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UCPS is committed to offering outstanding early education experiences. With four distinct Pre-K programs, we cater to the diverse needs of every child. Whether your child benefits from specialized support or flourishes in inclusive environments, there is a program for them. It is important to note that UCPS does not have a general enrollment process for preschool programs. Each Pre-K option offered by UCPS has specific eligibility requirements. Families are encouraged to review the guidelines for their preferred program to determine eligibility and next steps.
Option 1: Title I Pre-K
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About the Program
UCPS Title I Pre-Kindergarten is a free, full-day program designed to promote each child’s optimal development and learning through a strengths-based, play-based approach to joyful, engaged learning. Learning experiences are meaningful and relevant for each child and are culturally, linguistically, and ability-appropriate. This enriching program is free for qualifying children and available at eight of our 12 Title I schools. Classes are small, with a maximum of 18 students, ensuring individualized attention.
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year will be accepted February 1 through March 15.
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Program Sites and Hours of Operation
- Benton Heights Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- East Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Marshville Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Rock Rest Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Rocky River Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Sardis Elementary: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m
- Walter Bickett Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Wingate Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2: p.m.
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Eligibility Requirements
Eligible children must be four years old on or by Aug. 31 of the school year for which they apply and show a need based on a state-approved pre-kindergarten assessment. Applicants will be contacted in late March to schedule a time for the child to complete the Brigance Early Childhood Assessment as part of the screening process for eligibility. Those children that demonstrate the greatest educational need will be placed.
Option 2: North Carolina Pre-K Program
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About the Program
North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten is a high-quality state program designed to strengthen children's skills the year before kindergarten. The program is free for income-eligible children who are four years old by August 31. Licensed teachers and assistant teachers employ engaging, play-based methods to nurture children’s growth and skill development in a classroom environment. The Creative Curriculum (R) is used to guide instruction following the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. The Alliance for Children partners with UCPS to provide NC Pre-K classrooms in three school sites. and Union County childcare partner sites.
- Printed applications are available at the Alliance for Children office and NC Pre-K partner sites.
- Applications for the 2025-2026 school year will be accepted beginning February 3.
- Access the Alliance for Children NC Pre-K Application, eligibility and frequently asked questions.
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Program Sites and Hours of Operation (as of February 2025-subject to change)
- Indian Trail Elementary: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m
- Walter Bickett Education Center: 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Waxhaw Elementary: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m
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Eligibility Requirements
Eligible children must be four years old on August 31 of the school year for which they apply. Families earning less than 75 percent of the state median income are eligible for NC Pre-K.
Families earning above 75 percent of the state median income may qualify if any of the following conditions are met. To apply, complete the NC Pre-K application, supply all required documents, and include documentation for one or more of the following:
- The child does not speak English and will benefit from hearing peers and teachers speaking in English.
- The child has an identified support need and receives support services such as speech, OT, or PT (the family will provide documentation from the child’s doctor with the application packet). For children ages 3-5 who are new to NC, contact the UCPS EC Pre-K department for assessment and service information. NC Pre-K does not provide support services.
- The child has a chronic health condition. The family will provide documentation from the child’s doctor on how the child will benefit from enrolling in a high-quality program with the application packet, along with a doctor-completed medical plan for any medication to be administered at school.
- Age-eligible children with a parent who is active-duty military or disabled from military service are eligible regardless of income. Documentation (LES and/or disability benefit letter) is required with the application packet.
- If the family is eligible through an additional factor listed above, placement is not guaranteed and will occur after income-eligible children have been assigned. This occurs in August, or possibly later in the school year.
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Family Size / 75% State Median Income
- Family Size: 1
75% State Median Income: $38,684 - Family Size: 2
75% State Median Income: $50,587 - Family Size: 3
75% State Median Income: $62,490 - Family Size: 4
75% State Median Income: $74,393 - Family Size: 5
75% State Median Income: $86,295 - Family Size: 6
75% State Median Income: $98,198 - Family Size: 7
75% State Median Income: $100,430 - Family Size: 8
75% State Median Income: $102,662 - Family Size: 9
75% State Median Income: $104,893 - Family Size: 10
75% State Median Income: $107,125 - Family Size: 11
75% State Median Income: $109,357 - Family Size: 12
75% State Median Income: $111,589
Effective: October 1, 2022.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce Census
- Family Size: 1
Option 3: Peer Pals
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About the Program
The Exceptional Children’s (EC) Preschool Program of Union County Public Schools accepts a limited number of typically developing children ages 3 and 4 as Peer Pals for preschool inclusion. The program operates based on the UCPS traditional calendar. The Peer Pal program operates on a 3-day, 4-day, or 5-day a week schedule, depending on the location site. There is a monthly fee for the program. Before and after-school care is not available and transportation is NOT provided.
Applications for 2025-26:
Application (English)
Application (Spanish) -
Program Sites and Hours of Operation (as of February 2025-subject to change)
- Benton Heights Elementary: 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- East Elementary: 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Hemby Bridge Elementary: 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Indian Trail Elementary: 7:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Marvin Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- New Town Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Porter Ridge Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Sardis Elementary: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
- Shiloh Valley Primary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Unionville Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Waxhaw Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Weddington Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Walter Bickett Education Center: 7 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Wingate Elementary: 7 a.m. - 1:30p.m.
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Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be 3 or 4 years old on or before Aug. 31 of the current year.
- Applicants must demonstrate age-appropriate communication and positive social skills.
- Applicants must be fully potty-trained.
- Families must provide transportation.
Option 4: Exceptional Children Services
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About the Program
The Exceptional Children’s Pre-K program is for children ages 3 to 5 who qualify for special education services due to developmental delays. The program is free of charge and does not require an application in Scribbles. Admission is based on decisions made by an Individual Education Plan (IEP).
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Program Sites and Hours of Operation (as of February 2025-subject to change)
- Benton Heights Elementary: 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- East Elementary: 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Hemby Bridge Elementary: 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Indian Trail Elementary: 7:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Marvin Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- New Town Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Porter Ridge Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Sardis Elementary: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
- Shiloh Valley Elementary: 7:25 a.m. - 1:55 p.m.
- Shiloh Valley Primary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Unionville Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Waxhaw Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Weddington Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Wingate Elementary: 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Walter Bickett Education Center: 7:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
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Referral Information
Contact Us
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Questions about Pre-K?
- Call 704-296-0152
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Questions about the Title I Pre-K Program?
Call 704-296-0152
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Questions about the NC Pre-K Program?
Visit Alliance for Children - NC Pre-K or call the NC Pre-K office at the Alliance for Children: 704-226-1407.
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Questions about Preschool Peer Pals and the Exceptional Children's Preschool Program?
Call Caroline Price at 704-282-6259, ext. 0
