Ages 3-5
Preschool Program (Ages 3-5)
North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten (NC Pre-K) is a free early childhood education program for eligible four year olds.
Funded by the state, this high quality program seeks to improve school readiness for at-risk children. Enrolled children attend school from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday from September through mid-June (10 months before the start of Kindergarten). Learn more.
Due to the high demand for childcare, a waiting list is in place for all ages at each center. Families are encouraged to begin the enrollment process for their child to be placed on the waitlist.
Verner provides high quality tuition-based childcare for children from 3 to 5 years of age at both of our centers.
Verner’s programs offer low child-teacher ratios and a hands-on, inquiry-based curriculum.
Due to the high demand for childcare, a waiting list is in place for all ages at each center. Families are encouraged to begin the enrollment process for their child to be placed on the waitlist.
Tuition Rates:
2025/2026 school year: $1,266
2026/2027 school year: $1,328
Subsidies are available for families who meet income requirements. For those that do not qualify for free or subsidized childcare, private pay is an option.
NC Pre-K is an income-based program, although families with certain risk factors may also qualify. Qualifying does not guarantee enrollment. To qualify, children must:
- Be four years old by August 31 of the program year
- Be entering kindergarten the following year
- Be at risk for poor school outcomes. Risk factors include:
- Low household income (75% of the state average or lower), OR
- Limited or no English language skills
- Identified disability
- Chronic health condition
- Developmental disability
- Educational need
Families can apply directly to the waitlist, or through the Buncombe Pre-K Website.
You will need your child’s birth certificate, and proof of income (either a W2 or a month’s worth of pay stubs).
- Verner’s Center-Based Program provides two healthy meals and a snack each day at no additional cost.
- In addition to food and high-quality early childhood education, Verner offers many other supplemental services, such as a Health Coordinator, child development support, and family partnerships.