The 2025-2026 Interest Forms are now available. Click here to submit your form today.
AC4Ed is a nonprofit provider of federally funded Early Head Start in Mecklenburg County. These programs support expectant mothers and families with children under three years old.
Support is provided for any identified needs, including:
• therapy for physical and developmental delays
• access to medical or dental services
• connections to other services in the community to help with housing, employment, and financial stability needs.
Each family works with a dedicated family support professional to develop individual goals and make needed connections with resources in the community to help remove any barriers.
Options include home visiting services and center-based programs.
Eligibility
Eligibility for Early Head Start, Head Start, and NC Pre-K depends on factors such as income, family size, and other qualifying criteria, while MECK Pre-K only requires the child’s age. Families receiving public assistance or experiencing homelessness are automatically eligible.
To start the application process, submit an interest form, and an Intake Specialist will reach out to determine eligibility.
AC4Ed offers all Early Childhood programs at no cost to eligible families.*
Why choose Alliance Center for Education?
Through partnership with families, AC4Ed strives to give children the best possible start in school and life. By removing as many barriers as possible that may stand in the way, we aim to strengthen families and break the cycle of poverty through education.
Our Mission is to provide high quality education and support for children in need through partnership with their families.
Our Vision is to positively affect the future of children at risk by improving economic mobility through education.
The Enrollment Process
The first step in applying for our Early Head Start and Head Start programs is completing the interest form. After submission, an Intake Specialist will contact you for an interview, during which you must provide proof of income and your child’s age. Expectant mothers must also provide proof of pregnancy.
Following the interview, your application will be reviewed by the Eligibility, Selection, and Enrollment (ESE) Manager, who will determine your placement on the waiting list. Please note that waitlist numbers are not assigned and enrollment slots are offered based on greatest need.
If selected, a member of our Intake Team will notify you via phone, text, and email with placement details and next steps.
Click here to submit your interest form for the program year 2025-2026.
Gather Documents
Have your proof of identification or driver's license, proof of residence, and your scholar's birth certificate ready.
Submit Interest Form
Once you've gathered and double-checked all the necessary documents, complete and submit your preapplication.
Screening Interview
After you submit your preapplication, patiently wait for a team member to reach out. They will discuss eligibility and the next steps with you.
Services for Expectant Mothers
We offer education, comprehensive services, and home visitation for expectant mothers and children from birth to five, that promote early learning and development, health, and family well-being.
Start your interest form for children birth to 36 months
Inicia tu formulario de interés para niños desde el nacimiento hasta los 36 meses
Testimonials
Expectant Mothers
We utilize the Head Start approach offering education, comprehensive services, and home visitation resources for expectant mothers that promote early learning and development, health, and family well-being. Families have access to health screenings, nutrition education, mental health support, and referrals for healthcare services. Expectant mothers learn ways to establish healthy habits during pregnancy. The program also helps to set the foundation for healthy pregnancies that will lead to better birth outcomes.
Early Head Start
To ensure the best possible start for children and families, support is provided for any identified needs, including therapy for physical and developmental delays, access to medical or dental services, and connections to other services in the community to help with housing, employment and financial stability needs. Each family works with a dedicated family support professional to develop individual goals and make needed connections with resources in the community that can help remove any barriers and give them the best chance at self-sufficiency.
Head Start & Pre-K
The goals of Head Start and Pre-K recognize that early learning and development, health and family well-being in conjunction with meaningful family engagement, are key to student success in school and life. Our programs ensure every child in our care has the tools and resources necessary to succeed from creative play, structured lessons, and outdoor physical activity, to receiving nutritionally balanced dietitian approved meals and frequent screenings and assessments, all children are given the chance to rise to and exceed their individual best.