May/June 2022
Congratulations MECK Pre-K Class of 2022!
We are so proud of all of our MECK Pre-K Class of 2022 graduates! This year we recognized over 1,600 students who participated in MECK Pre-K and are now prepared to take on kindergarten. We are grateful for all of the teachers, teacher assistants, parents, and more who have played a role in each child's success this year. We wish all of our families the best as they continue their lifelong journey of learning in elementary school.
Space is Limited - Apply Now for the 2022-2023 School Year
Applications are still being accepted for the 2022-2023 school year! 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.

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 grow up, become employed, and contribute to the strength of the community. Check out our recent blog post for a few things you should know before enrolling your child in pre-K.
Parent Testimonial
Here's what MECK Pre-K parents Devon Sr. and Patrice had to say about their decision to enroll their son Devon Jr. in MECK Pre-K:

"It's been amazing, he comes home and tells us new stuff everyday," said Devon Sr. in an interview with WSOC-TV at his son's graduation.

Devon's mother Patrice said, "It was an easy process; they made it to where we could reach out anytime and [they would] point us in the right direction to make us feel comfortable."

Watch the full story highlighting Devon Jr's special day covered by WSOC-TV. We'd love to hear from you; share your story on our Testimonial Page!
If your child won't be four on or before August 31, 2022, don't worry! You can sign up to be notified when registration is open for your child's year.
Scenes From MECK Pre-K Graduations

Here are a few highlights from some of our MECK Pre-K graduations over the past few weeks. Congratulations to all of our students and their families!
From custom caps and t-shirts to bowties and beautiful dresses, parents went all out to celebrate this important milestone for their MECK Pre-K grads.
These two graduates from Little Sprouts Academy are one of the many friendships that blossomed this past school year. We hope all of our MECK Pre-K friends can stay connected and continue learning together.
Family and friends from all around showed up to support their loved ones. This smiling bunch celebrated their MECK Pre-K grad at Sunshine House's ceremony in the park.
Thank You to our Smart Start to MECK Pre-K Event Partners!
Our Smart Start to MECK Pre-K screening and enrollment event was a huge success! Over 300 families came out to participate in orientation and development, speech and hearing and dental screenings required for children to start MECK Pre-K in the fall.

We could not have done this event without the support of our community partners. We greatly appreciate all who participated by screening children, registering them for library cards and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program and more! Thank you friends at Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center, Smile Starters (Freedom Drive location), Learning Charms, Charlotte Speech and Hearing, Child Language and Developmental Speech, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, and Green's Playhouses!

Enroll your child today for the upcoming school year and join us at the next screening event in August. More details will be sent to registered families.
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
Fun Summer Activities
Summer is a wonderful time of year! It's the season of fun in the sun, spending time with family and friends, visiting the beach and more. It's also an important time to keep children engaged with learning, ensuring a strong start in the new school year. Here are some free and inexpensive activities to enjoy with your family this summer.
 
  • Summer Reading Program: Summer Break is Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s summer learning challenge. Summer Break combines reading with a variety of other learning activities. Log activities like reading books, playing a game, creating a drawing, or taking a walk and earn prizes along the way. Visit your neighborhood library or register online.
  • Pool Time and Free Swim Lessons: Visit public pools in the Double Oaks and Cordelia communities for $2.00 per person. There are also several spraygrounds located at local parks throughout the county. Mecklenburg County Park and Rec offers free swim lessons on a first come first served basis. Families can visit the Cordelia or Double Oaks pools at 9:30am on Saturdays to sign up for weekday morning classes the following week. Learn about all of the county aquatic facilities in this article from Charlotte on the Cheap and visit Park and Rec's website for more details.
  • Summer Movies at Regal: Bring the family to the nearest Regal theatre for their 2022 Summer Movie Express series! Summer Movie Express tickets are just $2.00 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays featuring movies the whole family will enjoy. Availability varies by location. Click here to learn more.
  • Day Trips and Staycations: Check out these fun and educational ideas from Kids Out and About. With 101 ideas you're sure to find the right adventure for your family!
Mecklenburg County Approves Continued Funding
MECK Pre-K would not be possible without the generous funding provided by Mecklenburg County. As MECK Pre-K enters its fifth year, the Board of County Commissioners voted to approve continued funding of the program. As a result, MECK Pre-K will be able to serve almost 1,900 children and families across the county for the 2022-2023 school year!
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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