September/October 2021
We're "Falling" for Pre-K!
Last month, MECK Pre-K students, teachers and staff came back to school. As the fall continues, our students have been busy learning and growing! Each school day is filled with hands-on, project-based lessons and activities to foster children’s confidence, creativity and critical thinking skills and to promote positive growth and development.

MECK Pre-K is still taking applications for this year. While some centers may be full, other centers still have space. Families can choose their preferred locations when they apply. So don't wait, apply today!
To apply, children must be four years old and live in Mecklenburg County. Families can apply online using a computer, tablet or smartphone at MeckPrek.org. They can also download and complete paper applications or apply in person by appointment. MECK Pre-K staff can be reached by email at [email protected] or by calling 704-943-9585.
Is Your Child Too Young For This Year?
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.
Back to School Video
Meet one of our teachers in this video about going back to school!
Benefits of Early Education
This summer, the Becker Friedman Institute released a new study about the benefits of early education. The paper studies benefits among participants in a high-quality early childhood education program (the Perry Preschool Project) in Ypsilanti, Michigan. They used newly collected data from participants who are now in their mid-50s, and saw benefits not only among those participants, but among their siblings and adult children.

Among other findings, they discovered that participation increased income, reduced crime and improved health and healthy behaviors. Researchers also found that the program generated $9 of benefits for every $1 that was invested in it.

You can find the full study here and read or listen to a story about it here.
COVID-19 Safety Measures

MECK Pre-K cares about the health and safety of our families, teachers and staff. We have safety measures in place in our centers to prevent the spread of COVID-19. MECK Pre-K leadership continues to monitor the current health situation and consult with officials from Mecklenburg County, the NC Division of Public Health and the NC Department of Health and Human Services. For information about our current safety measures and other resources, visit our COVID-19 Page.
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
Generous BCDI Donation to Improve Safety in Classrooms
Thank you to our friends at Black Child Development Institute Charlotte for donating copies of "Mia's Mask" to every MECK Pre-K classroom!

To go with the book, they also provided each MECK Pre-K classroom with two masks per child, posters showing kids how to wear a mask and CDC instructions for adults on safe mask-wearing.
Celebrating Hispanic
Heritage Month
September 15 - October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month! This month celebrates the contributions, cultures, traditions and histories of American neighbors whose ancestors are from Hispanic/Latino countries.

MECK Pre-K is celebrating HHM by recognizing the cultures, customs, and backgrounds of our teachers, staff and families.
Fun and Safe
Fall Celebration Tips
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Now that we're in the fall season, we're re-sharing these tips on how to celebrate the fall season safely, courtesy of County Health Director Gibbie Harris, from last year.

  • Carve pumpkins and decorate your home with your family.
  • Drive around and check out your neighbor’s decorations as well.
  • Make and enjoy your favorite fall beverage and foods at home with your family.
  • Create a scavenger hunt in your yard for your children.
  • Wear your favorite costume and have a Halloween movie night with your family.
October is National Domestic Abuse Awareness Month
Every October, advocates across Mecklenburg County come together to raise awareness about domestic violence. This month provides an opportunity to educate the community on the pattern of abusive behaviors that alter the lives of too many of our neighbors, friends and families. It is a time to hold events in memory of those who have lost their lives at the hands of their abusers, and to celebrate all survivors of intimate partner violence.
The following message is from the North Carolina Partnership for Children:
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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