THIS APPLICATION IS FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE
​4 YEARS OLD BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2022
Who is eligible for the NC Pre-K Program?
At-risk is the first priority for enrolling children. At-risk is defined as family income at or below 75% of the State Median Income. Other eligible children can be enrolled after all at-risk children have been enrolled.

Eligible children are children experiencing homelessness, those with Limited English Proficiency, those with a Chronic Health Condition, children who demonstrate development or educational need based on the results of an approved assessment tool, or children who have a parent who is on active military duty or has been seriously injured while on active duty military in the recent past.

When does the program begin?
The NC Pre-K Program operates on the public school calendar.
What is the NC Pre-K Program?
​The NC Pre-K Program is designed to provide at-risk, four-year-old children with an opportunity for quality preschool education. This school day program is designed to provide young children with access to a structured curriculum and preschool experience that will enhance their readiness for school.

The  Partnership for Children & Families supports NC Pre-K classrooms throughout Lee County in select public schools and in licensed child care centers.
REMINDERS:
THIS PROGRAM IS NOT FIRST COME FIRST SERVE
Eligibility does NOT mean automatic placement. Once found eligible, everyone is put on a waiting list. Placement is made in our statewide system based on a variety of factors.

If you do not wish to attend the site at which you are assigned you are placed at the bottom of the waiting list and future placement is not guaranteed.

NC Pre-K is a program for at risk children. This risk is based on a variety of factors. Your child may have peers who are around other children their age for the first time or children who have not spent much time outside of the home. This may be an adjustment for some kids. Please be patient and understanding with your child’s teachers and peers as they navigate this transition. This is no different from what your child will experience in Kindergarten.
​It is all part of the learning process!

While transportation is a possibility at some sites, it is not a guarantee. The opportunity for transportation will depend on existing bus routes and will be addressed at the site level once your child is placed.

HAVE THESE BEFORE YOU START THE APPLICATION

Documents you will need to complete the NC Pre-K Application:
1. Child's Birth Certificate
2. Proof of Residence (only ONE of the options below is needed)
  • Water bill
  • Light bill
  • Mortgage or Lease Agreement
  • If none of the above documents are under the parent or guardian's name we will still need one of the above documents with a written statement from the person who is on the document you will be using stating you and the child live at that address signed and dated.
3. Proof if either parent:
  • Is an active duty member of the military
  • Has been or seriously injured or killed while on active duty military duty
4. Proof of income (only ONE of the options below is needed)
  • ONE month's worth of pay stubs (the most recent ones)
    • If you get paid weekly - we need 4 pay stubs
    • If you get paid biweekly or semi-monthly - we need 2 pay stubs
  • If you don't receive pay stubs we would need a letter signed and dated from your employer stating: how many hours per week you work, your hourly rate, and how much you are paid weekly.
  • 2021 Taxes
5. ANY other source of income (unemployment, social security for parents or child, court-ordered child support).
6. Documentation if the child has:
  • an IEP (Individualized Education Plan)
  • a chronic health condition
  • a developmental need
  • an educational need
7. Documentation if you have custody, guardianship, or power of attorney of the child.

At the moment we only have two options on how to apply for 2022 to 2023 school year for our nc pre-k program
​scroll down for more information

IF you are not able to upload the required documents to the online application or if you choose to do the printable version - you have 3 option.
  1. EMAIL documents to leecountyprek@gmail.com  |  Subject Line Child's First & Last Name
  2. DROP DOCUMENTS OFF AT: our office on the 2nd floor at 507 N Steele Street or drop box
  3. TEXT DOCUMENTS TO: 919-283-3229  |  text Child's First & Last Name before documents

options on how to apply

You are able to change your answers until you complete the survey. Make sure to get to the page that says "Congratulations, you have completed the 2022-2023
NC Pre-K Application".
IF you do not get to that page your Application is not submitted.
If you choose to print out the application you will need to choose 1 of the 3 options above.

other forms needed according to your situation

these forms need to be emailed

If you do the online application you will not need the Unemployed Statement Document.
You can use the above document if you do not have your Proof of Residence (utility bill, mortgage/lease agreement to your name and choose not to have a handwritten statement.
​PLEASE READ:
  • Eligibility does NOT mean automatic placement. Once found eligible, everyone is put on a waiting list. Placement is made in our statewide system based on a variety of factors.
  • Children placed in NC Pre-K will be notified the first week in August by the site at which they will attend.
  • If you do not wish to attend the site at which you are assigned you are placed at the bottom of the waiting list and future placement is not guaranteed.
  • NC Pre-K uses a staggered entry system similar to that the school system uses for Kindergarteners. Your child will start school between August 26 and September 4. You will be given more specific dates when notified by the site in early August.
  • All sites have lead teachers with a 4 year college degree and either have or are working toward a teaching license. Assistant teachers have or are working toward an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
  • You should expect your child to have a day full of PLAY experiences that equal real learning! 4 and 5 year old children should be playing – not sitting at desks. Rest assured, in doing so, your children are learning and will be better prepared for Kindergarten.
  • Children enrolled in NC Pre-K should not receive homework. It is not developmentally appropriate for this age.
  • NC Pre-K is a program for at risk children. This risk is based on a variety of factors. Your child may have peers who are around other children their age for the first time or children who have not spent much time outside of the home. This may be an adjustment for some kids. Please be patient and understanding with your child’s teachers and peers as they navigate this transition. This is no different from what your child will experience in Kindergarten. It is all part of the learning process!
  • While transportation is a possibility at some sites, it is not a guarantee. The opportunity for transportation will depend on existing bus routes and will be addressed at the site level once your child is placed.
  • Attendance is a requirement. If your child is absent the site will contact you. If they are out for more than 3 days a home visit may be conducted. Continued unexcused absences will result in dismissal from the program as there is a waiting list of children wishing to attend NC Pre-K.
  • Children at public sites (Warren Williams, WB Wicker and Broadway Elementary) may be charged for lunch if they do not qualify for the free and reduced food program. Children at private sites are all provided lunch free of charge. Aside from possible field trips, no additional charges should be required of NC Pre-K families. 
  • Family engagement is a part of the NC Pre-K Program. You should expect to be invited to events at your child’s school and we hope you will be able to participate.
  • Health forms must be submitted within 30 days of the first day of school. If you have not had an appointment yet, you must have in writing the date the appointment is scheduled.
  • At any time you may request to have your child observed for developmental delays, social/emotional concerns, or for any other reason applicable to their success in school. Contact our office at any time.
  • Above all, expect your child to have an academically and socially fulfilling year kicking off their formal education on the right foot!