September/October 2022
It's Not Too Late to Apply for MECK Pre-K!
School may have started but there's still time to enroll your child in MECK Pre-K for the 2022-2023 school year! MECK Pre-K is high-quality, free pre-k education for four-year-old children residing in Mecklenburg County. Classes are taught by licensed teachers and highly qualified assistant teachers. Classrooms are located in child development centers across the county. Do you have a child who turned four-years-old on or before August 31st? Help them prepare for a lifetime of learning and register today for MECK Pre-K.
Parent Testimonial
Here's what former MECK Pre-K parent, Destiny Black had to say about her family's experience in MECK Pre-K:

"I am very appreciative of MECK Pre-K, as it has set my son Isaiah up for success! His teachers and the staff were very hands-on academically and personally. Isaiah would bring home completed work, art work, and a book to read daily. They offered several volunteer opportunities to interact with your child, which I really enjoyed. I love that MECK Pre-K has always been hands-on with parents by setting goals and providing helpful resources. Thanks to MECK Pre-K, Isaiah was prepared for kindergarten!"

We would love to hear from you; share your story on our Testimonial Page!
MECK Pre-K Partners with Read Charlotte to Pilot A2i in Classrooms
A2i is an evidence-based platform designed to help teachers and instructional coaches make data-informed decisions about how to use their existing curriculum and instructional time to meet each child's individual needs in regards to literacy learning. A2i is designed to support educators to help children across the spectrum from students who are just beginning to build their pre-reading skills to those who are more advanced.

A2i is the brainchild of Dr. Carol Connor, whose vision was "prescription medicine for literacy." The platform was developed over 20 years with the support of a series of grants from the federal government. Multiple experimental studies repeatedly demonstrated that schools using A2i can accelerate gains in literacy during the crucial early elementary grades for all students, including high-need students, children living in poverty, English learners, and children receiving special education services.

"Read Charlotte tracked Dr. Connor's research and development of A2i since 2017," explains Read Charlotte Executive Director Munro Richardson. "We consider it one of the most promising, high-impact solutions we've seen for improving early literacy outcomes. Much of the work completed to date focused on use in K-3 classrooms. We're excited to partner with Smart Start and MECK Pre-K to learn what A2i can do for Pre-K teachers and their students." 

"This is such an amazing opportunity for MECK Pre-K--to be in on groundbreaking research on how A2i can enhance literacy instruction in the pre-k year," asserts Mary-Margaret Kantor, Smart Start of Mecklenburg County Chief Early Education Officer. "As a teacher, I would have appreciated having a tool like this--one that can so specifically hone in on individual children's needs and then pinpoint exactly where in the curriculum to go for the most meaningful instructional activities. As a leader, I look forward to working through the process with the teachers and seeing exciting results."

We are excited to learn how A2i PreK can support the implementation of the literacy curriculum in 10 pilot MECK Pre-K classrooms this school year.
Join the MECK Pre-K Team
Are you looking for an opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of young children? Consider joining the MECK Pre-K team as a Teacher or Assistant Teacher! MECK Pre-K teachers and assistant teachers are employees of the individual child development centers, but receive the same pay as Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools educators through the MECK Pre-K program. Benefits include health insurance coverage or compensation to pay for other coverage, 3% contribution toward retirement plans, and more. Learn more about teacher and assistant teacher positions here, and click the link below for current openings.
Scenes From MECK Pre-K Classrooms

Check out some of the action from our MECK Pre-K classrooms during the first few weeks of school:
Students had a great time getting to know their teachers and classmates during the first week of school!
Our MECK Pre-K classes have been studying trees this month. This class used yarn to measure the circumference of the tree trunk.
Painting is always fun! Especially when you explore ways to paint with objects besides a traditional paint brush. Students used loofah sponges to create different designs and textures.
Sign-up for Future Enrollment Notifications
The foundation created in a high-quality pre-K program prepares children for the demands of life — not just in the short term as they succeed in school, but also in the long term as they enter adulthood, become employed, and contribute to the strength of the community. Learn more about MECK Pre-K and take the step to help your child start a lifetime of learning!
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
Download the New Smart Start Mobile App!
Smart Start of Mecklenburg County continues to see growth through strong partnerships. Now they are expanding their footprint in the community with the new Smart Start of Mecklenburg County mobile app! We invite you download the Smart Start of Mecklenburg County app for iOS and Android. The mobile app, designed to connect Mecklenburg County families and professionals to resources is now at your fingertips.
Wellness is Wholeness Expo
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office and Alliance Health are hosting the Wellness is Wholeness Expo! Join them at the Keith Family YMCA located at 8100 Old Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28262 on Saturday, November 5, 2022. This family-friendly event will be held 11:00am to 3:00pm. Free lunch will be provided for the first 100 guests, and in addition to health and wellness resources there will be activities for children. Click here for more information.
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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