A child’s pre-K experience doesn’t stop at the classroom door. When families stay engaged, children benefit from stronger relationships, greater confidence, and a more consistent learning experience. At MECK Pre-K, parent and caregiver involvement is seen as a partnership — one that supports children’s growth now and sets the foundation for continued engagement as they move through school.
Why Parent Involvement Matters in Pre-K
Research consistently shows that when families are involved early in a child’s education, children are more likely to feel supported, stay engaged in learning, and build positive attitudes toward school. Starting these practices in pre-K helps establish habits of communication, collaboration, and advocacy that can continue throughout a child’s educational journey.
At MECK Pre-K, families are encouraged to take an active role — not because parents need to be experts, but because their insights, connections, and involvement matter.
Forging Relationships With Educators
At MECK Pre-K, building strong, trusting relationships with families is an essential part of supporting children’s success. Teachers and staff prioritize open, ongoing communication with parents and caregivers, helping families feel informed, welcomed, and confident in their child’s learning experience. By taking time to understand each child and family, MECK Pre-K creates a partnership where families and educators work together to support children’s growth.
One parent shared how meaningful this communication and guidance can be: “They are very helpful and provide guidance through the entire process from registering for PreK to registering for kindergarten. My child’s teacher came in ready to win the children over, she continues to provide updates in a very thorough manner.”
Connecting the Family and Classroom
MECK Pre-K’s Child Development & Family Support (CDFS) Team plays an important role in helping families stay connected and supported throughout the school year. The team provides comprehensive services in a nurturing environment designed to benefit not just students, but their entire household. The mission of the CDFS Team is to help children — and their parents or caregivers — reach their fullest potential, contributing to a more promising future for children across Mecklenburg County.
Family Engagement Outside the Classroom
The MECK Pre-K Child Development & Family Support (CDFS) has Family Engagement Specialists work directly with families to build strong partnerships and support resilience. Throughout the year, they offer:
- Workshops and family-centered activities
- Personalized assistance for families facing challenges
- Guidance tailored to each family’s unique needs
This support helps families feel informed, empowered, and connected to their child’s learning experience.
Child Development Support Through Collaboration
Some children may need extra guidance as they grow and learn — and MECK Pre-K believes families should be part of that process every step of the way.
Child Development Consultants work closely with teachers and parents throughout the school year to create and implement customized support plans for students who need additional assistance. Through assessment and observation, the child development team partners with families and teachers to identify learning strategies and educational interventions that best support each child.
This collaborative approach ensures that support is consistent, thoughtful, and centered on the child’s needs — both at school and at home.
Staying Engaged: What Families Can Do
Parent involvement doesn’t require a big time commitment — small, consistent actions can make a meaningful difference. Some ways families can stay engaged include:
- Communicating regularly with teachers and school staff
- Attending family workshops or school events when possible
- Asking children about their day and what they’re learning
- Reinforcing routines and expectations at home
- Sharing questions, concerns, or insights about your child
Parents often notice how much these connections matter. One shared, “I really appreciate the communication with the teachers and how they show that they care about my son.”
These moments of connection help children feel supported and show them that school and home are working together.
Building a Foundation for the Future
Getting involved during pre-K helps establish habits that can last well beyond these early years. When families engage early, they’re more likely to stay involved as children transition to kindergarten and beyond — supporting academic growth, social development, and confidence along the way.
At MECK Pre-K, parent involvement isn’t just encouraged — it’s valued. By working together, families and educators create a strong foundation that supports children today and prepares them for future success.
About MECK Pre-K
MECK Pre-K is a high-quality pre-K program open to all four-year-old children in Mecklenburg County at no cost to families. Classrooms are located in licensed childcare centers and taught by licensed teachers and highly qualified assistant teachers. You can apply online at MeckPreK.org.
Do you have a child who is not old enough for pre-K this year? Sign up for our email list and be notified when they’re eligible for MECK Pre-K. Simply go to MECKPrek.org/future-meck-pre-k-students and select your child’s age group.