Buncombe Pre-K

1. How old does my child need to be for me to use the Buncombe PreK application site?

Children must be 4 years of age by August 31 of the current school year to apply. If your child will be 3 years of age by August 31, you can apply for Head Start with our partner, Community Action Opportunities.  You could also apply for child care subsidy vouchers through Buncombe County Health and Human Services by calling (828) 250-5500 to make an appointment (no online application).

2. Is there a cutoff date for Buncombe Pre-K applications?

Applications are accepted anytime during the year. Applications submitted before August 1 have the best chance at starting the school year with a placement.

3. When will we find out if we have a confirmed pre-k spot?

Placement notifications start in May and continue through August for the start of the school year. Families on the waitlist (including those who apply after August for the current school year) will be notified if a space becomes available at any time during the school year.

4. What documents do I need to submit to complete my online application?

For your application to be reviewed, you MUST submit:

• your child’s proof of age (birth certificate or medical records)
• proof of family income (1040 tax forms, W2, or a full month’s pay stubs for all caregivers who work)

Additional documentation (as applicable) includes:

• proof of other income, (child support, alimony, retirement, Social Security (SSI/SSA/SSDI), or WorkFirst/TANF)
• your child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP), documentation of chronic health condition, and court guardianship orders/custody agreements (these can help a child qualify if family is over income)
• Record of recent physical examination

5. Can I apply if my child does not have a current physical and/or immunization record?

Yes, you will have 30 days from the first day of enrollment to submit your child’s physical and/or immunization records. It must have been completed within one year of the pre-k start date.

6. How much does it cost to enroll my child?

NC Pre-K and Head Start are free for eligible families. They are state and/or federally funded high quality early education programs that aim to enhance children’s school readiness. Each program has specific income and other eligibility requirements.

7. Are other factors besides income and age considered for enrollment?

Yes, even for families who are not income eligible, additional consideration is given to children who have an identified disability, speak limited or no English, have a chronic health condition, and/or have a developmental or educational need.

8. What are the hours of care available?

Each site may have different hours of operation, but the programs are offered for 6 ½ hours a day for 10 months (similar to elementary school hours). Programs are located at public schools, private child care programs, and Head Start centers. Limited options for before- and after-school care are available (cost varies by provider). In the application, where you indicate your first, second, and third site choices, there is a link to a document that lists the hours of each site, along with the availability of before- and after-school care and transportation.

9. Can I apply for child care for a younger child using Buncombe PreK?

No, the Buncombe PreK application is for children who will be 4 years of age by August 31 of the current school year. If you need care for your younger children, click here for information about Child Care Subsidy, Early Head Start, Mountain Child Care Connections and more.

10. Is transportation available?

Head Start and Asheville City Schools provide limited transportation. In the application, where you select your first, second, and third site choices, there is a link to a document that lists the hours of each site, along with the availability of wrap-around care and transportation.

11. Who do I contact for further questions?

For questions about eligibility or how to apply, please contact:
Cindy Knox
Preschool Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator
Phone: (828) 419-1030
Email: cindy@buncombepfc.org