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THOMASVILLE, N.C. – Hundreds of North Carolina children are being turned away from the state's pre-kindergarten programs in the aftermath of budget cuts. In Davidson County, around 250 students are still on the waiting list and classes have already begun.

One of the affected parents, Carla Little, said she's struggling to keep her four-year-old at home.

"It broke his heart the first day of school when he saw his sister getting ready, putting on her book bag and stuff. He's like why can't I go," said Little.

Officials with Smart Start said it's been a tough road preparing for this school year.

"We lost 20 percent of our Smart Start funds and then we lost an additional 20 percent of our North Carolina pre-kindergarten funds,” said Exec. Dir. Smart Start of Davidson County Linda Leonard.

Those programs help support at-risk students from low-income families. Little said it's been a taxing summer for her family.

"Back in June, my husband passed away,” said Little. “So, it's really put a strain on me having to try and find a job and support my family, but at the same time, I've got to be there for my son and it's kinda hard, not knowing which way to turn."

The cuts have also hit the pre-kindergarten classroom. Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina used to have three operating N.C. pre-kindergarten classrooms at its site.

"But because of the budget cuts, we've had to close one of our classrooms and we've had to lay off two full-time staff," said Director Linda Russo.

Beyond the financial strain the cuts have caused for schools, parents and people no longer on the payroll, education leaders said this is affecting young would-be pre-k students at a critical time in their school career.

"By the time a child is at age five, 90 percent of their intellect is formed and if you don't reach out to them and make sure they have all the experiences they need, then those opportunities are forever lost," said Leonard.

"Our job is to get them ready socially and emotionally to leave their parents, enter a group setting, learn how to follow directions,” Russo agreed. “How to take care of their own personal needs."

In the meantime, while Little waits on a pre-kindergarten opening, she said she's relying on help from family and friends and looking to land a job, so she can afford a pre-school elsewhere.

"It looks like I'm going to have to come out of pocket and pay for it," said Little.