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NC Pre-K

PreK students coloring and writing alphabet

About the NC Pre-K Program

Dare County's preschool program is a blended NC Pre-K and Title I funded program. The program serves over 150 students annually in six classrooms at four elementary schools (Cape Hatteras Elementary, First Flight Elementary, Manteo Elementary, and Nags Head Elementary). The program emphasizes kindergarten readiness skills and provides our youngest students with a rich learning environment. 

Quality preschool opportunities benefit communities by decreasing retention and dropouts, and by improving overall student achievement.
 
The program is guided by an Advisory Committee comprised of representatives of Dare County Schools, Children and Youth Partnership, local licensed child care centers, parents of preschool-age child(ren), child care resource and referral agency or other child-serving agency representative, Department of Social Services, and Dare County Schools' exceptional children's program.
 
Annual meetings are held to review contract revisions/updates based on changes to NC Pre-K, develop and approve operational policies and procedures, promote collaboration and shared responsibility between and among agencies serving young children, and provide oversight for the program.
 

Program Eligibility

To be eligible for this program, students must be: 
  • 4 years old by August 31, 2023.
  • A resident of Dare County.
  • Eligibility is determined by parent's income level and other risk factors.
  • Official pre-K registration will open April 17, 2023. 
Program Contacts

Caitlin Spruill
Elementary Director
252-480-8888 extension: 1954

Deanie Midgett
Administrative Assistant
252-480-8888 extension: 1904

Application questions should be directed to the Central Office at 252-480-8888 extension: 1954.

Pre-K Applications Open for 2023-2024

Download the Pre-K Application 
Please complete and return the application with all required documents to Dare County Schools Central Office or any elementary school in Dare County by May 26, 2023. All documents are required and must be attached in order for your child’s application to be processed. Due to confidentiality concerns, applications will not be accepted electronically. Please do not send photos of documents.

Dare County Schools
Post Office Box 1508
Nags Head, North Carolina 27959

A developmental screening will be conducted as part of the application process. This will occur during the week of June 1st, 2023. You will be contacted to schedule an appointment.

For additional information, or to schedule an appointment for help in filling out this application please call Dare County Schools Central Office at: 252-480-8888 ext. 1954.