Children must turn 4 by August 31, 2026 to apply to the Pre-K programs, with Early Head Start being the exception.
MECK Pre-K
Administered by Smart Start of Mecklenburg County and funded by Mecklenburg County- Open to ALL four-year-old children who live in Mecklenburg County.
- Classrooms are located in high-quality, community-based child development centers.
- No income requirement.
- No other requirements.
Bright Beginnings
Administered by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools- Serves four-year-old children with demonstrated academic need, assessed through a formal screening process.
- Classrooms are located in Charlotte-Mecklenburg elementary schools.
- No income requirement.
- Eligibility is determined through a screening process.
NC Pre-K
Administered by NC Department of Health and Human Services under the Division of Child Development and Early Education- Serves eligible four-year-old children, based on family size, gross income, and other qualifying indicators.
- Classrooms are located in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools or high-quality, community-based child development centers.
- Family gross income must be at or below 75% of the State Median Income level.
- Priority is given to children who received no prior early education services.
Early Head Start & Head Start
Administered by Alliance Center for Education- Serves eligible children ages birth to 3 years (Early Head Start) and ages 3 to 5 (Head Start), based on family size, gross income, and other qualifying indicators.
- Program options include home-based and center-based services.
- With Early Head Start, families and expectant mothers receive comprehensive support, access to medical and dental care, and connections to emergent and community resources for housing employments, and financial stability.
