Free NC Pre-K in Cabarrus County: Who Qualifies for 2027-28 and How to Apply
North Carolina offers free pre-K for 4-year-olds whose families qualify, and in Cabarrus County one application covers it. If your child turns 4 by August 31, 2027, now is a good time to learn the rules and gather documents for the 2027-28 school year.
What NC Pre-K Is
NC Pre-K is a free, state-funded pre-kindergarten program for 4-year-olds. Classes are held in public schools, child care centers and Head Start programs with a 4- or 5-star state rating. Daily hours can differ by site, so ask about the schedule at the sites you are considering.
Who Qualifies for 2027-28
The state rule is that a child must be 4 on or before August 31 of the program year. For 2027-28, that means a child who turns 4 by August 31, 2027. Your family must live in Cabarrus County.
Most children qualify by income: gross family income at or below 75 percent of the state median income. Children of certain military families qualify regardless of income. Up to 20 percent of seats can go to children above the income limit who have a documented risk factor, such as a developmental disability, limited English, an educational need or a chronic health condition. Parents do not need to be working.
How to Apply in Cabarrus County
Cabarrus Partnership for Children takes one universal application. You can apply online in English or Spanish, or use a printable application, from the Preschool Applications page at cabarruspartnership.org. The application posted now is for 2026-27. The 2027-28 dates were not posted when we checked, so call 704-933-8278 to ask when it opens.
The office is at 1307 S. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis, NC 28083. Mail goes to PO Box 87, Kannapolis, NC 28082. On the application you can list a first, second and third choice of site.
What to Gather Now
The current application asks for your child's birth certificate (the hospital mother's verification form is not accepted); proof of income, such as one month of recent pay stubs or last year's tax return or W-2; proof of other income such as child support or disability, if any; a health assessment, a dental form and the latest immunization record; a copy of an IEP, if your child has one; and a court order if you are a legal guardian.
Health and immunization forms are due within 30 days of enrollment, so schedule a checkup early. While you're thinking about safety, look into free car seat checks in Cabarrus County.
Good to Know Before You Apply
Meeting the rules does not guarantee a seat, and children may be placed on a waiting list. The program does not provide a bus or other transportation, so plan how your child will get there each day. If your child does not get a seat, ask the Partnership about child care subsidy help. For the years after pre-K, see our guide to Cabarrus County Schools for families.
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Community Support Note: This resource guide is part of Solo Faith Church's community directory. Facts come from the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education's NC Pre-K page, Cabarrus Partnership for Children's Preschool Applications page and its 2026-27 online application, and Cabarrus County Schools preschool pages, read on October 25, 2026. The 2027-28 application dates, daily hours and income dollar limits were not posted; call to confirm. The document list comes from the 2026-27 application and may change. The photograph is a stock image from the Wix free media library. Solo Faith Church has no financial relationship with any organization named here.
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