Early Childhood Education
Information about NC Pre-K, child care, Head Start, and Early Head Start in the Land of Sky region
Pre-K is only one component of the early education ecosystem, but is a reliable data indicator that is measured among a myriad of complex educational data sources. Early childhood programs are a critical outlet for fostering the mental and physical development of young children. High-quality early childhood programs can increase earning potential and encourage and support educational attainment.
Early Childhood Education Information by County
On this page you’ll find links to county-specific information on child care, Early Head Start and Head Start, and NC Pre-K, as well as other services and resources for families with young children. Click or tap a county name below to jump directly to that early childhood education information for families in that county.
Buncombe
Buncombe Partnership for Children
Buncombe Partnership for Children is part of the Smart Start network. Visit their website for information and resources for families, including:
- Asheville Adventure Play
- Finding Child care (Cuidado Infantile)
- Child Care Vouchers
- Circle of Security (Circulo de Seguridad)
- Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
- Kaleidoscope Play and Learn Groups
- NC Pre-K (En Español) and Head Start
- Reach Out and Read
- Resources for Families
- The difference between Head Start, Early Head Start, and NC Pre-K
- Transitioning to kindergarten (¡Tiempo de Jardín de Niños!)
Henderson
The Children & Family Resource Center provides programs and services for families in Henderson County, including:
- Adolescent Parenting Program
- Circle of Parents
- Circle of Security
- Family Behavioral Health Navigator
- Full Tum, Dry Bum (assistance with diapers, wipes, and formula)
- Incredible Years
- Maternal Health Program / Doula Project
- Nurturing Parenting
- Parents as Teachers
- Parents Matter!
- Scholarships for Single Parents
- Triple P (Positive Parenting Program)
Smart Start Partnership for Children serves families in Henderson County. Visit their website for information and resources for families, including:
WNC Source provides information and services for children and families in Henderson County. Visit their website for details (available in English and Spanish) about:
- Head Start and Early Head Start (Early Head Start information is for Henderson, Rutherford, and Transylvania counties)
- Home-based Services
- NC Pre-K
Madison
Madison County Smart Start provides resources and programs for families in Madison County, including:
- Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
- Child Care Resource & Referral
- Child Care Subsidy
- Head Start (this link will take you to Community Action Opportunities, which administers the Head Start program in Madison County)
- Kith & Kin
- Raising a Reader
Transylvania
Smart Start of Transylvania County is a public-private partnership that serves the needs of young children in Transylvania County. Visit their website for information on their many programs and resources, including:
- Child Care Centers
- Child Care Subsidy
- Early Literacy (including Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Reach Out and Read)
- Home-based Child Care (including Home Grown; Family Child Care Homes; and Family, Friend, and Neighbor Child Care)
- Jumpstart to Kindergarten
- NC Pre-K
See WNC Source above for information about Early Head Start in Transylvania County.
