NC Pre-K & Title I Pre-K

Overview

      Halifax County Schools offers a dual pre-kindergarten program to the school community. Children turning four years of age on or before August 31st may qualify for NC Pre-k or Title I Pre-K.  The "North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten (NC Pre-K) Program Requirements and Guidance" and The NC Title I Standards and Procedures" provide the necessary directives and governance for dual school-based program implementation. Each program guide's table of content eases the navigation of content searches and connects the reader with at-a-glance information accordingly. 

Halifax County Schools' elementary program houses a Pre-K classroom on each elementary campus. The elementary school administrator supervises the school's Pre-K program in partnership with the elementary director/program coordinator and program contracted services.  Although a child may meet one or more eligibility requirements for the Pre-K program, placement is not guaranteed. A waiting list exists when funding is not sufficient to serve all eligible children.

Prek site administrators and classroom teachers are encouraged to know the requirements of the dual Pre-K program. To further develop your knowledge, read and visit the links provided. 

I. What is NC Pre-K?

The NC Pre-K Program is designed to provide high-quality educational experiences to enhance school readiness for eligible four-year-old children. The NC Pre-K Program Requirements are built on the National Education Goals Panel’s premise that to be successful academically in school, children need to be prepared in all five of the developmental domains that are critical to children’s overall well-being and success in reading and math as they enter school:

• Approaches to Play and Learning
• Emotional and Social Development
• Health and Physical Development
• Language Development and Communication
• Cognitive Development

Note:  The NC Pre-K Program Requirement Guide is updated each year. Ensure that the current school year is referenced for the latest policy updates.  The current school year is displayed on the cover guide. 

Important Resources:

1.  2022-2023 Additional Guidance for NC Pre-K Programs LINK 

2. The NC Pre-K Program Requirements

        The NC Pre-K Program Requirements are designed to ensure that a high-quality pre-kindergarten classroom experience is provided for eligible four-year-old children in each local NC Pre-K Program and that, to the extent possible, uniformity exists across the state. Programs are also required to meet the NC Child Care Rules.

NC’s Pre-K program meets a number of nationally accepted benchmarks for measuring quality early learning. These include comprehensive Early Learning Standards; staff who are required to meet education/licensure requirements, professional development; 1:9 staff/child ratio; developmental screens and referral; evidence-based curriculum and formative assessments; monitoring and nutritional requirements. 

3. Parent Resources: Success in Pre-kindergarten Programs

Use the NC options below to assist parents with their child's success in pre-kindergarten programs and transitioning to elementary school kindergarten, or for pre-kindergarten remote learning resources:

• Kindergarten Readiness Resources for Families
• Pre-K Remote Learning Activity Plans
• NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development: Remote Learning Guide
• Let’s Get Ready: A Family’s Guide to Supporting Kindergarten Readiness
• PBS North Carolina At-Home Learning Resources

II.  What is Title I Pre-K: Program Informational Links 

Title I Preschool can serve children from birth up to the age at which the LEA provides a free public elementary education. Children in North Carolina who are younger than the age of five by August 31; the kindergarten eligibility cut-off date, are eligible to participate in Title I Preschool. Note:  Most schools in North Carolina choose to focus on serving children who are four years old by the eligibility school date. Children who are kindergarten age are not eligible for Title I Preschool.

Children with Disabilities

Children with disabilities who meet the entrance requirements must be considered for eligibility, but do not receive preference in the enrollment process. They cannot be denied consideration based on their disability.

Migrant Children

Migrant children who meet the entrance requirements must be considered for eligibility, but do not receive preference in the enrollment process. They cannot be denied consideration based on their migrant status.

Independent Toileting

Children may not be denied enrollment simply because they are not yet using the toilet independently. 

Immunizations

Children must meet the legal requirements for immunizations and provide the documentation required.

Contact Information:

1.  Office of Early Learning Link

2.  Halifax-Warren Smart Start Partnership for Children

       Magda Baligh, Executive Director

       PO Box 339, 1139 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870

       Phone:  252-537-5621      Fax: 252-937-9732   Email:  mbaligh@hwss.org

       Sarah Boone,  Program Director