NC Pre-Kindergarten Program

Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten – at No Cost to You!

Want to ensure your child is ready for Kindergarten? Enroll in NC Pre-K, a state-funded program providing FREE Pre-K to qualifying families.

What is NC Pre-K?

The NC Pre-K Program is designed to provide high-quality educational experiences to enhance school readiness for eligible four-year-old children.

The NC Pre-K program focuses on:

• Approaches to play and learning
• Emotional and social development
• Health and physical development
• Language development and communication
• Cognitive development

Who is eligible for NC Pre-K?

• Child must be 4 years old on or before August 31st of the program year
• Must be a North Carolina resident
• Must meet certain income requirements
• Children of certain military families are eligible without regard to income

Program Schedule & School Year

Full-Day Program: 6.5 instructional hours per day
Monday-Friday (5 days a week)
Length: 10 months, 180 instructional days
Start Date: September

Is Extended Care Available?

Before- and after-school care is available for families needing additional support.

How Do I Apply for NC Pre-K?

You can apply by contacting the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education.

For more information, visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Home/DCDEE-Sections/North-Carolina-Pre-Kindergarten-NC-Pre-K