Pre-K
Enhancing school readiness
We participate in both MECK Pre-K and NC Pre-K programs for 4-year-old children.
As a leader in early child care, Smart Kids is one of the pioneers in the partnership for public Pre-K programs in Mecklenburg County. For over 20 years, our educators have played an active role in fostering quality education for young children in the community. Our facilities are 5 star-rated by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Division of Child Development and Early Education, exceeding the standards that North Carolina sets for preschool and child care centers.
To become eligible, your child must be 4-years of age by August 31 of the upcoming school year. For example, for the 22/23 school year, your child must be 4 on or before Aug. 31, 2022.
MECK Pre-K
MECK Pre-K is high-quality free pre-k education in Mecklenburg County.
To apply for MECK Pre-K,complete an application online at meckprek.org or call Smart Start of Mecklenburg County at 704-943-9585.
You will be asked to select a school of your choice during the application process. Please refer to our Pre-K Locations chart for Smart Kids facilities that offer MECK Pre-K programs. If your child is already registered in a preschool program at Smart Kids, the Director will request priority placement* for Pre-K at Smart Kids. Once you receive confirmation from MECK Pre-K, a Smart Kids Rep will connect with you to begin the enrolment process.
NC Pre-K
NC Pre-K is administered by the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) of North Carolina. Families who meet the family size and income requirements set by the state of North Carolina are eligible. Children of active duty military families & children with special needs or receiving speech services may also be eligible.
To apply for NC Pre-K, please visit DCDEE’s website to submit an application. Select one of our Smart Kids locations as your preferred school of choice. Please refer to our Pre-K Locations for Smart Kids facilities that offer NC Pre-K programs. If your child is already registered in a preschool program at Smart Kids, the Director will request priority placement* for Pre-K at Smart Kids. Once you receive confirmation from NC Pre-K, a Smart Kids Rep will connect with you to begin the enrolment process.
Pre-K Locations
When submitting your application form, you will be asked to select your school of choice. The chart below indicates which Smart Kids facilities offer MECK Pre-K and NC Pre-K programs.
| MECK Pre-K | NC Pre-K |
|
Ballantyne |
X | |
Concord |
X | |
Fort Mill |
||
Gastonia |
X | |
Harris |
X | |
Harris Annex |
X | |
Lambeth |
X | |
Mooresville |
||
Sam Newell |
X | X |
South Point |
X |
*Smart Kids cannot 100% guarantee Pre-K enrolment during the applicaton process. Meck Pre-K and NC PreK committees review eligibility requirements and provide final approval of your school selection. We are only able to recommend priority placements.
‘Everybody knows everybody. They greet you in the morning. It’s a really fun environment to be in. My kids have blossomed since coming here.’
‘They are a family here. They love one another. They love the children. They do everything they can to help the children grow and mature.’
We would love to meet you.
We currently have 10 locations in the Carolinas. We offer tours throughout the year. Come for a visit!
1.855.Learn05 or request a tour online.