MECK Pre-K is a FREE program offered to eligible children. Children must be four years old on or before August 31st, 2026, and must live in Mecklenburg County. Registration for the 2026/2027 school year is open now, as of January 20, 2026.
MECK Pre-K is high quality pre-K education open to all four-year-old children in Mecklenburg County at no cost to families. Classrooms are located in licensed child development centers and taught by licensed teachers and teacher assistants.
MECK Pre-K is administered by Smart Start of Mecklenburg County and funded by Mecklenburg County.
There are over 50 locations in Mecklenburg County that offer MECK Pre-K. Find them all here or take a look at this map.
More about MECK Pre-K
- MECK Pre-K is a 6.5 hours a day program.
- Some locations offer before-school and after-school care
- Some locations offer transportation for a nominal fee.
- MECK Pre-K traditionally starts in September using a staggered entry schedule. Staggered entry means that different children have different start dates for the first week. This allows students to gradually transition into the school environment before the entire class starts.
- The maximum number of children in a MECK Pre-K classroom is 18, with one teacher adn one assistant teacher.
- More info here.
Participation in MECK Pre-K fosters the development of the whole child through the following:
- Mathematical and Scientific Thinking: Children build investigative and problem-solving skills through daily hands-on exploration of real materials. They are encouraged to formulate problems, ask questions, research solutions, and report findings.
- Joy of Learning: Children develop a love of learning and confidence in themselves through activities such as music, art, use of engaging and age-appropriate technology, drama and role playing, and vigorous outdoor play. These all enhance the curriculum and help children become able learners.
- Social & Emotional Skills: Children are nurtured and guided to develop self-regulation, effective communication techniques, positive behaviors, and the ability to successfully form and sustain social relationships with adults and other children.
- Language and Literacy Abilities: Children will have daily opportunities for language and literacy development and enrichment through book readings, print-rich environments, letter and word recognition activities and games, and word play such as rhyming and identifying letter sounds.
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