Childcare Guidance
Early education and childcare quality play a vital role in the development of young children, laying the foundation for lifelong learning, social skills, and overall well-being. During these formative years, children experience rapid brain development, making it crucial to provide enriching environments and interactions that stimulate their cognitive, physical, and social-emotional growth.
Tips for Choosing Childcare
Finding and choosing the best child care program for your child and your family’s needs can be difficult. Smart Start of New Hanover County is here to help provide guidance and useful information to help make your decision easier.
Child Care Guidance for Families
Free, customized referrals to quality child care, after-school, and pre-school programs in our community. Specialists can answer questions and offer valuable information and resources. For assistance, please call 910-815-3731 x1015 or click here to email.
Financial Assistance with Child Care
Smart Start of New Hanover County provides funding to the New Hanover County Department of Social Services’ child care subsidy program. Qualifying families receive assistance paying for eligible child care for their children age birth to five.
Tips for Choosing Childcare
Finding and choosing the best child care program for your child and your family’s needs can be difficult. Smart Start of New Hanover County is here to help provide guidance and useful information to help make your decision easier. Here are some important tips and resources to help you in this process.
Start Early – Start looking as far in advance as you can. Finding the right child care option can take some time, no matter what type of care you are considering.
Visit and Ask Questions – Make sure you visit each of the child care sites that you are considering. Think about what you saw and your experience during each visit.
- Finding Quality Childcare Guide
- Checklist for visiting a child care center
- Checklist for visiting a family child care home
Make an Informed Decision – Here are some additional resources to help in your decision-making process.
- What do you want to see in a high-quality infant program?
- What do you want to see in a high-quality toddler program?
- What does a high-quality preschool program look like?
Stay involved – Visiting and participating in events sends a strong message. It tells your child and your child’s caregiver that you think what your child is doing and learning is important.
- Have parent-teacher meetings regularly and ask questions.
- Offer to volunteer time when needed, like participating in clean up days or fixing broken toys.
- Visit your child at child care and read a book aloud.
- Join in special events, like field trips, Career Day, or other events.
- Check in at drop-off and pick-up times
- Stay apprised of efforts in your community to improve the quality of child care. Is your caregiver involved in these activities or efforts?
Need assistance finding child care in New Hanover County? Contact the Smart Start Early Learning Resource Center today! (910) 815-3731 / Click here to email