Free, high-quality preschool for every Durham 4-year-old.
The 2026–2027 application is open. One application reaches more than 30 preschool sites across Durham County, no matter your income or immigration status.
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Where would you like to start
Find your path
Families
Check eligibility, gather your documents, and apply for the 2026–2027 school year.
Apply & enroll →
Early Educators
Become a Durham PreK site, join an apprenticeship, or find teaching resources.
For educators →
Supporters
Help Durham grow toward a seat for every four-year-old. Give, advocate, partner.
Ways to help →The short version
Apply in three steps
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Create your account
Start the online application and answer a few questions about your family.
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Upload three documents
Proof of your child’s age, proof of Durham County residency, and proof of income.
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Complete the ASQ screening
The Ages and Stages Questionnaire helps place your child in the right setting.
From the program
Latest news
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The 2026–2027 application is now open
Families can apply online for a free or low-cost preschool seat. Text DPK to 1-833-773-5338 for reminders.
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Become a Durham PreK site for next year
Licensed providers and schools can join the collaborative. Technical assistance is available year-round.
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Read the latest program reports
See how Durham’s investment in universal pre-K is growing toward every four-year-old.
Upcoming events
Check back soon
Durham PreK’s current site shows this same honest empty state. In the CMS, staff add an event and this card fills itself, no developer needed.
Reminders by text
Text DPK to 1-833-773-5338.
Registre en Español para recibir recordatorios.
Our collaborative
Managed by Early Years, in partnership with Durham
Durham PreK is managed by the nonprofit Early Years as the management agency for Durham County Government’s investment in public preschool.
