Wake County SmartStart accepting applications for preschool programs

These publicly funded programs are designed to prepare children for school. To apply for pre-k programs in Wake County for the 2012-13 school year, a child must be four on or before Aug. 31, 2012. Applications also must be completed by the child's parent or guardian and received by April 16, 2012.

At-risk children are the program's priority. A child is considered at-risk if they come from a family with a gross income at or below 75 percent of the state median income level; has an identified disability and current Individualized Education Program (or IEP); or has been determined to be at-risk by the N.C. Division of Child Development and Early Education and there is substantial risk the child will not have the opportunity to obtain a sound basic education.