What is NC Pre-Kindergarten (NC Pre-K)?

The NC Pre-K Program is a program of the Division of Child Development and Early Education in the NC Department of Health and Human Services.

NC Pre-K is funded by the state of North Carolina and is free to eligible families. 

What’s the curriculum?
The NC Pre-K standards are built on the premise that in order to be successful academically in school, children need to be prepared in all five of the major domains of development:

• Health and physical development
• Social and emotional development
• Language development and communication
• Cognition and general knowledge
• Approaches toward learning

To meet these standards, the Harnett County NC Pre-K program requires the use of Creative Curriculum, a state approved curriculum for pre-kindergarten.

What about the teachers?
NC Pre-K teachers are qualified teachers with early childhood education and experience. Teachers without terminal degrees are offered the opportunity to go back to school and further their education. 

Who is eligible for NC Pre-K?

Age Requirements:

Children must be four years old on or before August 31st in the year served. Children who are eligible for kindergarten are not eligible for NC Pre-K.

Income Requirements:

Children in families with annual incomes at or below 75% of the State Medium Income (SMI) level are eligible for NC Pre-K services.

Other criteria include:

• Children of Eligible Military Families
• Limited English Proficiency
• Identified Disability (IEP)
• Chronic Health Condition(s)
• Developmental/Educational Need

How can I apply?
Pick up an application from the Partnership office or click here to download a copy.  Applications must be submitted to the Harnett County Partnership for Children office for approval and eligibity determination.

For more information about NC Pre-K, contact Tara Fish, Program Manager, at 910-893-2344.