Wake Pre-K is a group of three public preschool programs free for eligible children turning four by August 31st. Wake Pre-K is designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Families can apply to be considered for all three programs using one single application. The application can be filled out online. The three programs have different eligibility requirements. Children are placed based on which program makes the most sense for the family. The three programs in Wake Pre-K are Wake County Smart Start’s NC Pre-K, Telamon Head Start’s Head Start, and Wake County Public School System’s Title I.

NC Pre-K is a free, high-quality classroom program to help four-year-olds prepare for Kindergarten. Children attend Pre-K for 6.5 hours each day, Monday through Friday. NC Pre-K implements The Creative Curriculum through Teaching Strategies, where learning is play-based, and children learn literacy, math, social, physical, science, and emotional skills such as counting, tying their shoes, playing with others, embracing healthy habits, and more. NC Pre-K prioritizes children from low-income households or children who have other significant barriers to success like: concerns from a doctor about health or developmental concerns, have an IEP (Individualized Education Program, have a parent who is an active-duty member of the armed forces or speak a language other than English at home.

The Title I Pre-Kindergarten Program is designed to provide a child-centered, developmentally appropriate experience for four-year-old children needing academic support. The program stresses an environment that motivates learning through exploration and discovery. The program aims to prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to learn and succeed. Screenings for student participation are offered each spring, and students qualify based on academic needs. Some of WCPSS Title I preschool classrooms are located in the district’s elementary schools and follow the same hours of the elementary school day. Transportation may be an option for children assigned to their base school. Families will have the opportunity to participate in school breakfast and lunch for their children.

Telamon Head Start’s free Pre-K program serves children from low-income households. Each child receives a personalized educational program at the Head Start centers based on their specific strengths and needs. Through structured learning activities, play, and group learning experiences, children enter kindergarten with learning and social skills that rival that of their classmates. Head Start offers family services to support the whole child.

NC Pre-K and Head Start prioritize families with low incomes. Title I is based on academic need, not income. Academic need is determined by an in-person screening appointment and includes a developmental screening, teacher observation and family survey.

• • • • • NC Pre-K prioritizes children from low-income households or children who have other significant barriers to success like: concerns from a doctor about health or a developmental concern, have an IEP (Individualized Education Program), have a parent who is an active-duty member of the armed forces or speak a language other than English at home.
          • • Income thresholds for NC Pre-K: Low income means a child is from a family whose gross income is at or below 75% of the State Median Income level. There’s a chart here: https://www.wakesmartstart.org/families/apply-to-wake-pre-k/is-mychild-eligible/ .
            • Children may be eligible for NC Pre-K even if they do not meet the income requirements, if they have at least one of the following:
              • • • Individualized Education Program (IEP)
                  • Developmental Disability
                  • Chronic Health Condition
                  • Limited English Proficiency
                  • Child of eligible Military Family
                  • Family is homeless
    • Head Start serves children at 100% of the Federal Poverty level. You can find information on the federal poverty level here: https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines. Additionally, A pregnant woman or a child is eligible if:
      • The family’s income is equal to or below the poverty line
      • The family is receiving public Assistance (TANF, SSI, & SNAP)
      • The child is experiencing homelessness as defined in Part 1305.2 (Definition of “homeless children”)
      • Child is in foster care
    • Title I determines eligibility based on academic need after an in-person screening. Learn more about the screening process here: https://www.wcpss.net/Page/38131.The CDC milestone tracker can help you understand your child’s developmental progress: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones-app.html. All students who apply by the June 16, 2023, deadline are eligible for Title I – a screening confirms academic need. Children who apply after the June 16 deadline, are ineligible.
    • Children are ineligible for all three programs if they are not 4 years old by August 31st, 2023, do not reside in Wake County or if their application is incomplete.

     

Here are other options the parent can explore: Child Care Services Association website: https://www.childcareservices.org/families/find-child-care/ for their referral system. Or, parents can visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/childcaresearch to search for providers near them. Encourage them to find providers at a 4 or 5 star rating.

•  Title I:

•  To be considered for Title I, families must apply by JUNE 16, 2023. However, families can still apply using the same universal application for NC Pre-K and Head Start to be considered for both free programs. NC Pre-K and Head Start serve eligible low-income families. Enrollment for NC Pre-K and Head Start is rolling. Children can apply or enter the program at any point during the year.
•  Please be aware that Title I is different from public kindergarten and grade school – sadly, the program is not large enough to accommodate all eligible children. Children are placed based on who has the greatest academic need. NOT first come, first served.

 

•  NC Pre-K & Head Start: Enrollment is rolling which means that children can apply and enter the program at any point during the year depending on vacancies.

You can apply in person at one of four locations listed below. Please come ready with your child’s birth certificate, proof of income and proof of address.:

•  In Raleigh: At Wake County Smart Start Thursdays 1-4 pm: 4901 Waters Edge Drive, #101, Raleigh, NC 27606 OR call to make an appointment at Telamon Crosby Head Start 568 East Lenoir Street Raleigh, NC 27601, 919-856-5232.
•  In Cary: Telamon Parkway Head Start, 102 YMCA Drive, Cary, NC 27513. Please call ahead at: 919-657-0577 OR Wake County Public School System from January – May 2023 on Tuesdays 1-4 pm go to Crossroads 2, 110 Corning Road, Cary, NC 27611.
•  In Knightdale: Telamon Knightdale Head Start, 1020 Todd Road, Knightdale, NC 27545. Please call ahead at: 919-266-1240