may ask for information such as:
- The child’s birth date and legal name — supported by documentation such as a birth certificate or passport;
- The applying parent’s identity — supported by government-issued identification such as a driver’s license or passport;
- Residency — showing residency in the respective county, supported by documents proving address of residence; and
- The child’s health and/or specific educational requirements.
Again, what is considered acceptable supporting documentation may vary by county and program.
How to apply for the MECK Pre-K program
The answer to this question varies for different preschool programs. However, families generally apply for pre-K in the spring or summer, leading up to the fall when the school year starts. The cutoff date for children to turn four is usually August 31.
Begin the Pre-K Registration Process With MECK Pre-K
The MECK Pre-K application is available online at MeckPreK.org. To access and complete the online MECK Pre-K application, you will need to create an account, which is easy to do.
The application clearly walks you through requirements and what types of documentation are needed to support your child’s application. Our website allows you to conveniently upload copies of your supporting documentation.
We want to welcome your child into a high-quality MECK Pre-K classroom in one of our locations in Mecklenburg County. Because of high demand, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We are committed to helping you every step of the way. If you have any questions, or want to apply for pre-K placement for your child, please do not hesitate to apply online. Questions? Call us at 704-943-9585 or email us at info@MeckPreK.org.