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AC4Ed is Charlotte’s largest nonprofit provider of Early Childhood programming and utilizes the Head Start approach to education. We provide comprehensive support services and home visitation resources for expectant mothers and children from birth to five, that promote early learning and development, health, and family well-being.
Our Afterschool programs focus on supporting curriculum and individual student progress through partnership between our staff, teachers, students, and families.
(ages birth to 3-years-old)
Our programs feature family-centered services for low-income families designed to support the development of children and help parents be their best and become self-sufficient.
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This program is tailored to the needs of infants and toddlers, promoting physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. This early educational foundation sets these children up for continued growth and development, and success in school and life.
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The model supports mothers and fathers in their roles as parents and teachers of their children. Program options include home-based and center-based services. We provide comprehensive support services to help families meet their personal goals and find stability in the areas of housing, continued education and financial security.
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(ages 3 to 5 years old)
Our Head Start and Pre-Kindergarten programs actively engage parents in services that support early learning and development, health, and family
well-being.
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Serving children from three to five years old. Our early childhood education programs are provided at no cost. The strengths of the program include building relationships, learning through creative play and structured lessons that build on each child’s needs and abilities.
Comprehensive services are a cornerstone of our program and engage families in their child’s education as well as helping fulfill their own goals.
Our Family Case Managers help create goals for the whole family and
connect them to the needed community support and resources.
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Click here to begin your preapplication
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For more information on NC Pre-K or Meck Pre-K click the links below.
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(K-12 students)
Our programs focus on positive youth development and support social, emotional, cognitive and academic development, physical activity and life skills development.
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Through supportive and engaging programming, students are encouraged
to explore their interests, support their communities and set goals for their futures. Programs are tailored to be age-appropriate and support the curriculum of students at all grade levels.
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As with all of our programs, families are a crucial part of our team. Parents and students set goals and work with our staff to remove any barriers that may stand in the way, setting everyone up to succeed.
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We have multiple locations throughout Mecklenburg County for each of our programs. All of our sites offer high-quality educational resources and experienced staff members.
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Our team members provide families with welcoming environments and enjoyable experiences. During the enrollment process, one of our
Enrollment and Selection team members will provide you with more
location and placement details.
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Click here to view our locations
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Testimonials
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What is the next step after submitting an Afterschool interest form?Once the interest form and interview are completed, your information is then submitted to the Selection and Enrollment Specialist for further review. The Selection and Enrollment Specialist will place you on the waiting list. Then, you will receive a waitlist letter.
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How do you determine eligibility?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.
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What's the next step after submitting an interest form?Once the interest form and interview are completed, your information is then submitted to a Selection and Enrollment Specialist for further review. We prioritize placement based on families with the greatest need, utilizing our selection and criteria points. ​ If selected, a Selection and Enrollment Specialist will contact you by phone or email to let you know about placement and next steps
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When does open enrollment for Early Head Start/Head Start begin for the program year?Open enrollment for the Afterschool program begins in July and closes in March.
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How long will I be on the waitlist?The length of time that you will remain on the waitlist may vary. The waiting list is not ranked. We evaluate each upcoming seat to serve the children and families with the greatest need. If selected, a Selection and Enrollment Specialist will contact you by email to let you know about placement and next steps. You can contact us at info@ac4ed.org for questions and further assistance.