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

NC Pre-Kindergarten (NC Pre-K) is a six and a half hour day, 10 month, pre-kindergarten program for at-risk four year olds. NC Pre-K meets high-quality state standards and is designed to help prepare four year old children for kindergarten, through a curriculum-based classroom style learning environment. The goal of NC Pre-K is to reach at- risk children and give them a chance to grow socially and educationally before entering kindergarten. 

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 domains, the Harnett County 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?
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.

Other criteria include:

• Family Size and Gross Income
• Service Priority (Unserved/Underserved)
• Limited English Proficiency
• Identified Disability (IEP)
• Chronic Health Condition(s)
• Developmental/Educational Need
• Military Dependent

Family size and gross income. Children in families with annual incomes at or below 75% of the State Medium Income (SMI) level are eligible for NC Pre-K services. Military dependents are eligible regardless of annual income. 

How can I apply?
NC Pre-K classrooms are located within child care centers countywide. Pick up an application from the Partnership office or click here to download a copy.

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