Durham PreK Application

Required Documentation

You will be required to submit supporting documents to apply. This includes documentation of child’s age, Durham County residence, monthly income, and annual income. Some families may be required to submit additional documentation based on their application responses, such as proof of military service, custody paperwork, or school enrollment information. For a full list of required documentation and further explanation, download the checklist or view the bulleted list on the page below.

The application will prompt you for each piece of documentation needed to submit your application. For questions about which documents count for each requirement or help uploading them, you can refer to the video tutorial library on our website or call 1-833-733-5338.

English Checklist
Spanish Checklist

Instructions to read before submitting documents:

  • Take complete and clear pictures of the documents
  • Send documents in a PDF, PNG, or JPG file
  • Remove any passwords or special codes
  • Call the DPK Information Help Line at 1-833-773-5338 for assistance
  • If you are not able to upload the documents into your portal, please:
    • Send them to pre-k@childcareservices.org,
    • Fax them to: 919-403-6959,
    • Text "DPK" to 1-833-773-5338, or,
    • Bring the documents in person to 1201 S. Briggs Ave. Suite 200 in Durham 27703

Proof of Age and Guardianship

Date of Birth

For proof of birth, upload one of the following documents (must be translated if in a language other than English)

  • Copy of Child'rs Birth Certificate
  • Passport
  • Record of Faith Initiation

Guardianship

If neither the primary nor secondary guardian listed on the application are not on the original birth certificate, families will need to also supply:

  • Guardianship or custody paperwork

Proof of Address

For proof of a Durham County Residence, upload one of the following:

  • Copy of valid state issued ID
  • Copy of current lease - meeds to include names of all household members and a signature page
  • Current utility bill (water/power/gas) - needs to include name, address, and date

If one of the guardians listed on the application is not listed on the proof of address, the application will prompt you to also submit:

  • Address Verification Form
  • The current utility bill AND a signed and dated letter from the bill payee stating that your family (names included) is residing at the residence

If you are experiencing homelessness or are currently living in temporary housing, you may qualify for assistance under McKinney Vento. Click here to see if you qualify.

Proof of Income

Monthly

For proof of income, choose one of the following to show current monthly family income for each parent or legal guardian.

  • One month of most recent consecutive check stubs for each employed parent/step-parent/guardian.
    • Weekly: 4 pay stubs
    • Bi-weekly: 3 pay stubs
    • Twice a month: 2 pay stubs
    • Monthly: 1 pay stub
  • If you do not have a source of income, please submit the Statement Of No Income (no job, student, stay home mom or dad, ect..)
  • If you are paid in cash or do not receive pay stubs, complete this form for a statement/letter from employer 
  • If you are self-employed, complete the Statement of No Documentation of Income

Annually

For proof of income, choose one of the following to show current monthly family income for each parent or legal guardian.

  • One month of most recent consecutive check stubs for each employed parent/step-parent/guardian.
    • Weekly: 4 pay stubs
    • Bi-weekly: 3 pay stubs
    • Twice a month: 2 pay stubs
    • Monthly: 1 pay stub
  • If you do not have a source of income, please submit the Statement Of No Income (no job, student, stay home mom or dad, ect..)
  • If you are paid in cash or do not receive pay stubs, complete this form for a statement/letter from employer 
  • If you are self-employed, complete the Statement of No Documentation of Income

Annual Income

Choose one of the following to show annual income for each parent or legal guardian to be considered for all programs.

  • Proof of SNAP benefits, SSI, or TANF
  • Copy of all W-2's form 2022
  • 2022 IRS 1040 tax forms (including the signature page)
  • Last check stub from 222 for each employed parent/step-parent/guardian
  • If you are self-employed or did not work in 2022, complete the Statement of No Documentation of Income (even if income is $0)

Additional Income

Please provide proof of all other income sources that apply to your family

  • Child support (if you receive informal child support (not mandated by the court) have the other parent write a letter that includes the following: amount, frequency of pay, signature and date
  • Retirement
  • Worker's Compensation
  • Unemployment benefits letter
  • Social Security benefits letter
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit letter
  • For students: current class schedule/enrollment information

Additional Documents to Submit (When Applicable)

  • Documentation of parent’s military service (includes current active duty and serious injury or death resulting from military service)
  • Copy of child’s Private Service Plan (Speech Therapy, special services, etc.). You may ask your therapist or healthcare provider for a copy of your child’s health plan.
  • Child’s health assessment or note from medical provider indicating child’s chronic health condition (Asthma, allergies, etc.). You may ask your healthcare provider for this information