Daycare, preschool and free pre-K: how to check and apply
We do not recommend daycares. These are the official tools to check one yourself.
Facts checked Oct 25, 2026
Look up any NC daycare on the state Child Care Facility Search for its star rating, inspection visits and complaints. MECK Pre-K is free for 4-year-olds in Mecklenburg County (age 4 by August 31), with priority by income; call 704-943-9585. In SC, use scchildcare.org.
Check any NC daycare
The NC Child Care Facility Search shows star rating (1 to 5, where 1 means minimum licensing), visits, sanitation scores, complaints and actions. Religious-sponsored programs do not get stars. 919-814-6300 or 1-800-859-0829.
Source: ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
MECK Pre-K
Free pre-K for 4-year-olds (4 by August 31) in Mecklenburg County, with priority by income. Apply at MeckPreK.org or call 704-943-9585. The current income chart is on the county page.
Source: health.mecknc.gov ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
Help paying for child care
Mecklenburg County Social Services runs subsidized child care with Child Care Resources Inc, usable at participating providers. 704-336-3000.
Source: cfas.mecknc.gov ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
South Carolina
scchildcare.org searches SC providers by ZIP, with ABC Quality status and inspections. 888-335-1002.
Source: scchildcare.org ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
Questions people ask
How do I check if a daycare in NC is licensed?
Search it on the NC Child Care Facility Search, which shows its license, star rating, inspections and complaints.