Skip To Main Content

Early Childhood Education

Dr. Timothy Sims

Director of Federal Programs and Career and Technical Education

828-322-2855 x 234

Early childhood education is the vital first step in your child's learning process, encompassing the crucial years from birth to age five. During this developmental stage, we focus on fostering cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth in a nurturing and stimulating environment. Our programs are designed to provide age-appropriate activities and experiences that promote curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. Through play-based learning, structured routines, and supportive interactions, we aim to instill essential skills and habits that will set your child up for success in school and beyond. Preschool classrooms are conveniently located in Hickory High, Longview Elementary, Oakwood Elementary, Southwest Primary, and Viewmont Elementary, ensuring accessibility for families across the district.

Hickory High
Hickory High School Logo
Longview Elementary
Longview Elementary School Logo
Oakwood Elementary
Oakwood Elementary School Logo
Southwest Primary
Southwest Primary School Logo
Viewmont Elementary
Viewmont Elementary School Logo
Free NCPre-K Applications Info

Free NCPre-K Applications are now available for preschool classrooms located within Hickory Public Schools. Children must be 4 years old by August 31st of the upcoming school year and not eligible for kindergarten. Preschool classrooms are located in Hickory High, Oakwood, Southwest, and Viewmont. Transportation is not provided.

Eligibility requirements – Based on income, significant priority is given to those who have not been in child care/preschool programs before and other factors such as English proficiency, special needs, health needs, etc. Continuity of services for children already receiving support services for special needs will take precedence in site selection.

Applications are due by May 31, 2024. You must submit income verification documents and a copy of the child’s birth certificate with your application. Please do not submit applications to any of our classroom locations.

2024-2025 Free NCPre-K Application (English – Online Form)

2023-2024 Free NCPre-K Application (Spanish – Online Form)

Fee Payer Pre-K Applications Info

Fee Payer Applications are now available for preschool classrooms located within Hickory Public Schools. Children must be 3 or 4 years old by August 31st of the upcoming school year and not eligible for kindergarten. Preschool classrooms are located in Hickory High, Oakwood, Southwest, and Viewmont. Transportation is not provided.

Applications are due by May 15, 2024. Monthly fees for the 2024-2025 school year are $496 per month. Families can pay the total amount of $4960 for the 10 month school year at one time or can pay throughout the year at $496 per month. 

The form will be sent automatically to the HPS Preschool Department. You will receive a response concerning enrollment availability no later than June 15, 2024.

2024-2025 Fee Payer Application (English – Online Form)

Parents as Teachers of Catawba County

Parents as Teachers of Catawba County is a supportive community program dedicated to empowering parents as their child's first and best teacher. Through personalized home visits, group meetings, and resource connections, they provide families with the tools and knowledge they need to promote their child's early development and school readiness.