The child must be four years old on or before August 31st of the program year.  A child that meets the age requirement is eligible for NC Pre-K if the child is from a family whose gross income is at or below 75% of the State Median Income (SMI).  

Children of certain military families are also eligible without regard to income.  In addition, up to 20% of age-eligible children enrolled may have family incomes in excess of 75% ,if they have documented risk factors in specific categories including developmental disability, Limited English Proficiency, educational need, or chronic health condition.