NC Pre-Kindergarten (formerly the More at Four program)

NC Pre-Kindergarten (NC Pre-K) provides free pre-kindergarten experiences to at-risk four-year-olds.  High quality classrooms are located throughout the county and focus on preparing children for success in school.  For more information, click here or contact Tara Fish at tara.fish@harnettsmartstart.org or (910) 893-2344.

Parents As Teachers

Parents as Teachers provides comprehensive parenting education based on the premise that the parent is a child's first and most important teacher. Certified Parent Educators conduct personalized home visits, developmental screenings, and immunization checks. They provide information on child development and developmentally appropriate toys and materials to families in need.  For more information, contact Melanie Graham at mgraham@harnett.org or (910) 814-6050.

Parent Education Child Care

Parents of children birth to age five receive help paying for child care while attending Central Carolina Community College.  For more information, contact Keisha Petty at kpetty@cccc.edu or (919) 718-7276.

Raising A Reader

This program encourages families with young children to use the library on a regular basis and to incorporate daily reading into their routine. For more information, contact Tabitha Breen at (910) 893-2344.

STEP Program

Through the STEP program, Early Childhood Program Specialists work one-on-one with Child Care Centers and Child Care Homes to increase their star rated license through:

Support– Leadership support and training.

Technical Assistance– to increase or maintain Star Rated Licensure.

Environment Rating Scales (ERS) Assessment– Action plans and grants for classroom improvement.

Professional Development- Education plans and tuition reimbursement.

WAGE$

The WAGE$ project provides education-based salary supplements to low paid teachers, directors, and family child care providers.  For more information, contact Allison Miller, Child Care Services Association, at allisonm@chilcareservices.org or (919) 967-3272.

Child Care Subsidy

Child care for eligible families is subsidized so that children are safe and well-cared for in licensed child care facilities while parents are away at work.  For more information, contact the Harnett County Department of Social Services at (910) 893-7500.