About
A community decision to invest in its youngest learners
Since 2016, Durham County has invested to create a universal preschool program: Durham PreK. It is open to all Durham four-year-olds and grows incrementally over time to meet the full community need for high-quality early education.
Our mission
Durham PreK is dedicated to providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality preschool for every child in Durham County who turns four on or before August 31 of the applying school year. The program builds on the state-funded NC Pre-K program and is open universally, regardless of income or immigration status.
Durham County Government has committed to equitable access to high-quality preschool for all children in Durham.
How it is run
Early Years
The nonprofit Early Years serves as the management agency for Durham County Government’s investment in public preschool, coordinating the collaborative of sites, families, and educators.
Durham County Government
Durham County funds the local investment in universal pre-K, building on and expanding the state-funded NC Pre-K program.
A collaborative of 30+ sites
Durham Public Schools, NC Pre-K classrooms, Head Start, and licensed community providers, reached through one shared application.
Governance
Collaborators, a Governance Committee, and a Quality Subcommittee guide the program’s standards and growth. (Member rosters live on the live site.)
