NC Pre-K (free pre-kindergarten)
Free pre-kindergarten for 4-year-olds from families with low to moderate income or other risk factors.
Apply on the official site ↗Goes to NCChildCare.NCDHHS.gov. Applying is free.
Who generally qualifies
North Carolina children who are 4 by August 31, mostly from families under the income limit.
Exact income limits and rules are set by North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education and can change. Check the official site for current details.
How to apply
- Contact your county's NC Pre-K contact or local Smart Start partnership.
- Complete the application.
What to have ready
- Child's birth certificate
- Proof of income
Common questions
- Does it cost anything to apply?
- No. Applying through the official site is free. Be wary of anyone who charges a fee to apply for you.
- Do I have to pay it back?
- No. It's a free or low-cost service, not a loan.
- Who decides if I qualify?
- North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education makes the final decision. This page explains the program in general terms only.
- Where can I find current income limits and amounts?
- Income limits, benefit amounts and deadlines change, so check NCChildCare.NCDHHS.gov for the latest details.
Added October 21, 2026. BenefitSearch is not affiliated with North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education.