Information Session

The Goals of NC Pre-K To provide a rich, child- centered, literacy-focused learning environment. To ensure that all children in Mecklenburg County enter kindergarten ready to learn. To offer experiences that ensure children's learning of the academic, personal and interpersonal skills essential to school success.

What is NC Pre-K? The FREE program offers the following: Curriculum to prepare children for Kindergarten Certified Teachers Ongoing Parent involvement NC Pre-K is offered at four and five star child care centers.

More About the Program 6 ½ hour school day with options for before and after school care. Regular attendance is required. Children need to arrive on-time each morning. NC Pre-K follows the CMS calendar, including bad weather days and student holidays.

Our Curriculum Opening the World of Learning, (O.W.L.) is the approved curriculum. The day consists of numerous activities designed with purposeful play. Activities include learning centers, small group instruction and large group instruction. There are special celebrations throughout the year that relate to the books read in class. No special emphasis is placed on celebrating holidays.

Parent Involvement Requirements Home visit Parent Orientation Home Reading books Parent Visits – at least 4 per year (i.e., attending workshops, volunteering) Parent / Teacher Conference All student immunizations, physical, and contact information kept up-to-date

What About Meals? Breakfast and lunch are served each day at no cost to parents.

Transportation Students who come to school by car must be walked to the classroom. Parents must make contact with the teacher or teacher assistant upon arrival. Children will only be released to the parent(s) or other persons authorized by the parent. The NC Pre-K Director can assist you with any other transportation questions.

Eligibility Requirements Child must be 4 years old on or before August 31, 2013 Family must live in Mecklenburg County Family size and income are factors There is no guarantee of placement if your child is determined eligible.

Steps for Applying to NC Pre-K Step 1: Call the Pre-K Office at or to make a screening appointment for your child. Step 2: Complete the NC Pre-K application. Step 3: Provide all required documentation.

Information Needed for NC Pre-K Application Child’s certified birth certificate Child’s immunization record Child’s current physical (completed within 12 months prior to entering school in August 2013) Parent’s proof of address Parent’s proof of income (includes any parent, stepparent or legal guardian iving in the home, as well as child support).

Proof of Address Column B: A utility bill or work order dated within the past 30 days, including: Gas bill Water bill Electric bill Telephone bill Cable bill Column A: Copy of Deed or record of most recent mortgage payment Copy of Lease (including Charlotte Housing Authority and HUD leases) HUD Closing Statement Residency Affidavit from landlord affirming tenancy Section 8 agreement Letter from approved agency (group & foster home purposes only) Column C: Valid North Carolina driver’s License Current vehicle registration Valid North Carolina photo identification card Dated within the past year: W-2 form Vehicle tax bill Property tax bill Medicaid Card Dated within the past 60 days: Payroll stub Bank or credit card statement One item from each of the columns below:

Questions

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