Similarities and Differences

Pre-Kindergarten

Bright Beginnings vs. NC Pre-K

How are the Bright Beginnings and NC Pre-K programs the same?

Cost	Both programs are offered free of charge.
Teachers	Teachers must have the same accreditation to teach in either program and all classrooms have both a teacher and an assistant.
Schedule	Both programs follow the CMS yearly calendar and a similar daily schedule.
Curriculum	Creative Curriculum is the curriculum used in both Bright Beginnings and NC Pre-K.
Requirements	Both programs have the same attendance, parent participation, and family reading requirements.
Screening	Students must go through a screening/application to determine eligibility in each pre-kindergarten program.
Morning and After School Care	While both programs are free of charge, there are fees for any care before or after school hours.
Meals	Both programs serve meals, however the cost varies based on the family income.
Eligibility	Both programs require children to be four years old on or before August 31 and reside in Mecklenburg County. ELIGIBILITY DOES NOT GUARANTEE A SEAT IN EITHER PROGRAM.

How are the Bright Beginnings and NC Pre-K programs different?

Sites & Transportation

Bright Beginnings students attend school at a CMS school site. Most children are eligible to receive free transportation as long as there is space available in their Bright Beginnings home school. Some parents will be offered placements outside of their home zones and will have to provide transportation if they accept placement. In these cases, parents will be aware that transportation is not an option.
NC Pre-K students attend school at an approved high quality child care site. Some sites provide transportation, for a weekly fee of no more than $20 per week. Students must live within a certain radius of the center. Parents should inquire at the NC Pre-K center for more information.

Eligibility Requirements

In addition to birth date and residency requirements:

Bright Beginnings' eligibility is determined through demonstrated academic need, assessed through a formal screening process.
NC Pre-K eligibility is determined by family income, household size, and other risk factors.

P.O. Box 30035
Charlotte, NC 28230-0035
Phone: 980-343-3000

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