Our eligibility section reviews each program’s eligibility.

NC Pre-K and Head Start prioritize families with low incomes. Title I is based on academic need, not income. Academic need is determined by an in-person screening appointment and includes a developmental screening, teacher observation and family survey.

• • • • • NC Pre-K prioritizes children from low-income households or children who have
          other significant barriers to success like: concerns from a doctor about health or
          a developmental concern, have an IEP (Individualized Education Program), have
          a parent who is an active-duty member of the armed forces or speak a language
          other than English at home.
          • • Income thresholds for NC Pre-K: Low income means a child is from a
              family whose gross income is at or below 75% of the State Median
              Income level.
            • Children may be eligible for NC Pre-K even if they do not meet the
              income requirements, if they have at least one of the following:
              • • • Individualized Education Program (IEP)
                  • Developmental Disability
                  • Chronic Health Condition
                  • Limited English Proficiency
                  • Child of eligible Military Family
                  • Family is homeless
    • Head Start serves children at 100% of the Federal Poverty level. You can find
      information on the federal poverty level here:
      https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines.
      Additionally, A pregnant woman or a child is eligible if:
      • The family’s income is equal to or below the poverty line
      • The family is receiving public Assistance (TANF, SSI, & SNAP)
      • The child is experiencing homelessness as defined in Part 1305.2
        (Definition of “homeless children”)
      • Child is in foster care
    • Title I determines eligibility based on academic need after an in-person
      screening. Learn more about the screening process here. The CDC milestone tracker can help you
      understand your child’s developmental progress:
      https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones-app.html. All students who
      apply by the June 12, 2026, deadline are eligible for Title I – a screening confirms
      academic need. Children who apply after the June 12 deadline, are ineligible.
    • Children are ineligible for all three programs if they are not 4 years old by August
      31st, 2026, do not reside in Wake County or if their application is incomplete.