Applying for PRE-K

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Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum

The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool is a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that features exploration and discovery as a way of learning. The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool is fully aligned with North Carolina Early Learning Standards.

Using exploration and discovery as a way of learning, The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool enables children to develop confidence, creativity, and lifelong critical thinking skills.

The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool:

Based on 38 objectives for development and learning, which now show the seamless progression of learning and development across the early childhood years, in every area critical to children's future success.

Offers daily opportunities to individualize instruction, helping teachers meet the needs of every type of learner.

Addresses the important areas of learning, from social-emotional to math, technology and the arts, and incorporates them every day.

Offers daily, built-in opportunities for observation, helping teachers and administrators see the strong relationship between curriculum and assessment.

Offers complete support for working with English- and dual-language learners, including detailed guidance that helps to build teachers' knowledge about best practices.

Contains guidance for working with all learners, including advanced learners and children with disabilities.

Contact us

Pre-Kindergarten Program

1901 Herbert Spaugh Ln

Charlotte NC 28208

Phone: 980-343-5950

Customer Service Hours: 8:00 am-4:00pm

Apply to PreK

CMS Pre-K programs provide a rich, child-centered, literacy-focused program that incorporates and encourages regular parent involvement.

Home Visits

Parent Orientation

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Classroom Visits

Volunteering

Parent Workshops and Training

Family Reading program

Bright Beginnings Program

Bright Beginnings Pre-K serves 3,240 eligible four-year-old students in 57 Charlotte Mecklenburg elementary schools. Eligibility for participation in the Bright Beginnings program is determined through a screening process. Children who demonstrate the greatest need are placed first. The placement process continues until all spaces are filled.

North Carolina Pre-K Program

NC Pre-K serves an additional 1,482 children in 29 high-quality, community-based childcare centers. Eligibility for NC Pre-K is based on family size, gross income, and other qualifying indicators.

Compare Pre-K Programs

Similarities - How are the Bright Beginnings and NC Pre-K programs the same?
- Cost - Both programs are offered free of charge.
- Teachers- Teachers must have the same accreditation to teach in either program. All classrooms have both a teacher and an assistant.
- Schedule - Both programs follow the CMS yearly calendar and a similar daily schedule.
- Curriculum -Creative Curriculum is used in both Bright Beginnings and NC Pre-K.
- Requirement - Both programs have the same attendance, parent participation, and family reading requirements.
- Screening - Students must go through a screening/application to determine eligibility in each pre-kindergarten program.
- Morning and After School Care - While both programs are free of charge, there are fees for any care before or after school hours.
- Meals - Both programs serve meals, however the cost varies based on the family income.
- Eligibility - Both programs require children to be four years old on or before August 31 and reside in Mecklenburg County.
ELIGIBILITY DOES NOT GUARANTEE A SEAT IN EITHER PROGRAM.
Differences - How are the Bright Beginnings and NC Pre-K programs different?
- Sites and Transportation
  - Bright Beginnings students attend school at a CMS school site. Therefore, most children are eligible to receive free transportation as long as there is space available in their Bright Beginnings home school. However, some parents will be offered placements outside their home zones and will have to provide transportation if they accept placement. Parents will be aware that transportation is not an option in these cases.
  - NC Pre-K students attend school at an approved high-quality child care site. In addition, some sites provide transportation for a weekly fee of no more than $20 per week for students who live within a certain radius of the center. Parents should inquire at the NC Pre-K center for more information.
- Eligibility Requirements (in addition to birth date and residency requirements):
  - Bright Beginnings' eligibility is determined through demonstrated academic need, assessed through a formal screening process.
  - NC Pre-K eligibility is determined by family income, household size, and other risk factors.

Applying for PRE-K

Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum

Contact us

Bright Beginnings Program

North Carolina Pre-K Program

Compare Pre-K Programs

Similarities - How are the Bright Beginnings and NC Pre-K programs the same?

Differences - How are the Bright Beginnings and NC Pre-K programs different?