NC Pre-K

North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten (NC Pre-K) is a free, high-quality early childhood education program for eligible four year olds. This state-funded initiative seeks to improve school readiness for at-risk children. 

Children enrolled in Verner’s NC Pre-K program attend school: 

• 8:30 am to 3:00 pm (6.5 hours a day) 
• Monday through Friday 
• September through mid-June (10 months before they start kindergarten).   

NC Pre-K is currently only available at our Verner East location on Riceville Rd.

Eligibility

NC Pre-K is an income-based program. Families with certain risk factors may also qualify for the program. Although a child may meet one or more eligibility factors, placement is not guaranteed. 

• Four years old by August 31 of the program year
• Entering kindergarten the following year 
• At risk for poor school outcomes. Considered risk factors include: 
  • Low household income (75% or less of the state average)
    • Children from families with incomes greater than 75% SMI if they have documented risk factors
      • limited or no English language skills 
      • identified disability 
      • chronic health condition
      • developmental disability
      • educational need

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Waitlist

Verner’s NC Pre-K program is currently full, but families are encouraged to begin the enrollment process for their child to be placed on the waitlist. ​

How to Apply for NC Pre-K

You may apply for NC Pre-K through Verner or Buncombe Partnership for Children. We strongly encourage you to begin the enrollment process by visiting our Verner Enrollment and Tuition page to fill out an application. 

Required Documents

Copies of the following documents will be required to complete your eligibility application for the NC Pre-K program:

• Child’s Birth Certificate
• W2 and/or a month’s worth of paystubs to prove income

Learn More

You can learn more about the program from the NCDHHS NC Pre-K site. 

You may email Verner at enrollment@verneremail.org to ask questions about NC Pre-K, set up a tour or to make an eligibility appointment.