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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 at all five elementary schools (Cape Hatteras Elementary, First Flight Elementary, Kitty Hawk 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, 2025.
  • A resident of Dare County.
  • Eligibility is determined by parent's income level and other risk factors.
Program Contacts

Tricia Nicewonger
NC Pre-K and Transition to Kindergarten Coordinator
252-480-8880 ext. 1893

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.

2025-2026 Pre-K Applications

Click below to apply to NC Pre-K for the 2025-26 school year. Families will be notified by July 11, 2025 if their child has been accepted. 

APPLY NOW: https://280.ncsis.gov/campus/OLRLoginKiosk/psu280dare?configGroupID=4

Eligibility Factors 

NC Pre-K is a program designed to serve at risk student populations. To be determined eligible for NC Pre-K your child must be 4 years of age on August 31st, 2025 AND meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

  • Family income is below 75% of SMI
  • Your child is an English language learner
  • Your child has an IEP (Individualized Education Program)
  • Your child demonstrates an identified developmental or educational need
  • Your child has a chronic health condition documented by a medical professional
  • Your family can claim military status
  • Your family can claim homelessness status
  • Your family received WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, Social Security, or refugee benefits
  • Your child is in foster care
  • Your family lives in public housing

Need Assistance?

For additional information, contact Dare County Schools’ NC Pre-K Coordinator, Tricia Nicewonger at nicewongertr@daretolearn.org or 252-480-8880 ext. 1893. 

Pre-K Resources & Forms