For the Family - Helpful Links

Child Care - referrals, financial assistance, and information on quality child care

Puzzles Center - a free service offering referrals, not recommendations, to local child care programs. You can search for child care referrals on-line or by calling the Puzzles Center.

Child Care Subsidy - assists families (with children ages 0-12) in New Hanover County in paying for child care.

North Carolina Division of Child Development - to get detailed information about the the NC Star Rated License system, the compliance history of a licensed child care program, or the NC Child Care Law and Rules.

Services for Children with Special Needs

New Hanover County Schools Child Find  - an effort to locate and indentify children ages 3 through 21 with disabilities who are in need of special education and related services. For parents of children ages birth to five, if you suspect your child has a developmental concern, please call the Preschool Liaison's office at 910-254-4184.

Children's Developmental Services Agency - provides early intervention services to children, ages birth up to three years old, who have special needs and their families.

Family Support Network - promotes and provides support for families with children who have special needs.

Autism Society - works to address areas of need and expand services for the autism community in North Carolina.

TEACCH Center  - serves individuals with autism in the southeastern region of North Carolina.  Services include diagnostic evaluations, treatment planning and implementation, education, consultation, supported employment assistance, training opportunities and research.

General Information

Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers & Families  - is a national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers.

Families and Work Institute - a non-profit, non-partisan research organization.

Children's Defense Fund - a non-profit child advocacy organization that works to provide a level playing field for all children.

National Association for the Education of Young Children - dedicated to improving the well-being of all young children, with particular focus on the quality of educational and developmental services for all children birth through age 8.