MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. -- Hundreds of kids in Mecklenburg County will go to pre-kindergarten for free in a couple weeks.

  • Mecklenburg County will to offer a free universal pre-kindergarten program
  • There are 600 spots that open this fall
  • Students are accepted based on household income

More than 1,000 people have signed up for the 600 spots open this fall. It's the first phase of the county's plan to offer universal pre-K in six years.

The Smart Kids Child Development Center 9 in south Charlotte was one of 20 locations that found out Friday they were accepted to house some of the students.

"The whole premise is to be able to have quality centers like ours be able to offer free childcare that those parents that typically pay get. Now, those parents who might not be able to afford that get that as well," said Smart Kids Child Development Center's vice president Latoya Scott.

Families are accepted this fall based on household income.

Smart Start is also holding a number of information sessions in Charlotte:

  • Monday, Aug. 27, 2018 at Renaissance West Community Initiative Inspiration Room located at 3610 Nobles Avenue from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Friday, Aug. 31, 2018 at Simmons YMCA located at 6824 Democracy Drive from 10 a.n. to 2 p.m.

For information on how to apply, head to the Smart Start of Mecklenburg County's website.

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