RFP for Community Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan

Wake County Smart Start (WCSS) invests in young children, families, and a connected early childhood system that supports and prepares them for school and life ahead. In support of this mission, WCSS seeks a consultant to provide support for our Community Needs Assessment and lead the development of our new strategic plan.

RFP due August 14, 2025 at 5:00pm.

Direct clarifying questions to Alex Livas-Dlott at alivas-dlott@wakesmartstart.org

Click Here to Access the RFP.

 

RFA – FY25-27 Early Literacy Funding Application

 

Through this Request for Application (RFA), WCSS seeks to identify an agency that will provide the Raising a Reader Red Book Bag program, in alignment with evidence-based implementation, WCSS strategic priorities and community need.

For questions or additional information, please get in touch with Bryce McClamroch at (919) 723-9278.

Click here to access the RFA.

 

Apply to Become a North Carolina Pre-K Site 

 

Become a North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten (NC Pre-K) Program Site

Join our team of NC Pre-K sites and become part of a growing professional community that helps prepare young children and their families for kindergarten and life ahead!

 

What are the eligibility requirements? 

• Must be a 4- or 5-star licensed facility

• Accept child care subsidy

• Lead Teacher has B-K license or eligible to receive one

• Teaching Assistant has a CDA or hold or working towards an AA in Early Childhood Education

• Administrator has Level III Administrator Credential, Principal License, or working towards it

• Meet all program guidelines mandated by the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and the NC Pre-K program

 

What does hosting an NC Pre-K classroom look like?

• About: The NC Pre-K program provides early education to four-year-olds in a play-based, dynamic environment.

• Program Structure: NC Pre-K operates for 10 months, 36 weeks, 6.5 hours/day Monday-Friday.  The calendar follows Wake County Public Schools Traditional Calendar.

• Class Size: Maximum classroom size of 18 with a teacher/child ratio of 1:9

• Curriculum: NC Pre-K uses Creative Curriculum which facilitates play-based learning.

• The Creative Curriculum promotes discovery and inquiry with opportunities for children to think critically and develop process skills with hands-on investigations of relevant and interesting topics in the classroom.

• The Creative Curriculum streamlines planning, teaching, and engagement so teachers can be responsive to child needs and develop meaningful engagement with every child and family.

• Allows for teachers to individualize instruction by understanding how children’s abilities progress and scaffold learning experiences to respond to each child’s current strengths and needs, including those with disabilities.

• Salary: Salary Scale implemented for qualified teaching staff

 

Application Information:

• A non-conflicted Site Selection Committee reviews applications and makes recommendations back to the NC Pre-K Committee.

• DCDEE Site Selection Application through online portal, eCimpact.

• NC Pre-K Site Selection Application

• NC Pre-K Site Selection Rubric

 

More about NC Pre-K:

The NC Pre-K program is a state initiative that serves at-risk four-year-old children and prepares them for school success.  With guidance from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE), Wake County Smart Start (WCSS) administers this program in Wake County in collaboration with Telamon Head Start, Wake County Public School System and Wake County Human Services.  Four- and five-star licensed facilities are selected to provide high quality intentional educational experiences. Children participating in the NC Pre-K program are served in classrooms in public schools, licensed child care facilities or Head Start programs.  NC Pre-K prioritizes children whose families earn at or below 75% of the State Median Income.

For more information about site selection, contact us here.