Why Become a MECK Pre-K Teacher?

Compensation & Benefits

MECK Pre-K teachers and assistant teachers are employees of the child development center, but receive the same pay as Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) educators. They are offered participation in the center’s health insurance coverage or receive the cash equivalent to pay for other coverage. They also receive a 3% contribution toward retirement which can be paid into the center’s retirement plan, or given as cash to teachers to put into their own plans.

Professional Development

MECK Pre-K teachers and assistant teachers are professional educators, and have regular opportunities to increase their knowledge through professional development and continuing education. Opportunities include:

•  MECK Pre-K provides professional development for teachers and assistant teachers according to program needs.
•  The STRIVE Scholarship at Central Piedmont Community College can help cover the cost of tuition, fees, books and supplies and technology for those pursuing an Associate in Applied Science in early childhood education.
• The MECK Pre-K Scholarship at the UNC Charlotte Cato College of Education provides tuition, supplies and family care support for candidates with a bachelor’s degree to obtain their birth-to-kindergarten license.

Ongoing Support

MECK Pre-K teachers and assistant teachers receive support in a variety of ways.

• Opportunities to be mentors, leads and trainers.
• Success Coaches who check in with them weekly and provide additional support when needed.
• Access to a Child and Family Support

MECK Pre-K Curriculum

MECK Pre-K provides a curriculum based on five fundamental principles that guide teachers in setting up and operating their classrooms.

• Positive interactions and relationships with adults provide a critical foundation for successful learning.
• Emotional-Social competence is a significant factor in school success.
• Constructive, purposeful play supports essential learning.
• The physical environment affects the type and quality of learning interactions.
• Teacher-family partnerships promote

Consistent Schedule

MECK Pre-K follows the Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools schedule and calendar.

• Teachers work 8 hours a day: 6.5 hours with students and 1.5 hours for planning and organizational time.
• MECK Pre-K has the same schedule for holidays, teacher workdays, and summer break as CMS.