News

Applications Opening for 2027-2028 Public Pre-K Sites

Are you interested in becoming an approved site to host a publicly funded Pre-K Classroom at no cost to families for the 2027-2028 school year? Applications for the site selection process will open on Monday, September 28, 2026.

Who Can Apply?

Childcare centers with a four- or five-star rated license are eligible to apply. Childcare centers with a temporary license are also eligible to apply.

How to Apply

Applications will be emailed to eligible childcare centers and will also be available for download at www.smartstartofmeck.org/preksites

Application (Click to Download)

Completed applications and all required materials may be submitted electronically to:

PreK-Programs@mecklenburgcountync.gov

Printed application materials may also be picked up or dropped off in person at either of the following locations:

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Pre-K Office
1901 Herbert Spaugh Lane
Charlotte, NC 28208

OR

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County
601 E. 5th Street, Suite 200
Charlotte, NC 28202

Site Interview Process

Applicants will also take part in a brief virtual interview covering four questions related to program operations. The interview questions will be emailed to eligible childcare centers and will also be available for download at:

Interview Questions (Click to Download)

Have Questions About the Application Process?

Site Selection FAQs

NC Pre-K Program Requirements and Guidance (Click to Download)

Join our virtual information session to learn more about the Public Pre-K program requirements in Mecklenburg County, the application, and the site selection process.

Date: Wednesday, October 7
Time: 12:00 1:30PM
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Join the Information Session:

https://mecknc.zoomgov.com/j/1652201421?pwd=6l57wYp9ap8HPyT4DX6UGTY1gfkKWQ.1

Meeting ID: 165 220 1421

Passcode: 551332

We encourage all interested childcare centers to attend the information session and learn more about the opportunity to become an approved Public Pre-K site in Mecklenburg County for the 2027-2028 school year.