AC4Ed is a nonprofit provider of federally funded Early Head Start in Mecklenburg County. These programs support expectant mothers and families with children under three years old.
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To ensure the best possible start for children and families, support is provided for any identified needs, including therapy for physical and developmental delays, access to medical or dental services, and connections to other services in the community to help with housing, employment and financial stability needs. Each family works with a dedicated family support professional to develop individual goals and make needed connections with resources in the community that can help remove any barriers and give them the best chance at self-sufficiency.
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Options include home visitation services and center-based programs. Regardless of which program is right for your family, our team of highly trained, passionate professionals is ready to help you and your child be ready for school.
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Eligibility
Early Head Start is provided at no-cost to eligible families. Eligibility is determined by a number of factors, including family size and income, in addition to other qualifying indicators. Families receiving assistance and those experiencing homelessness are categorically eligible.
The first step in applying for Early Head Start is to submit a preapplication. Once submitted, an Intake Specialist will contact you to begin the process of determining eligibility. Learn more
Why choose Alliance Center for Education?
Through partnership with families, AC4Ed strives to give children the best possible start in school and life. By removing as many barriers as possible that may stand in the way, we aim to strengthen families and break the cycle of poverty through education.
Our Mission is to provide high quality education and support for children in need through partnership with their families.
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Our Vision is to positively affect the future of children at risk by improving economic mobility through education.
The Enrollment Process
Completing the preapplication on the website is the first step. After that, an intake specialist will contact you to complete an interview. You will need to provide proof of income, residency, and child age. Expectant mothers will need to provide proof of pregnancy and must be a resident of Mecklenburg County.
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Once the preapplication and interview are completed, your information is then submitted to a Selection and Enrollment Specialist for further review. A Selection and Enrollment Specialist will place you on the waiting list. Children and families are not assigned a waitlist number. We evaluate each upcoming seat to serve the children and families with the greatest need.
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If selected, a Selection and Enrollment Specialist will contact you by email to let you know about placement and next steps.
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Services for Expectant Mothers
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We offer education, comprehensive services, and home visitation for expectant mothers and children from birth to five, that promote early learning and development, health, and family well-being.
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Start your preapplication for children birth to 36 months
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Inicie su presolicitud para niños desde el nacimiento hasta los 36 meses
Testimonials
Expectant Mothers
We utilize the Head Start approach offering education, comprehensive services, and home visitation resources for expectant mothers that promote early learning and development, health, and family well-being. Families have access to health screenings, nutrition education, mental health support, and referrals for healthcare services. Expectant mothers learn ways to establish healthy habits during pregnancy. The program also helps to set the foundation for healthy pregnancies that will lead to better birth outcomes.
Early Head Start
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To ensure the best possible start for children and families, support is provided for any identified needs, including therapy for physical and developmental delays, access to medical or dental services, and connections to other services in the community to help with housing, employment and financial stability needs. Each family works with a dedicated family support professional to develop individual goals and make needed connections with resources in the community that can help remove any barriers and give them the best chance at self-sufficiency.
Head Start & Pre-K
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The goals of Head Start and Pre-K recognize that early learning and development, health and family well-being in conjunction with meaningful family engagement, are key to student success in school and life. Our programs ensure every child in our care has the tools and resources necessary to succeed from creative play, structured lessons, and outdoor physical activity, to receiving nutritionally balanced dietitian approved meals and frequent screenings and assessments, all children are given the chance to rise to and exceed their individual best.