Congratulations to the MECK Pre-K Class of 2021! |
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It's hard to believe that we have completed another year of MECK Pre-K! Over the last few weeks, MECK Pre-K classrooms have been celebrating graduation for hundreds of students who have completed the program this year. We are so proud of our students, teachers and centers for their resilience and flexibility as we navigated an unprecedented year.
We are excited to see these bright young children enter kindergarten in the fall with all of the skills and knowledge they have gained in MECK Pre-K.
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Scenes From
MECK Pre-K Graduations
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In the past few weeks, MECK Pre-K students have celebrated a year of learning, development and fun. Congratulations to the MECK Pre-K class of 2021. We wish you well in kindergarten next year! |
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The Learning Tree Enrichment Academy celebrated MECK Pre-K graduation with an outdoor ceremony. |
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Students lined up to be recognized as staff, teachers and families cheered them on. |
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Kids who graduate from MECK Pre-K are prepared for kindergarten and
future success!
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Registration for 2021-2022 |
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Do you know a child who would like to join the next MECK Pre-K graduating class?
Registration for the 2021-22 school year is now open! To apply, children must be age four on or before August 31 and live in Mecklenburg County. Space is limited, so we encourage families to apply today!
Our classrooms are located at 40 childcare centers across the county. Families can select their preferred locations when they apply. Priority will be given to families who earn at or below 400% of the federal poverty level.
For decades, research has shown that pre-kindergarten makes a difference in school readiness, not just in the short-term to get children ready to succeed in school, but in the long-term as children grow up, become employed, and contribute to the strength of the economy. Now entering its fourth year, MECK Pre-K has already helped thousands of children to prepare for kindergarten and future success in life.
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Is Your Child Too Young For This Year? |
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If your child won't be four on or before August 31, you can sign up to be notified when registration is open for the 2022-2023 school year. Join our 2022-2023 mailing list.
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Webinar: All About MECK Pre-K
If you are reading this Tuesday morning, join us tonight on the MECK Pre-K Facebook Page for a complete walkthrough of the application process. Ask questions and get answers. If your child will be four years old on or before August 31, tune in! Learn everything about MECK Pre-K!
Tuesday, June 8 at 6:30pm.
Click "Leer En Español" above for details on a Spanish-language session.
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Drive-Thru Registration Event
Come to a MECK Pre-K Drive-Thru Registration Event that allows families to interact with MECK Pre-K staff in person from the safety of their cars. Face masks are required. If you do not have one we will provide you with a mask.
Here's what you can do at the event:
- Pick up English and/or Spanish applications.
- Turn in completed applications.
- Turn in required documents.
- Make copies of required documents.
- Get help with completing new and existing applications.
- Have your questions answered by MECK Pre-K staff in English or Spanish.
- Receive free giveaways and information from our community partners.
To ensure that your application is complete, please bring the required documents. You can download this one-page summary. For more information on the MECK Pre-K registration process, click here.
Saturday, June 12, 10 am - 1 pm
601 E. 5th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 in the parking lot of the Child and Family Services Building. When you arrive, follow the MECK Pre-K signs. Enter the parking lot on N. Alexander Street.
Please click here to register for the event. This will help us ensure you have a faster and more convenient drive-through experience. When you register for the event, you will also be entered into a raffle to win a $25 Walmart gift card.
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Recently the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners approved the FY 2021-2022 budget, which includes funding to expand MECK Pre-K. This means even more pre-kindergarten spots for children in Mecklenburg County! We will announce new locations later this summer.
Thank you to everyone who completed the FY2022 Resident Budget Priority Survey and selected MECK Pre-K as a top priority for the community. As a result, Mecklenburg County made MECK Pre-K one of its top five priorities. |
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Recently, a MECK Pre-K parent had this to share about her experience.
"I just wanted to reach out and say thank you for all you have done to keep the program going during such tumultuous times. Being able to attend in person has been essential - not only to my son’s well-being but to mine as well."
"My son is absolutely thriving and I’ve seen so much growth in his character and academics alike. I cannot say enough good things about his teachers and the amazing job they do. Their dedication and compassion is second to none. They are absolute gems and I am so grateful for how well they love and encourage my son. Thank you again for being the bright spot in a pretty dim time. You should all be proud of the job you’ve done and the impact that you are having on families across the county."
- Tess (mother of Elliot)
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Do you have a story to share about your child's experience in MECK Pre-K?
Share your story using our online Testimonial Form. It only takes a few minutes. We want to hear from you! |
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Help Spread the Word
About MECK Pre-K!
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Important Community Updates |
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Enrichment Opportunities from Smart Start |
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The Basics
Did you know 80% of brain growth happens during the first three years of life!? The Basics are five fun, simple, and powerful ways that every family/childcare provider can give every child a great start in life. Contact Basics Manager, Stacy Guinn at sguinn@smartstartofmeck.org to learn more by setting-up a virtual training for you and your staff and receive Basics materials to share with your families and children!
Childcare facilities that attend trainings are eligible to receive DCDEE contact hours.
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Ready4K: Text SSMC to 70138
Smart Start of Mecklenburg County and Read Charlotte have partnered together to provide a free texting service to more families with children ages 0- 5 in Mecklenburg County! Each week, participants receive three messages with fun facts and tips on ways to help their child learn and grow. Ready4K tips are a great addition to your daily routine, like getting dressed, bath time, or preparing a meal. Messages are always age and developmentally appropriate. While there is absolutely no cost for enrolling in Ready4K, data & message, rates may apply. To Sign Up Today, Text SSMC to 70138.
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MeckBetter Together is a campaign that aims to maximize the efforts of child and family caring agencies and the community to support families and address safety and wellbeing of children, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This joint child and youth caring initiative is the result of partnerships between DSS, CMS, Smart Start, CCRI, Parks & Recreation, and the Library. Their online toolkit includes County and community partner resources that are available to residents. |
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MECK Pre-K Conversation with STRIVE Scholars |
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Recently, MECK Pre-K teachers and staff joined the STRIVE Scholars to talk about the program and share their experiences in pre-k education. STRIVE is a North Carolina scholarship for early childhood education students provided in partnership with the Foundation for the Carolinas and Mecklenburg County. The STRIVE scholarship can help you earn your degree to become a child care worker, preschool teacher, or pre-K teacher in North Carolina. The scholarship is increasing and improving the early childhood education workforce, helping recruit great people for child development jobs, particularly in the county's public pre-K classrooms. If you would like to learn more, you can access the recording here. |
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Juneteenth is a celebration that commemorates the end of the enslavement of African-American people in the United States. It marks the day, June 19th, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation (which had been issued on January 1st, 1863) was finally read to enslaved African Americans in Texas.
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"Bee Ready" for Kindergarten |
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Mecklenburg County recently created this video about free pre-kindergarten options in Mecklenburg County. Check it out! |
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We mobilize resources, forge partnerships, and support families to improve early childhood health, education and development - all to help ensure children are prepared for kindergarten.
Our four areas of focus are early care and education quality and accessibility, family support, health and early literacy for children ages birth to five.
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You are receiving this message because you are a friend or partner of MECK Pre-K. We hope you find this information useful. If you wish, you can unsubscribe at any time using the link in the footer below. |
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