COVID-19 Update: NC Pre-Kindergarten has suspended its on-site classroom operations, and moved to remote learning. All Wake Pre-K Application Center Events are suspended. Families are encouraged to mail in their completed applications with required documents to our office at WCSS, 4901 Waters Edge Drive, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27606. Please go to our Resources page for more assistance.

The Wake Pre-K Application Center is housed at Wake County Smart Start. Families wishing to apply complete ONE initial application through the Pre-K Application Center to be considered for NC Pre-Kindergarten, Title I, Head Start and Child Care Subsidy.

The Wake County Pre-K programs operate across Wake County with smaller class sizes to prepare children for Kindergarten. Programs begin assigning children with highest priority as early as June, but many placements are not complete until early August.  Placements are not guaranteed, as there are often many more applications than there are spaces.

If you have questions about the Wake County Pre-K program, please call Wake County Smart Start at (919) 851-9550.

To apply, click here.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR!

Wake Pre-K programs:

NC Pre-K (visit)

NC Pre-K provides children with a high-quality classroom program to help four-year-olds get ready for Kindergarten. Children attend Pre-K for 6.5 hours each day, Monday through Friday.

• Click here to learn if your child can participate in NC Pre-K 
• Click here to see the list of 2019-2020 NC Pre-K Centers

Telamon Head Start 

Wake County Smart Start works with the Telamon Corporation to provide Head Start programs for children ages three and four and their families. Telamon Head Start centers provide a secure setting where children can develop their skills under the watchful eyes of well-trained caregivers.  Partial or full-day services at centers include health and dental screenings, nutritious meals, individual as well as group learning experiences, play opportunities and other structured activities.

Wake County Public School System Title I Program (visit)

Wake County Smart Start works with the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) to deliver the Title I Pre-K Program. The goal of the program is to prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to learn and succeed. Screenings for student participation are offered each spring and students qualify based on academic need.

Wake County Human Services Child Care Subsidy

Wake County Smart Start works with Wake County Human Services to help fund the Wake County Child Care Subsidy Program.  The program provides financial assistance to parents for their child care needs. The child care subsidy is based on an assessment of need, income and family size.