MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. – The first phase of universal pre-kindergarten started Wednesday in Mecklenburg County for more than 150 children, but there are still hundreds of open slots.

• County commissioners raised your taxes by three quarters of a cent 
• That money was used to generate $9 million for the program
• Families will be accepted based on income

County commissioners raised your taxes by three quarters of a cent this year to generate the $9 million for the program. Families will be accepted into program based on household income.

“To provide a mother with the quality care to build those foundation steps at this point when she may not have been able to afford it. It's a wonderful opportunity," said Isha Goode, quality support director for Childcare Network.

The additional tax dollars will allow 600 children to attend pre-K for free and members of Smart Start of Mecklenburg County said they will fill up. They will also track every student's progress.

“We're setting up some systems and some databases with the help of the county and partnership of the county so we can do that so we can evaluate and see how this really impacts these children as they progress into school,” said Nancy Hughes, Executive Director of Smart Start of Mecklenburg County

Smart Start of Mecklenburg will have all 33 classrooms open and operational by the end of October.