Universal PreK

McDowell County Schools Preschool Programs

Universal PreK is designed to prepare 4-year-olds for Kindergarten. Acceptance is based on income eligibility and other criteria. Universal PreK is a child-centered program providing the highest standard of learning available for 4-year-olds. 

You can now register your child for the 2024-2025 school year!!!

MCS Universal PreK is provided at NO COST for tuition to all families of children turning 4 on or before August 31, 2025! 

NC PreK classrooms are located at all Elementary Schools, First Baptist Children's Center, and MTCC Child Development Center. Slots are available at no cost to qualifying families at MTCC Child Development Center and First Baptist Children's Center. Extended day options are available at some locations with a small fee. Breakfast and lunch are provided at no cost to MCS students.

Please register online in the registration link a the top of the McDowell County Schools homepage. You will need to upload a birth certificate, proof of income (W2s or paycheck stub) or current medicaid card, current well-check, and immunizations to complete the application process. If the student's birthday is between now and August 31, 2025, you can return the Health Assessment and Immunizations after turning in your packet. All completed packets need to be turned in at the Office of Early Learning or emailed to lorrie.smith@mcdowell.k12.nc.us. 

We look forward to helping you register your child!

Please contact Lorrie Smith at (828)442-2415 for any further questions.

 

NC PreK Committee Meeting Schedule

2024-2025 Meeting Schedule

All meetings will be held in the McDowell County Schools Boardroom

July 30, 2024, at 9:00 am

October 24, 2024, at 9:00 am

January 9, 2025, at 9:00 am

January 23, 2025, at 9:00 am

April 3, 2025, at 9:00

2025-2026 Meeting Schedule

July 10, 2025, at 9:00 am

Notice of Public Meeting for Site Selection

McDowell County Schools Preschool Programs

Notice of Public Meeting

The McDowell County NC PreK Committee will meet on March 12, 2025 at 9:00 am

in the Conference Room at the McDowell County Schools Central Office,

334 S. Main Street Marion, NC 28752.

All 4 or 5 star rated license programs of McDowell County that are interested in becoming a site for NC PreK must have someone in attendance at this meeting to be considered for the 2025-2026 school year. 

The process of this meeting will be an information session for eligible public and private 4- and 5-star rated license and temporary license programs. We will review NC Child Care Rules and NC Pre-K Program Requirements, review Application Packets, Rubric criteria, including the Locally Determined Indicators, required documentation, Timeline, Review and Notification Process, Funding expectations, Public Records Law

 

For information on additional child care centers in McDowell County - click HERE (ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov)