Early Childhood Education

NHC NC PreK Advisory Committee meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at noon. For those who are interested in attending the public virtual meeting, please contact Sean Perkins at 910-254-4119.

The Early Childhood Education Program offers preschool classrooms in both public schools and private childcare 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 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.

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

Sean Perkins

Enrollment Coordinator

sean.perkins2@nhcs.net

Chelsea Lord

Enrollment Coordinator

chelsea.lord@nhcs.net

Jessica Mullins

Pre-K Coordinator

jessica.mullins@nhcs.net