The NC Pre-K program provides FREE high-quality pre-kindergarten education for families who qualify.
NC Pre-K Application Days are scheduled for the last Saturday of each month, February – April, from 9 AM – 11 AM. Visit our NC Pre-K Application Days Event for more information.
Applications for 21/22 are now available on the School Year 21/22 NC Pre-K page or during the Partnership for Children’s Drive-Thur Application Events.
What are NC Pre-K Application Days?
Application Days are where you can get hands-on assistance in filling out your child’s application.
What is NC Pre-K?
The NC Pre-K program provides FREE high-quality pre-kindergarten education for families who qualify.
Where are NC Pre-K classrooms located?
NC Pre-K operates on the public school calendar. Classrooms are available in several different locations across the community, including Private Child Care Sites, Cumberland County Schools,
How do you know if your child qualifies?
- Your child must be 4-years-old by August 31, 2021
- Priority will be given to families who meet income eligibility. Additional consideration (even if not
income-eligible ) is given to families whose child:- has documentation of a diagnosed developmental disability
- is a military dependent of an active duty service member or a military service member who has been seriously injured or killed while on active duty
- has limited English proficiency
- has an educational need or a chronic health condition
What do I need to bring to see if my child qualifies?
- Copy of child’s official birth certificate
- Proof of income:
- Employed individuals
- Pay Stubs for a complete month (if paid weekly – bring 4 consecutive pay stubs; if paid twice a month – bring 2 consecutive pay stubs; if paid monthly – submit at least 1 full month’s pay stub)
- Tax records (W-2; 1040EZ-line 4; 1040-Adjusted Gross line 37; 1040A-Adjusted Gross line 21)
- Employer written statements signed by the employer (on letterhead, if available)
- Self-Employed individuals
- Tax records or 1099
- Business bank statements
- Unemployed individuals
- Award letter from the Employment Security Commission
- If you don’t have any documentation, you will be asked to sign a statement of $0 income
- Disabled individuals
- Award letter from the Social Security Administration
- Proof of receipt for child support and/or alimony
- Employed individuals
- If applicable:
- Court Ordered Custody Papers
- Proof of military dependent status (DEERS form or LES)
- Military Special Power of Attorney & TDY/Deployment Orders
- Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Disability documentation/Chronic Health Condition
Do I need to bring my child?
No, while children are welcome, they do not need to be present to apply.
What will happen at NC Pre-K Application Day?
We will have three areas to assist families:
• One area for families to submit their completed applications and documents (Application available for download here)
• One area to pick up paper copy applications
• One area for families to have their original documents copied
Our staff will be on hand to provide step-by-step application assistance.
Can I fill out the NC Pre-K application ahead of time?
Yes! While it is not required, you can come with a completed application. Applications are now available here.
What if I need help filling out the application?
No problem. We will have staff on hand to help you. Spanish-speaking staff will also be on site.
Who do I contact for more information?
You can call and leave a message at 910-826-6444.
Language assistance will be available onsite for Spanish-speaking individuals. Additionally, reasonable accommodations for persons with mobility issues can be made on site. If you have specific needs or concerns please contact our offices in advance.
Although a child may meet one or more eligibility factors, placement is not guaranteed in an NC Pre-K classroom. Placement in your preferred location is also not guaranteed.