Good nutrition and healthy habits in the earliest years are about more than growing strong bodies—they also support learning, focus, and long-term well-being. Research published by the National Library of Medicine shows that habits formed in early childhood can influence lifelong health outcomes, from diet quality to risk of chronic disease. Pre-K is a powerful time to set this foundation.

Language is the foundation of learning. When young children build strong language and literacy skills early, they are better prepared for school and for life. The good news? You don’t need flashcards or worksheets—simple, everyday interactions at home can make a huge difference.

Summer is a great time to relax, play, and enjoy family time—but it can also be a perfect opportunity to help your child prepare for kindergarten in simple, stress-free ways. You don’t have to turn your home into a classroom. Just a few thoughtful routines can make a big difference when school starts.

Here are some fun and easy ways to help your child stay on track this summer:

Starting Pre-K is an exciting milestone for both children and their families! Whether this is your first time sending a child to school or you’ve done it before, preparing for the first day can make the transition smoother, more enjoyable, and less stressful for everyone. Here are some simple ways to get your child—and yourself—ready for a great start at MECK Pre-K this fall.

Starting kindergarten is an exciting milestone—but it can also bring some big feelings for children and families alike. If your child just graduated from MECK Pre-K or another pre-K program, congratulations! You’ve already given them a strong foundation. Now it’s time to help them take the next step with confidence.

Here are a few ways to make the transition to kindergarten a little smoother for everyone:

When it comes to preparing your child for success, the data is clear: high quality early learning makes a lasting difference.

Recent data from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools shows that MECK Pre-K graduates performed better on the district’s Kindergarten literacy assessments than the district average. This is powerful evidence that MECK Pre-K is doing exactly what it was designed to do—prepare children for a strong start in school and beyond.

When you picture a Pre-K classroom, you might think of story time, playtime, and lots of colorful artwork—but did you know that pre-K students are also learning critical thinking skills? In high quality pre-K early learning programs like MECK Pre-K, children build more than just social skills—they also begin developing the ability to think critically, solve problems, and make thoughtful decisions.  

Pre-K environments encourage children to explore new activities, overcome challenges, and develop independence. By engaging in tasks that require problem-solving and perseverance, children build self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. Research indicates that early positive experiences in pre-K contribute to a child’s belief in their abilities, fostering resilience and a proactive approach to learning.

In North Carolina, pre-kindergarten (pre-K) education is not mandatory. However, many parents choose to enroll their children in pre-K programs due to the significant benefits these programs offer in preparing children for future academic and social success.

Enrolling your child in a high-quality pre-K program like MECK Pre-K offers more than just early educational benefits—it can also positively impact your family’s economic well-being. A new study from the Yale School of Management has found that access to free pre-K enables parents, especially mothers, to pursue full-time employment or higher-paying positions, leading to increased household income.

Have you ever walked into a room full of four-year-olds and been bombarded with questions? “Why is the sky blue? How do airplanes stay up? Can I have a snack?” If you have, then you know firsthand just how curious young children can be. A good curriculum doesn’t just tolerate this curiosity—it celebrates and builds on it to teach valuable skills and knowledge. That’s exactly what we do at MECK Pre-K!

Do you ever wonder how teachers teach Math and Science to four-year-olds? It may seem like a challenge to introduce complex subjects to young children, but in reality, math and science are taught in ways that are engaging, hands-on, and incredibly fun.  

For children to experience the thrive in structured educational settings, they must cultivate self-regulation—the ability to manage their emotions, behaviors, and reactions in various situations. This skill enables them to focus, persist through challenges, and engage positively with peers and educators.

Equally important is the capacity to identify and label their own feelings, which empowers them to express emotions appropriately and develop empathy toward others. Recognizing and responding to the emotions of those who may look, act, or believe differently fosters inclusivity and respect.

As a parent, you’re always looking for the best ways to support your child’s growth and prepare them for success. One big decision is whether to send your child to pre-K or keep them at home. While homeschooling offers some flexibility, research consistently shows that high-quality in-person pre-K programs provide significant benefits for children. Here are five reasons why enrolling your child in pre-K might be the best choice for their development.

Is your little one ready for pre-K? If you are looking at public programs like MECK Pre-K in Mecklenburg County, a high-quality program that is available at no cost to families, you may have some questions. Is your child eligible? What documents are needed for the application? How can you prepare? Whether you’re applying for MECK Pre-K or a similar high-quality public pre-K program elsewhere, we’ve got you covered with the essentials.

Today’s families face many challenges, such as economic pressures, social instability, and health concerns. As a result, the mental and emotional well-being of parents has become a public health issue that can significantly impact the development of young children.

For many children, pre-K is more than just the first step in their educational journey—it’s also where some of their earliest friendships begin. With an enriched curriculum and a focus on experiential learning, high-quality pre-K programs are designed to support children in all areas of development, including the crucial skills needed for building relationships and navigating social situations.

A high-quality pre-K program needs a strong curriculum that teachers can use and build upon as they interact with students in the classroom.

MECK Pre-K’s curriculum is based on The Creative Curriculum®, a research-based framework emphasizing hands-on learning, exploration, and discovery. Teachers use this curriculum and integrate additional strategies tailored to the needs of their students, designed to develop critical thinking skills and foster social-emotional growth. Combined, these elements make up the MECK Pre-K enhanced curriculum.

We know that pre-K programs, especially those with an enriched curriculum and experiential learning, can help children in many areas, including social-emotional learning, character building, and school readiness.

But what do families say? We recently invited a family back to tell us what they have seen since their child graduated from the first year of MECK Pre-K.