Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education Program offers preschool classrooms in both public schools and private child care sites across the county. This variety of placement locations helps our parents make the most convenient choice for classroom placement during the school year. NHCS Early Childhood Program provides services through the NC Pre-K Program, which is a state funded program, Head Start, which is a federal program, and through our local New Hanover County commissioners. To enroll your child in preschool click the apply button below. If you have any issues accessing the application or have general questions please reach out to our office at 910-254-4173.

Thank you for your interest in our program. Currently, at this time we cannot place additional 3 year-old children. Due to this all incoming applications are currently being waitlisted, we anticipate resuming placements in October 2024 and encourage prospective applicants to begin the application process at that time.

Apply for Pre-K

For more Information Preschool Special Education

If you suspect your child has a disability or if you have developmental concerns in the areas of language, cognitive, social-emotional , motor or adaptive behavior and your child is 3-5 years old and not age eligible to attend kindergarten, please contact our Child Find Office. At no cost to families, children suspected of having a disability will be evaluated and if eligible, will be provided special education services. If you have questions regarding your preschool aged child, contact the child find office at 910-254-4236.

Shannon Smiles

Director of Early Childhood Education

shannon.smiles@nhcs.net

Terra Shiles

Adminstrative Assistant

terra.shiles@nhcs.net

Sean Perkins

Enrollment Coordinator

sean.perkins2@nhcs.net

Leola Pierce

Enrollment Coordinator

leola.pierce@nhcs.net