Apply to Wake Pre-K

Apply for Wake Pre-K

Wake Pre-K programs are publicly funded. They prepare children for school by using a program that enhances children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development. To be considered for 2024-25 Wake Pre-K programs, your child must be 4 years old on or before August 31, 2024.

1. Apply Online Here

OR

2. Download Paper Application

• 24-25 Application English
• 24-25 Application Spanish

You can mail or drop off your completed application at:

Wake Pre-K Application Center
Wake County Smart Start
4901 Waters Edge Drive, Suite 101
Raleigh, NC 27606

You will need to attach these supporting documents to your online or paper application:

• COPY OF CHILD’S BIRTH CERTIFICATE*
  • If your child’s birth certificate is in a language other than English, please include a copy of the child’s passport along with a copy of the birth certificate.
• DOCUMENTATION OF WAKE COUNTY RESIDENCY (Submit one of the following)
  • Copy of current signed Lease
    • Must include complete address, parent/guardian’s name, parent/guardian’s signature, and landlord’s signature.
  • Current utility bill (water, electric, or gas)
    • Cannot be an expired final or disconnect notice. If parent’s name is not on the utility bill or lease, along with the bill or lease please include a letter from the bill payee stating that family lives with them.
• ALL SOURCES OF FAMILY INCOME
  • Please submit one of the following frequencies of pay and/or other sources of income, as well as any child support, retirement, and/or worker’s compensation.

    • If you get paid weekly – submit 4 consecutive pay stubs

    • If you get paid every two weeks/twice monthly – submit 2 consecutive pay stubs

    • If you get paid monthly – submit at least 2 full months of pay stubs.

    • If a paystub is not available, please submit an earnings statement from your supervisor, 2023 IRS 1040, unemployment/social security benefits letter, or copies of all W-2s from 2023.

    • If you do not have any income to report or documentation of income, please fill out our Zero Income Form (English) (Spanish)

• OPTIONAL DOCUMENTATION
  • Please note: Some programs may assign priority points if families attach the following documentation:

    • Copy of child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) from a public school.

    • Documentation of parent’s military service (includes current active duty and serious injury or death resulting from military service).

    • Chronic Illness – child’s health assessment or note from medical provider indicating child’s chronic illness.

    • Copy of current educational/developmental screenings or evaluations indicating developmental or educational need.

Wake Pre-K placements are made based on program specific factors rather than a first come, first served basis. Wake Pre-K classrooms are located in public schools, in Head Start centers and in high quality child care facilities. Placement is not guaranteed.

Only complete applications can be processed for NC Pre-K.

For additional questions, please call our office at (919) 851-9550