Universal PreK

McDowell County Schools Preschool Programs

Universal PreK is designed to prepare 4-year-olds for Kindergarten. Acceptance is based on income eligibility and other criteria. Universal PreK is a child-centered program providing the highest standard of learning available for 4-year-olds. 

You can now register your child for the 2026-2027 school year!!!

MCS Universal PreK is provided at NO COST for tuition to all families of children turning 4 on or before August 31, 2026! 

NC PreK classrooms are located at all Elementary Schools, First Baptist Children's Center, and MTCC Child Development Center. Slots are available at no cost to qualifying families at MTCC Child Development Center and First Baptist Children's Center. Extended day options are available at some locations with a small fee. Breakfast and lunch are provided at no cost to MCS students.

Please register online in the registration link a the top of the McDowell County Schools homepage. You will need to upload a birth certificate, proof of income (W2s or paycheck stub) or current medicaid card, current well-check, and immunizations to complete the application process. If the student's birthday is between now and August 31, 2026, you can return the Health Assessment and Immunizations after turning in your packet. All completed packets need to be turned in at the Office of Early Learning or emailed to lorrie.smith@mcdowell.k12.nc.us. 

We look forward to helping you register your child!

Please contact Lorrie Smith at (828)442-2415 for any further questions.

Our Next NC PreK Committee Meeting
Thursday, July 30, 2026 · 9–10 AM
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/eao-yqhp-pyp
Or dial: +1 541-897-2425 PIN: 478755303
 

NC PreK Committee Meeting Schedule

All meetings are held at McDowell County School Central Office in the Boardroom

2025-2026 Meeting Schedule

July 10, 2025, at 9:00 am

July 22, 2025, at 9:00 am

October 16, 2025, at 9:00 am

January 8, 2025, at 9:00 am

April 9, 2025, at 9:00 am

2026-2027 Propsed Meeting Schedule

July 30, 2026, at 9:00 am

October 15, 2026, at 9:00 am

January 21, 2027, at 9:00 am

April 15, 2027, at 9:00 am

July 29, 2027, at 9:00 am

Notice of Public Information for the Site Selection Process

*The Site Selection Process opened on April 9, 2026. All 4- and 5-star sites are invited to apply to become an NC PreK site for four-year-old children in McDowell County!

*Applications were sent to all 4- and 5-star sites the week of April 27th, 2026

*The Community Information Session

May 12th, 2026, at 9:00 AM

at the Office of Early Learning

*The due date for site applications to be returned is May 26th, 2026.

If applications are received, the following actions will take place:

*The Site Selection Committee Training (including rubric and scoring) will be June 2nd, 2026, at 9:00 AM

*The Site Selection Committee will meet to review applications and score the rubric on June 2nd, 2026, at 10:00 AM

* The NC Pre-K Committee will meet to review and vote on the written recommendations of the Site Selection Committee on July 9th, 2026, at 9:00 AM

 *The contractor will contact the site(s) that have been voted on and approved by the NC Pre-K Committee and let the sites know they did or did not get approved on July 10th, 2026

All 4 or 5-star-rated license programs of McDowell County that are interested in becoming a site for NC PreK must have someone in attendance at this meeting to be considered for the 2026-2027 school year. 

For information on additional child care centers in McDowell County - click HERE (ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov)