Contact :

Jacob Brewer, Program Content Manager

704-943-9408

JBrewer@smartstartofmeck.org

MECK Pre-K Opens Registration for 2026-2027 School Year

Families Share "A Day in the Life" Stories From MECK Pre-K

CHARLOTTE, N.C., January 20, 2025 – Registration is now open for the 2026-2027school year at MECK Pre-K, the free, high-quality pre-K program for all four-year-olds in Mecklenburg County, available at no cost to families. Families can secure their spot at MeckPreK.org today.

Since its launch in 2018, MECK Pre-K has helped thousands of children build strong foundations for their educational journey. Now, families from the program’s inaugural year are reflecting on its impact as their children prepare for middle school.

We asked MECK Pre-K families to share "A Day in the Life" of a MECK Pre-K child. Here are a few things we heard:

Morning & Drop-Off: "My child absolutely looks forward to going to school every morning! They love getting to be with their friends and adore all their teachers."

During the School Day: ""She talks about funny things that happened throughout the day. Her favorite classroom activities are dramatic play and art." "He talks about what he learned at school. He loves center time."

Growth & Milestones: "If there's something specific they are studying in class, she makes a point to connect what's happening in the classroom with what she sees while we're out running errands or going for a walk."

Family Perspectives: "He comes home talking about his friends and what they learned. My family agrees this was the best thing that could have happened in his life." 

End of the Day: "My child loves to tell me about their crafts and lessons and class. They pride the selves on sharing their new milestones and it’s great to see their own confidence in themselves continue to grow. I also enjoy how the specific school makes it important for the children to connect with their roots."

We recently captured some of the learning happening in MECK Pre-K classrooms. Check out these photo galleries!

MECK Pre-K focuses on engaging learning experiences, nurturing environments, and preparing children for academic and social success.

Families can visit MeckPreK.org and click on the "Apply Now" button. Families can also find MECK Pre-K and other Smart Start Programs at one of these locations:

• Ella B. Scarborough Resource Center, 430 Stitt Road, Charlotte, Tuesdays, 9am-3pm
• Valerie C. Woodard Center, Building A, 3205 Freedom Dr., Charlotte, Wednesdays, 10am-3pm

Additional registration events will be posted at meckprek.org/events

About MECK Pre-K:

MECK Pre-K is high quality pre-K education open to all four-year-old children in Mecklenburg County at no cost to families. Classrooms are located in licensed child development centers and taught by licensed teachers and highly qualified assistant teachers. MECK Pre-K is administered by Smart-Start of Mecklenburg County and funded by Mecklenburg County. For more information, and to apply online, visit MECKPreK.org.

About Smart Start of Mecklenburg County:

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County mobilizes resources, forges partnerships, and supports families to improve early childhood health, education and development, and ensure children are prepared for kindergarten. Learn more at SmartStartofMeck.org.

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