Exceptional Children's Preschool Program

The Exceptional Children’s Preschool Program serves children three to five years old who have been evaluated, found eligible for special education and require specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. There is no charge associated with participation in this program. Enrollment in the Exceptional Children's Preschool is based on decisions made by an IEP team and does not guarantee full-time enrollment in preschool. Please call Caroline Price at 704-282-6259 ext. 0 for more information.

Preschool Peer Pals

In the Preschool Peer Pals program, typically developing children learn alongside children who have special needs in an inclusive environment. Preschool classes are located at various elementary schools throughout the county and there is a $275 monthly charge to participate in the program. Applicants must be three or four years old on or before Aug. 31.  Please call Caroline Price 704-282-6259 ext. 0 for more information.

Currently, Walter Bickett Education Center is the only site with availability for the Peer Pals Prek Program.  All other sites have a waitlist. 

Title I Pre-K Program

The UCPS Title I Pre-K program is a full-day program designed to provide a rich, child-centered literacy-focused program to ensure all children enter kindergarten ready to learn. There is no charge for children who qualify for the program and classes are offered in eight of our nine Title I schools (see application for specific locations). Classroom size is limited to 18 students. To be eligible, students must demonstrate a need for educational experience as indicated in the state-approved pre-kindergarten screening. Applicants must be four years old on or before Aug. 31, 2023.

The deadline to apply for Title I Pre-K is March 24, 2023. For additional questions, call 704-296-0152.

NC Pre-K Program

NC Pre-K is a free, high-quality state program designed to strengthen classroom, academic and social/emotional skills for eligible children who are four years old by August 31, 2023. Family income must be 75 percent of the state median income to qualify for the program.

Classes are offered at eight participating childcare sites; Walter Bickett Education Center, Waxhaw Elementary, and Indian Trail Elementary. The classroom size is limited to 18 students. NC Pre-K provides eligibility and frequently asked questions.

Families are encouraged to apply during the spring as classrooms and sites fill quickly. Applications are open all year.   

The Alliance for Children office is currently closed to the public. Here are options for returning completed application packets:

• In an envelope placed in the document slot at the front door
  NC Pre-K/Alliance for Children
  2661 West Roosevelt Blvd., Suite A
  Monroe, NC 28111
• By fax: 704-226-1369
• By US mail:
  Alliance for Children/NC Pre-K
  P.O. Box 988
  Monroe, NC 28111

The state NC Pre-K program is available through Alliance for Children, a partner in the Smart Start network.

For additional questions, call 704-226-1407.

Pre-K Standards

All preschool classrooms in Union County Public Schools utilize and support the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development document. Foundations provide teachers and parents with goals for all young children’s development and learning, no matter what program they may be served in, what language they may speak, what disabilities they may have or what family circumstances occur.  

Pre-K Curriculum

All of our Pre-K classrooms in Union County Public Schools use The Creative Curriculum to design and implement curriculum for Preschool students. The Creative Curriculum supports active learning and plays in a well-designed classroom environment. Preschool teachers use Teaching Strategies GOLD as part of the formative assessment of the Creative Curriculum.