How to Apply: NC Pre-K

A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for NC Pre-K.

What is NC Pre-K?

The North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten (NC Pre-K) program offers free, high-quality early education to eligible four-year-olds. It emphasizes five key developmental domains—play and learning approaches, social-emotional growth, physical health, language and communication, and cognitive development. NC Pre-K classrooms maintain a maximum 1:9 staff-to-child ratio, use evidence-based curricula, and follow state licensing standards.

How do I apply for NC Pre-K?

Confirm eligibility:

Child must be four years old by August 31 of the school year.

Family income must be at or below 75% of State Median Income, or the child qualifies under a risk category (e.g., disability, refugee, limited English proficiency).

Find a local program: NC Pre-K is offered through public schools, smart-start agencies, Head Start, and quality-rated child care centers. Use your county’s NC Pre-K contracting agency (e.g., Smart Start, community action) to locate programs.

Request an application—either online via your local site (e.g., a Smart Start agency) or by picking it up in person.

Complete and submit the application before your local deadline (usually spring/early summer). Applications may be paper or digital.

How long does it take to receive approval?

Notification timelines vary by county/provider. Many decisions are made in spring before the school year, though some programs offer rolling or wait-listed enrollment.

What do the application steps look like?

Confirm age and eligibility.

Locate local programs and request applications.

Complete required forms with documentation (see next section).

Submit your application by the deadline.

Provider reviews your application and notifies you of placement or waitlist status.

If accepted, you’ll complete intake steps (e.g., health records) and prepare for your child’s start date.

What documentation is required when applying?

Proof of age: Birth certificate (child must be 4 by August 31).

Proof of residency: Address verification, as required locally.

Proof of income: For financial eligibility; local agencies will specify acceptable documents.

Risk-based documentation (if applicable): IEP, developmental screening, refugee status, chronic health conditions, etc.

Programs may also require health and immunization records after placement.

Common FAQs

1. Who is eligible?Four-year-olds by August 31 from families ≤ 75% SMI, or up to 20% of slots may go to children with qualifying risk factors like disabilities, limited English, or health concerns.

2. Is there any cost to families?No—the 6.5-hour NC Pre-K day is provided at no cost. Families may incur fees for wraparound care outside instructional hours.

3. Where does NC Pre-K take place?Offered in 4- and 5-star child care centers, public schools, Head Start, and other state-approved settings.

4. What if my child isn’t accepted initially?Waitlists are common; children may be added mid-year if space becomes available.

5. What is the daily schedule?A minimum 6.5 instructional hours per day, usually aligning with school schedules (~7 hours), over 10 months or annual calendar depending on provider.

Who do I contact about my application status?

Local NC Pre-K contracting agency: Most counties use Smart Start or Community Action agencies for applications and enrollment.

NC DHHS Division of Child Development & Early Education (DCDEE)

Phone: 1‑800‑662‑7030

For questions about your county's program, contact your local agency’s NC Pre-K coordinator (via county directory on the DCDEE site).

Last updated June 17, 2025