Outreach is a cornerstone for the success of a public pre-K program like MECK Pre-K. Outreach ensures equitable access, builds community trust, and maximizes program impact. Here are a few reasons why pre-K programs do outreach.
- Increasing Awareness and Accessibility
Many families may not be aware of the availability of free, high-quality pre-K education or may face barriers to accessing these opportunities. Outreach efforts help bridge this gap by disseminating information and providing in-person support to families who might otherwise miss out on enrolling their children. This is particularly important for communities where barriers like language, technology, or transportation can limit access.
MECK Pre-K plays a critical role in engaging families and ensuring access to resources by providing outreach services in high-traffic locations. Every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., representatives set up at the Ella B. Scarborough Resource Center, located at 430 Stitt Road in Charlotte. On Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., they can be found at the Valerie C. Woodard Resource Center, Building A, at 3205 Freedom Drive in Charlotte. At both locations, parents and caregivers are invited to connect with the staff, who are equipped to handle enrollments, provide information on Smart Start programs, and assist families in signing up for initiatives such as the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
- Equity and Inclusion
Public pre-K programs aim to serve diverse populations, regardless of income or background. Outreach ensures that all families, including those in underserved or underrepresented communities, have equal opportunities to participate. By engaging directly with these communities, programs demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and address systemic inequalities in early education.
MECK Pre-K team extends their reach by distributing informative materials throughout the community at locations such as libraries, county facilities, nonprofits, and other community agencies. By maintaining a visible presence in these spaces, the program ensures that families have access to critical information about pre-K opportunities and support services. For those unable to visit in person, materials are also available online through MECK Pre-K’s Partner Toolkit at meckprek.org/partner-toolkit, or can be requested via email at outreach@smartstartofmeck.org.
- Building Trust and Relationships
Effective outreach fosters trust between the program and the community. Families are more likely to engage when they have personal interactions with program representatives, can ask questions, and feel supported. This trust is especially crucial for first-time participants in formal education systems or families who may have faced barriers in accessing other public services.
MECK Pre-K regularly partners with other community-serving organizations to increase awareness of, and access to, services that can benefit families.
- Connecting Families to Resources
Public pre-K programs often serve as entry points to broader resources and support systems. Outreach efforts help families access additional services, such as developmental screenings, health care, and parenting support programs, that enhance the overall well-being of the child and family. These connections can have a lasting impact on the child’s educational journey and the family’s stability.
Every summer, families enrolled in MECK Pre-K are invited to “Smart Start to Pre-K” events. At these events, children participate in developmental screenings to identify their needs in the coming year, while parents have access to resources to support the whole family. Community partners are also invited to share additional resources that may benefit families.
- Maximizing Enrollment and Impact
High participation is critical for public pre-K programs to fulfill their mission of preparing children for school and beyond. Outreach efforts help maximize enrollment by reaching families who might not otherwise know about the program or how to apply. This, in turn, increases the program’s impact on community-wide outcomes, such as kindergarten readiness, literacy rates, and long-term economic mobility.
In summary, outreach transforms a public pre-K program from a service into a community-driven initiative, ensuring that it not only exists but thrives as a vehicle for opportunity and equity. By prioritizing outreach, programs like MECK Pre-K can effectively fulfill their mission of creating a strong foundation for every child.
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.