Resources
Resources Available Through Smart Start and in New Hanover County
Childcare Information & Assistance
Finding Childcare
Smart Start of NHC can help you find quality childcare that meets your family’s unique needs. Learn more
Paying for Childcare
Smart Start of NHC provides funding for the NHC DHHS Childcare Subsidy Program. For more info, contact NHC Department of Social Services at (910) 798-3400 or click here.
Megan Cajigas Foundation (Pre-K Tuition Assistance)
NHCS Pre-K Registration
NHCS Early Childhood Program provides services through the NC Pre-K Program, which is a state funded program, Head Start, which is a federal program, and through our local New Hanover County commissioners. Click to apply.
Children with Special Needs
Smart Start Resource Assistance
Smart Start of NHC can help find resources available for your child’s special needs. Call (910) 815-3731.
Cape Fear Children’s Develpmental Service Agency (CDSA) / NC Infant Toddler Program (NC ITP)
The North Carolina Early Intervention Section (NCEI) is a part of NCDHHS’ Division of Child and Family Well-Being. It is the lead agency for the North Carolina Infant-Toddler Program (NC ITP). The NC ITP provides support and services for families and their children, birth to three who have special needs.
>>> Visit website
Child Development Center
The Child Development Center serves children 3 to 5 years old with special needs and those who are typically developing.
>>> Visit website
NHC Schools Special Education Resources
Parent information and resources for special education children.
>>> Visit website
Family Support & Education
Autism Support & Education
Early Educator & Childcare Provider Resources
Professional Organizations
Education
Environment Rating Scales
- What is STARS?
- STARS: How Points are Earned
- NC Rated License Assessment Program
- Environment Rating Scales Institute
NC Child Care Licensing- Division of Child Development and Early Education
- NC DCDEE: General Info
- NC DCDEE: Rules and Regulations
- NC DCDEE: How to Become a Licensed Provider
- NC DCDEE: WORKS Resources
Becoming a Licensed Child Care Provider
Child Development Resources
- CDC: Developmental Milestones
- Center on the Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning
- Developmentally Appropriate Practice
- Early Care & Education & Pre-K Education
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development
- Zero to Three: Infants and Toddlers
Early Literacy
Libraries
- Smart Start Resource Room Library – Parents, educators and providers who are RR members can check out learning materials, including children’s books, theme kits, and resource materials.
- NHC Public Library
Free Books
- Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) – Smart Start partners with DPIL to mail a high quality, age appropriate book monthly to all registered children, at no cost to the child’s family.
- Free Little Library – Smart Start of New Hanover County has a Free Little Library chocked full of free age and culturally-appropriate books for children ages birth-five. Bring your little one(s) by any time between 8-5 Mon-Fri and allow them to pick a book to add to their home library. Our LFL is located at 725 Wellington Ave, just inside our front lobby. Donations of new or gently loved books for young children are always welcome!
Online Early Literacy Resources
Hurricane, Emergency & Crisis Support
24/7 Emergency Assistance
- Call 911 (Non-Emergency Dispatch 910-452-6120)
- Coastal Horizons 24 hour access
- Domestic Violence Shelter & Services 910-343-0703
- NHC Sheriff’s Dept
- Carousel Child Advocacy Center
- Trillium Health Resources (Mental Health)
- Housing/Shelter Directory
Emergency Preparedness
- Infant Feeding in Emergencies – NC Breastfeeding Coalition
- Be Disaster Ready – New Hanover Disaster Coalition
- Make a Plan; Build a Kit; Stay Informed; Special Population Resources
Short Term & Financial Assistance
Health, Nutrition, and Safety
Affordable Providers
- MedNorth Health Center
- Cape Fear Health Net (Medical Services for Uninsured)
- Cape Fear Clinic (formerly Tileston Clinic)
Health
- NHC DHHS Early Childhood Care Management for Children (CMARC)
- Medicaid
- CDC Immunization Schedule by Age
- Birth Certificates & Vital Records: NHC Register of Deeds
Nutrition & Food Security
- NHC Health & Human Services Women, Infant & Children (WIC)
- NHC Health & Human Services Food and Nutrition / SNAP
- Nourish NC
- Food Pantry Directory
Pregnancy & Birth
Safety
Kindergarten Information
Kindergarten Readiness
NHC Schools Kindergarten Enrollment
Parenting Resources & Support
Physical Activity & Fun
Indoor
- Smart Start of NHC Resource Room & Play Space
- Kaleidoscope Play & Learn Groups – Smart Start of NHC
- Fit For Fun Center – City of Wilmington
- The Children’s Museum of Wilmington
Outdoor
Online Activities & Resources
Smart Start Resource Assistance: Get Connected
Smart Start of NHC helps 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, childcare subsidy, and more. Contact Smart Start of NHC, 910-815-3731.
Other Community Directories
How to Build an Infant Feeding Sanitation Kit for Emergencies
SAFE Infant Feeding Quick Reference Guide
Guía de referencia rápida sobre alimentación infantil SEGURA
- Plastic Bins or Tubs with Lids
- Size: Shoebox size with lid, slightly larger is acceptable.
- These bins will hold all the kit supplies and can double as a portable washing and sanitizing station. They also provide clean storage of supplies.
- Bleach (1.43 quarts/48 ounces or smaller)
- Must be regular unscented bleach, such as Cloralen Bleach or Clorox Disinfecting Bleach
- NO Splash-free/Splash-less/”No Splash” versions; NO added Fragrance; NO Fabric Protectant; NO other additives.
- Just regular bleach.
- Must be in original packaging.
- Containers must be smaller than 48 ounces, as bleach cannot be divided into smaller containers.
- Bleach is essential for disinfecting feeding items and preventing the spread of harmful bacteria.
- Must be regular unscented bleach, such as Cloralen Bleach or Clorox Disinfecting Bleach
- Silicone Bottle Brushes
- Should have a nipple brush, too, to clean the teat part of the bottles.
- The brushes are essential for properly cleaning bottles and other feeding equipment, especially in conditions where sterilization is challenging.
- Liquid Dish Soap (8 oz or smaller) containers
- 8 oz or smaller. Travel-size ok, but medium is better. NOT full-size.
- These smaller sizes are ideal for portability and safety during travel.
- The regular dish soap is used to clean feeding supplies before sanitizing.
- Disposable Cups
- Bathroom-size/dixie cup sized disposable cups. Paper is preferred.
- Place the cups in a sandwich bag, at least 10 cups per kit.
- The cups provide a safe option for feeding formula or liquid supplements to babies.