March/April 2022
Registration is Open for the 2022-2023 School Year!
Registration for the 2022-2023 school year is now open! Children must turn four on or before August 31 and live in Mecklenburg County to enroll. Space is limited, so families are encouraged to apply today!

MECK Pre-K classrooms are conveniently located at more than 40 child development centers across the county. Families can select their preferred locations when they apply.

Research has shown that pre-K makes a difference in school readiness, both in the short-term to prepare children for success in school and in the long-term as children grow older, become employed, and contribute to the strength of their community and the economy. Learn more about the importance of pre-K in our recent blog post.
Parent Testimonial
Here's what MECK Pre-K parent Brentashia had to say about her family's experience with MECK Pre-K:

"The MECK Pre-K program has been awesome to Belah'Marie and I. I love the fact that the school actually sends homework and small projects for us to do together at home. Black History Month was our favorite because she was able to learn about Madam CJ Walker who she still talks about to this day. I'm glad that our family was able to experience the MECK Pre-K program. She has learned so much within a short time period, and I am very thankful for her teachers Mr. Deon and Ms. Katlynn."

Pictured to the right, Belah'Marie really got into character pretending to be 100 years old for the 100th day of school. Share your story on our Testimonial Page!
If your child won't be four on or before August 31, 2022, you can sign up to be notified when registration is open for the 2023-2024 school year. Join our 2023-2024 mailing list.
Scenes From MECK Pre-K Classrooms

The end of the school year is quickly approaching, and our MECK Pre-K students are enjoying every moment while building a lifelong love of learning.
Educational computer activities increases self-esteem and self-confidence, while boosting problem-solving skills and stimulating language comprehension. Screen time should always be monitored and kept to a daily minimum for young children.
Family engagement is key to a child's success in pre-k and the years to follow. Family engagement helps kids feel connected to their teachers, families and communities. Kids who are connected feel safe, secure, supported and are ready to learn.
Taking a moment to count and compare the size, shape and color of everyday items is a great way to learn through play. Learning through play is important and can help young children be ready for school, encourage their imagination and help them with literacy and numeracy skills.
Help Spread the Word
About MECK Pre-K!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube and share our posts! Also check out our new LinkedIn profile. You can also talk about MECK Pre-K on social media using this Social Media Primer in English and Spanish.
Important Community Updates
Week of The Young Child
April 2-8 we recognized the Week of the Young Child™, an annual celebration of early learning, young children, their teachers, families, and communities led by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Here are some fun ways we celebrated!
 
  •  Music Monday: Singing, dancing, celebrating, and learning. Through music, children develop math, language, and literacy skills – all while having fun and being active!
  • Tasty Tuesday: This fun, food-themed day was about more than just cheese and crackers. Cooking together connects math with literacy skills, science, and more.
  • Work Together Wednesday: When children build together, they experience teamwork and develop their social and early literacy skills.
  • Artsy Thursday: Children develop creativity, social skills and fine motor skills with open-ended art projects where they can make choices, use their imaginations, and create with their hands.
  • Family Friday: Sharing family stories. Engaging and celebrating families is at the heart of supporting our youngest learners. NAEYC applauds the role of family members as young children’s first and most important teachers.

Click here to learn more about MECK Pre-K and other Smart Start of Mecklenburg County programs highlighted throughout the Week of the Young Child.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which recognizes the importance of communities working together to promote the social and emotional well-being of all children and their families. To report suspected child abuse, neglect or human trafficking, call the Child Protective Services HELP line at 980-31-HELPS (43577). This hotline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; including holidays.
Opportunity For Influence
Charlotte remains last among the 50 largest US cities, and Mecklenburg 99 out of 100 counties in upward mobility. A city task force was devised and identified three interrelated determinants that have the greatest influence on the opportunity trajectory of an individual – Early Care and Education, College and Career Readiness, and Child and Family Stability.

Early Care and Education, as well as Child and Family Stability, is the top priority of Smart Start of Mecklenburg County. Funding and/or operating over 20 programs throughout the community, Smart Start and its partners work tirelessly to improve conditions for our County’s youngest citizens so that they can be successful in life. From administering the County’s MECK Pre-K program to over 1,600 children this year to driving awareness campaigns around early brain development, Smart Start-funded programs are paving the way for positive futures for the over 80,000 children under age five in our community.

This year’s Opportunity for Influence Campaign brings together early childhood professionals and dedicated individuals from throughout the community. The virtual event, Opportunity for Influence: a Digital Experience will take place on Thursday, May 26 at 12:00 PM, focusing on the opportunities being provided for children prenatal-to-five throughout Mecklenburg County while highlighting the work being done daily by local Influencers – everyday champions who are positively impacting young people in our County. Join Smart Start of Mecklenburg County in this engaging discussion and show your commitment to influencing the outcome for our young children. 
MECK Pre-K Recognized by Board of County Commission
During the recent State of the County Address, Mecklenburg County Commission Chairman, George Dunlap recognized the hard work and dedication of MECK Pre-K teachers and staff. MECK Pre-K is grateful for the community's continued support, making it possible for children in Mecklenburg County to receive high-quality free pre-K to build a lifetime of learning!

Pictured at right: MECK Pre-K staff and educators with Dunlap, center.
Smart Start supports families to improve early childhood health, education and development - all to help ensure that children turn five ready to thrive.
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