How to Apply: Kansas City Pre-K Cooperative Program

A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for the Kansas City Pre-K Cooperative Program.

What is the Kansas City Pre-K Cooperative?

The Kansas City Pre-K Cooperative is a special partnership between community early childhood centers and public schools that offers free, high-quality Pre-K for families who qualify for free and reduced-price meals. This program serves children ages 3-5 and helps build the skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Your child attends Pre-K at a community partner location but is enrolled through a public school, which guarantees them a kindergarten seat at that school the following year.

How do I apply for the Kansas City Pre-K Cooperative?

There is 1 main way to apply for the KC Pre-K Cooperative:

1. Apply Online at SchoolAppKC.org: Create an account using your email or phone number, then apply to the elementary school partner of your choice

You can also get help with your application by:

• Calling Show Me KC Schools:816-535-0656 to speak with a school navigator for one-on-one help
• Email Support:sheyvette@showmekcschools.org
• SchoolAppKC Phone:816-508-0036

How long does it take to receive funds from the Kansas City Pre-K Cooperative?

The Kansas City Pre-K Cooperative is completely free - there are no funds given to families because there is no cost to attend. Once you apply and are accepted, your child can start attending Pre-K at no cost to your family. The program covers all educational costs, and many locations also provide free meals and family support services.

What do the application steps look like?

Step 1: Create an account on SchoolAppKC.org using your email or phone number

Step 2: Fill out your family profile with basic information about your household

Step 3: Add your child's information to your account

Step 4: Select the elementary school partner you want your child to be enrolled through (this guarantees a kindergarten seat there next year)

Step 5: Submit your application before the March 1 deadline to be included in the lottery

Step 6: If selected, you'll be notified and can complete enrollment directly with the early childhood partner location

Step 7: Your child begins attending Pre-K at the community partner site while being enrolled through your chosen elementary school

What documentation is required when I fill out my application?

Child's Information (required for all applications)

• Birth certificate
• Social Security card
• Immunization/vaccination records
• Current physical and dental exam records

Parent/Guardian Information (required for all applications)

• Parent's state-issued ID (driver's license or state ID)
• Social Security card

Proof of Residence (required for all applications)

• Recent utility bill (electric, water, or gas - within last 30 days)
• Lease agreement or mortgage statement
• Property tax bill

Income Verification for Free and Reduced Lunch (required - choose what applies to your family)

• Recent pay stubs (one month of consecutive paychecks)
• 2024 tax returns or W-2 forms
• Job offer letter with pay details (if new job)
• SNAP/Food Assistance documentation
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Families) documentation
• Unemployment benefits statements
• Social Security benefits documentation

Special Circumstances (only if applicable)

• Foster care placement paperwork
• Homeless/housing instability documentation
• Special needs evaluation reports
• Immigration documents (if applicable)

Common FAQ's

1. Who can apply for the KC Pre-K Cooperative? Your child must be 3-5 years old, live within Kansas City Public Schools boundaries, and your family must qualify for free and reduced-price meals based on income guidelines.

2. What's the difference between this and regular KCPS Pre-K? The Cooperative offers Pre-K at community partner locations (like daycare centers) while enrolling through a public school. This guarantees your child a kindergarten seat at that specific elementary school the following year.

3. When can I apply? Applications open November 9th and the deadline to be included in the lottery is March 1st. You can still apply after March 1st, but you'll be added to a waitlist in the order your application was received.

4. How long does the application take? The online application typically takes less than 5 minutes to complete once you have your documents ready.

5. What if I don't qualify for free and reduced lunch? If your family doesn't meet the income requirements, you can contact the early childhood partners directly to learn about other affordable Pre-K options they may offer.

Who do I contact about my application status?

For Application Help and Support:

Show Me KC SchoolsPhone:816-535-0656

Email:sheyvette@showmekcschools.org

Website:ShowMeKCSchools.org

For SchoolAppKC Technical Support:

SchoolAppKCPhone:816-508-0036Website:SchoolAppKC.org

For KC Pre-K Cooperative Information:

KC Pre-K CooperativeWebsite:KCPreKCooperative.org

For Elementary School Partner Questions:

Contact the specific elementary school you're applying through once you've submitted your application. Each school partner can provide details about their specific Pre-K locations and enrollment process.

Additional Resource: Attend the annual City School Fair to learn more about all school options. Visit ShowMeKCSchools.orgfor details.

Last updated July 14, 2025