Funded Programs
Supporting Families
Wake Connections
Wake Connections is a coordinated intake and referral system that connects families with high quality home-based programs.
MOREReach Out and Read
Reach Out and Read trains health care providers to support and engage parents about the importance of reading aloud and to prescribe books to children at wellness check-ups beginning at birth to five years of age, with a special focus on children growing up in poverty.
MOREImagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails a free high quality, age-appropriate book to children in Wake County every month from birth to age 5 to encourage a love of reading and readiness for kindergarten.
MORETriple P - Positive Parenting Program
The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program is a parenting and family support system designed to prevent–as well as treat–behavioral and emotional problems in children by creating family environments that encourage children to realize their potential.
MORENurse-Family Partnership
Nurse-Family Partnership is a free, voluntary program that partners first-time moms with nurse home visitors.
MOREParents as Teachers
Parents as Teachers (PAT) services are offered to children from birth to age 5 who need help preparing for success in school.
MORESocial/Emotional Interventions for Young Children
SecurePath is a comprehensive mental health service for young children in Wake County that is provided at the child’s home or preschool.
MOREThe Nurturing Program for Spanish Speaking Families
This 15-week family education program blends child-rearing information with social supports to strengthen Spanish-speaking families living in Wake County.
MOREImproving Child Care Quality
Shape NC
Shape NC: Healthy Starts for Young Children promotes healthy eating and active learning through play for children from birth to age 5 by assisting communities in healthy endeavors.
MOREChild Care Subsidy Program
The Wake County Child Care Subsidy Program provides financial assistance to parents for their child care needs for families based on an assessment of need, income and family size.
MOREFarm to Child Care
The Farm to Child Care program supports child care facilities, fostering nutrition plans that include fresh, local produce for snacks and meals throughout growing seasons.
MOREImproving and Sustaining Quality Child Care
Improving and Sustaining Quality Child Care is a program in the Quality Enhancement Department within Wake County Smart Start.
MOREChild Care Program Quality Supplements
Child Care Program Quality Supplements provide monthly supplement payments to eligible four- and five-star centers and homes that serve children on subsidy to maintain or incentivize improvement in program quality.
MOREChild Care Health Consultant Program
The Child Care Health Consultant Program provides on-site health, safety, and nutrition consultation in child care facilities.
MOREAdvancing School Readiness
Advancing School Readiness has two components. Directors can apply to participate in the Wake Directors’ Leadership Academy or the Accreditation project.
MOREEncouraging Healthy Development and School Readiness
NC Pre-Kindergarten
NC Pre-K provides children with a high-quality classroom program to help four-year olds get ready for Kindergarten. Children attend Pre-K for 6.5 hours each day, Monday through Friday.
MORESchool Readiness Services for Hispanic Children
School Readiness Services for Hispanic Children & Families serves Hispanic families with young children in Wake County. It is a multifaceted program that builds early literacy skills, and provides screenings, information and referrals.
MOREHome Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY)
HIPPY is a FREE 3-year, home-based, early childhood education program that supports parents while providing solutions that strengthen families.
MOREStrengthening the Early Childhood System of Care and Education
System Improvement and Public Engagement
System Improvement and Public Engagement staff work with community stakeholders to strengthen and support the early childhood system of care and education.
MOREProgram Coordination and Evaluation
Program Coordination and Evaluation staff work with community stakeholders to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate funded activities to achieve the goals, objectives, and outcomes identified in the Wake County Smart Start strategic plan.
MORE