NC Pre-K Program in Davidson County Still Accepting Applications
NC Pre-K Program in Davidson County Still Accepting
Applications for 2025-2026
By Atalia I. Cardenas
The NC Pre-K program offered through Smart Start of Davidson County is still accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year. This is a state-funded program that prepares children for kindergarten through a strong curriculum. The program operates in both private and public-school facilities from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., following the public-school calendar.
They have a total of 324 spots available, with 98 in private facilities such as daycare centers and 226 slots in public schools, including Thomasville, Lexington, and Davidson County Schools. Currently, 12 openings remain in both private and public-school facilities. Funding for 100 of these slots is directly from the NC Education Lottery.
Who can apply?
Children eligible for the program must:
Be 4 years old by August 31 of the application year. Meet income guidelines based on family size (see NC Pre-K Income Guidelines). Additional qualifying factors include children with:
Limited English proficiency
An identified disability or developmental/educational needs
Eligible military families
Experiencing homelessness
With a chronic health condition that could impact learning and development
How to Apply
There is no application deadline, and it’s Free; enrollment remains open all year as long as seats are available. Families can apply:
Online: Through the Smart Start website which is mobile-friendly, and available in multiple languages: https://partnershipforchildren.org/
In-person: At 820 Grimes Blvd., Lexington, NC, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Spanish-speaking staff are available to help with applications or answer any questions. The application includes questions regarding the child’s citizenship, but nothing about the parents’ legal status.
For more information or to apply, visit partnershipforchildren.org or contact the Smart Start office at 820 Grimes Blvd., Lexington, NC.
