Early Childhood Connections (ECC)

 

Location:  Smart Start of New Hanover County

   3001 Wrightsville Avenue

   Wilmington, North Carolina 28403

 

Contact:   Krista Turner

   910-815-3732

   Contact newhanoverkids.org

 

Description: Early childhood consultants work to improve and maintain high quality care and education for young children in licensed child care facilities through training, support, and grants.

 

Early Childhood Training

• ECC offers early childhood trainings several times each month. DCD in-service hours issued at each training.
• On-site workshops are also available. Call for more information.
• Visit our training calendar for a detailed list of trainings offered this quarter.

 

Community Support

ECC offers free community support to any licensed child care center or family child care home in New Hanover County.  The following are many of the free services available upon request:

• Practice assessments using the Environment Rating Scales (ECERS-R, ITERS-R, and FCCERS)
• Assistance with completing the Star Rated License application
• Parent handbook and personnel policy review
• Help with room arrangement
• Assistance with curriculum planning

 

 

Smart Start Resource Membership

For a small annual fee, early childhood educators working in New Hanover County can access the following resources: 

• Curriculum
• Resource Books and Video
• Theme Boxes
• Laminating and Die Cut Machines
• Computer Workstation

 

Grants

ECC's Circle

• For licensed child care centers
• Receive free training, indoor/outdoor materials, and social-emotional curriculum and support
• Download a copy of the ECC Circle Facts Sheet for more information and an application.

ECC Focus Group

• Focus groups for family childcare providers and center in a residence only
• Peer mentoring and work sessions
• Small stipend issued based on length of employment
• Download a copy of the ECC Focus Group Facts Sheet for more information and an application.