During the recent North Carolina General Assembly session the Division of Child Development and Early Education was designated as the lead agency for North Carolina’s prekindergarten program (formerly known as More at Four). The program was renamed NC Prekindergarten Program (NCPK) with changes being effective July 1, 2011.
Pre-kindergarten is a research-proven strategy for school readiness. Parents can have the greatest impact on a child’s school readiness as the first and most consistent teacher in a child’s life. Children will make the most progress when parents are involved.
The NCPK continues to be a high quality prekindergarten program with high program standards, teacher education standards, and local administration and eligibility determination. In Alexander County the Alexander County Partnership will continue to administer the program now known as NCPK. Alexander County currently has 105 NCPK slots, housed in both private child care centers and Alexander Head Start.
Applications for the NCPK Program are now available. NCPK is designed to provide quality educational experiences in order to enhance kindergarten readiness for four-year-olds. The program is community-based, voluntary and designed to prepare four-year-olds in North Carolina for success in school.
For families who have submitted an application to the More at Four program that application is now being considered for eligibility in the NCPK program. A new application is not necessary.
If you child turns 4 by August 31, 2011 he or she may be eligible for the program. If you have concerns about your child’s development he or she may be eligible for the program. For more information, or to get an application, e-mail Susan Cogdill at susan@alexanderchildren.org or call 632-3799, extension 12. Applications are available at Alexander County Partnership for Children, 1565 NC Highway 90 West, Taylorsville and the website www.alexanderchildren.org.
