nc pre-K
giving children a chance
One in four of kids in Johnston County live below the poverty line – that’s 25% of all of our children. There are thousands of kids with special needs coming up into our school system. There are children stressed by a parent deployed in the military, some have parents with physical or emotional challenges. Most of them won’t be ready for school unless we give them a chance. And if we don’t, the rest of the classroom will pay the price.
any child participating must be
four years old on or before August 31st

About NC Pre-K
The Partnership for Children administers the NC Pre-K program, funded by the State of North Carolina, in Johnston County. There are specific eligibility requirements and limited funding. Priority is given to children from low income families, children with disabilities accompanied by an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or has been identified as being “at-risk” by state criteria.
Any child participating in NC Pre-K must be four years old on or before August 31st and the family must meet specific income guidelines set by the State of North Carolina.
How To Apply
A parent or guardian must complete the NC Pre-K Application and provide all of the applicable supporting documentation listed below. The Application Portal is open for the 2023-2024 school year as of February 1, 2023. If you need assistance filling out the application, please call (919) 975-2522 to set up an appointment.
Supporting Documentation
(Required)
(If Applicable)
(Required)
- Utility bills
- Rental/lease agreements
- Mortgage/tax statements
- Proof of Residency Form (use if above can’t be provided)
Proof of Income
(Required)
- Current pay stubs for one month
- Verification of all income received: child support (even if for another child), SSI, Disability, Veterans benefits, etc.
- Employment Verification
Health Assessment Forms
(must be submitted by September 15)
- This must be completed by your child’s doctor for a well-child check within the past 12 months.
- Hearing, vision, and dental screenings are required
- Follow-up screenings are to be used if screenings were done at a specialists office or as a follow-up to a well-child visit
Immunization Records
(Required)
Child’s up to date immunization (shot) record. The doctor’s office can print this for you.
Special Needs
(If Applicable)
- Letter from the child’s therapist
- Copies of progress notes from a therapist
- Copy of an Individual Education Plan (IEP) document
We Can Help
If you need assistance with the application, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
helpful resources

The NC DHHS – Division of Child Development and Early Education is a great source for information.