NC Pre-Kindergarten
Now accepting applications for 2022-2023!
Buncombe Partnership for Children administers the North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten Program (NC Pre-K), formerly known as the More at Four Program, in Asheville. (En Español) (2022-2023 ЗАЯВКА ДЛЯ РЕБЁНКА)
NC Pre-K is a free, state-funded high quality early care and education program that aims to enhance children’s school readiness. The program is offered for 6 ½ hours a day for 10 months. Programs are located at public schools, private child care programs, and Head Start centers. Limited options for wrap-around care are available.
Transportation is available on a very limited basis through Head Start and Asheville City Schools only. Child applications are accepted year round.
2023-2024 child applications will be available in late January.
How do I know if my child is eligible?
- Will your child be four years old by August 31?
- Is your family income at or below 75% of the state median income? (How do I know this? Look below)
- Locally, NC Pre-K prioritizes serving children who are currently not enrolled in care.
- Additional consideration (even if not income eligible) 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.
Income Eligibility for NC Pre-K
| Household size | Houshold Income |
| 1 | $38,684 |
| 2 | $50,587 |
| 3 | $62,490 |
| 4 | $74,393 |
| 5 | $86,295 |
| 6 | $98,198 |
| 7 | $100,430 |
| 8 | $102,662 |
| 9 | $104,893 |
| 10 | $107,125 |
| 11 | $109,357 |
| 12 | $111,589 |
Want to Apply for 22-23?
All NC Pre-K applications are now through the Buncombe Pre-K common application portal. You can call 828-419-1030 to get help with the portal or to submit an application over the phone.
2023-2024 child applications will be available in late January.
Want to know more about the program?
For more information, please contact:
Stacey Bailey
NC Pre-K Program Director
Phone: (828) 407-2057
Email: stacey@buncombepfc.org
For the 2022-2023 school year, NC Pre-K sites in Buncombe County are:
Asheville City Schools (Children must live in the Asheville City Schools district to attend these particular sites.)
Asheville High School
Hall Fletcher Elementary School
Ira B. Jones Elementary School
Isaac Dickson Elementary School
Lucy S Herring Elementary School
Coordinator: Polly Bolding
Phone: 828-350-2926
Childcare Network #177-Fairview
Coordinator: Barbara Harper
Phone: 828-628-9243
Childcare Network #178-South Asheville
Coordinator: Amber Hensley
Phone: 828-681-5250
Community Action Opportunities/Head Start (Families must meet Head Start income eligibility guidelines and must apply directly to Head Start to attend their sites.)
Coordinator: Leslie Hennessee
Phone: 828-210-0578
22-23 Head Start Sites
Eliada Child Development -West Asheville
Coordinator: Tonia Reed
Phone: 828-259-5374
Irene Wortham Center-Shiloh
Coordinator: Aimee Spooner
Phone: 828-274-7518 ext. 166
The Christine Avery Learning Center-Downtown
Coordinator: CiCi Weston
Phone Number: 828.232.7433
Verner Center for Early Learning-East & West Asheville Locations
Coordinator: Kim Akbar
Phone: 828-298-0808 ext 101
YWCA-Downtown
Enrollment Coordinator: Jessie Phillips
Phone Number: 828-254-7206 x 111
Please contact Stacey Bailey for more information on being an NC Pre-K provider. The new site application is now open. Applications are due December 30, 2022. More information can be found here: buncombepfc.org/ncprekproviders
THE NC PRE-K ADVISORY COMMITTEE – The NC Pre-K Program requires every county (or region) that chooses to participate to establish and maintain an Advisory Committee. This committee is represented in part by local school boards and systems, the local Smart Start partnership, licensed child care providers, Head Start, Department of Social Service, parent(s) of preschool-age children, and the child care resource and referral agency. In Buncombe County, the NC Pre-K Advisory Committee meets a minimum of three times a year.
NC Pre-K Committee Meeting Schedule for 2022-2023:
Meets on the second Friday of each month from 9:00am to 10:30am.
These meetings are open to the public. To receive your invitation, please email Stacey Bailey at stacey@buncombepfc.org.
*This meeting schedule is subject to change.
OUR PARTNERS
Get In Touch
53 Asheland Avenue Suite 102A
Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: 828-285-9333
Fax: 828-285-9933
