The 2025-2026 Interest Forms are now available. Click here to submit your form today.
The goals of the Head Start model recognize that early learning and development, health, and family well-being, along with meaningful family engagement, are key to student success in school and life.
Our programs ensure that 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 reach and exceed their individual potential. Learn more here.
The first step in applying for Head Start is to submit an interest form. Once submitted, an Intake Specialist will contact you to begin the process of determining eligibility.
For more information on NC Pre-K or Meck Pre-K click the links below.
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.*
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.
AC4Ed is a nonprofit provider of federally funded Early Head Start, Head Start, as well as state and county funded Pre-Kindergarten programs administered locally by Smart Start of Mecklenburg County and Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. These programs provide high-quality early education programs taught by teachers in locations across the Charlotte area.
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.
Testimonials
This website is supported by Grant Number 04CH011935 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of Alliance Center for Education and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.