Shape NC: Healthy Starts for Young Children promotes healthy eating and active learning through play for children from birth to age five by assisting communities in healthy endeavors. The initiative was created to increase the number of children starting Kindergarten at a healthy weight and ready to learn.
In Wake County, Shape NC provides an opportunity to integrate support of some of the ongoing work around healthy eating and physical activity. This includes evidence-based programs WCSS currently funds to support the quality of child care, such as Farm to Child Care (F2CC) and Preventing Obesity by Design (POD). Shape NC also includes Be Active Kids (BAK) and Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (GO NAP SACC).
Approximately 32% of Wake County’s young children are enrolled in regulated child care centers, where they receive most meals and spend most of their waking hours. By focusing efforts on these sites, while our children are still young, Shape NC intends to improve early childhood practices and inspire a lifetime of healthy behaviors through this comprehensive and integrated approach.
Related Programs
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.
MOREWonderschool
Wonderschool supports family child care home providers by providing dedicated technology, training, ongoing mentorship, and community to operate and grow.
MOREWake ThreeSchool
Wake ThreeSchool is play-based preparation for Wake County’s three-year-olds before entering Pre-K.
MORENC 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.
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.
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.
MOREQuality Enhancement Projects
These projects support quality child care and are part of the Quality Enhancement Department within Wake County Smart Start.
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.
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