Resources are available to parents navigating Early Childhood Education. We will help answer your questions, point you in the right direction, and make referrals to related services.
Early Childhood Education
Transition to Kindergarten
Getting the right start in school begins with a smooth transition to kindergarten. Learn more about how to register for kindergarten and what you can do to ensure that your child is ready to start.
Child Care Referrals
This regional partnership covering seven counties in southeastern NC provides trained specialists who offer families free, customized referrals to child care, after-school, pre-school and summer camps, including location, operating hours, program costs, and quality standards. Information is provided to help families understand and identify high-quality child care. Specialists work with community partners to ensure accurate and current data is shared. Contact Smart Start of New Hanover County, 910-815-3731.
Tips for Choosing Childcare
Community Referrals
Knowledgeable referral counselors help families identify and access services to meet their child’s needs. Information is available on topics such as child development, early intervention for special needs, child care subsidy, and more. Contact Smart Start of New Hanover County, 910-815-3731.
It Takes a Village – A resource page for families in New Hanover County who have children with special needs.
Child Care Subsidies
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 in paying for high-quality child care for their children birth to age five.
NHC Department of Social Services, 910-798-3400
Overview of DSS Child Services
Support with Challenging Behaviors and Inclusive Practices
Support will be available based on tools provided by the Center on the Social-Emotional Foundations of Early Learning and includes the promotion of healthy social-emotional behaviors in young children, the prevention of expulsion in child care, and the promotion of inclusive practices. There are two primary levels of support offered to the early childhood workforce based on the need and upon request: classroom specific and child-specific. Contact mindy.davis@newhanoverkids.org 910-815-3731 ext. 1010.