We oversee the whole county’s birth to 5 population and are deeply committed to serving the needs of all of our community’s young children and families. Our goal is for every child to be healthy and ready for school, and for every parent to feel empowered and supported.
As a parent, you are your child’s first teacher, and you know your child best. It is important to keep that in mind as you seek services and information to help you make the best decisions for your child and your family. Below you will find local, regional, state, and national resources related to child care, health, parent education, and family activities, among others.
Durham Early Head Start
The Durham Early Head Start Program provides comprehensive child development and family support program offered through center-based or home-based programming for eligible children aged birth to three years old and for pregnant women.
Phone: (919) 403-6960 ext. 229 Website: dpfc.net/our-work/durham-early-head-start/
Durham Head Start
The Head Start Program provides child development services to economically disadvantaged children ages 3-5 and their families, with a special focus on helping preschoolers develop the early reading and math skills.
Phone: (919) 688-5541 Website: fcrinc.org
Early Years
The Child Care Education & Referral Program educates families about high-quality child care and provides referrals to centers and homes. The Smart Start Scholarship Program provides child care scholarships to eligible families with children ages birth to 5 for high-quality child care.
Phone: (919) 403-6950 Website: earlyyearsnc.org
Center for Child & Family Health
Provides mental health services for Durham children and families.
Phone: (919) 419-3474 Website: www.ccfhnc.org
Community Partnerships, Inc
Durham Inclusion Support Services provides consultation, technical assistance and training to child care providers and families who care for a child for whom there is a developmental, behavioral or social-emotional concern.
Phone: (919) 402-9400 Website: www.compart.org
Durham Connects
Provides in-home nurse visits to all parents of newborns in Durham County.
Phone: (919) 668-3279 Website: www.durhamconnects.org
Durham County Department of Public Health
Maternal Care, WIC Program, Immunizations, Dental Clinic, Health and Nutrition Education.
Phone (919) 560-7600 Website: www.co.durham.nc.us/departments/phth
Exchange Clubs’ Family Center
Family support and parent education programs, as well as mental health intervention services.
Phone: (919) 403-8249 ext. 235 Website: www.exchangefamilycenter.org
Healthy and Ready: A Guide to Preventive Care [English] [Spanish]
A resource that outlines preventive care, vaccinations and promoting healthy development for young children.
Healthy and Ready: Developing Healthy Habits for Young Children [English] [Spanish]
A resource that promotes healthy living through education on the importance of good nutrition and regular physical activity.
La Leche League of Durham
A team of trained and La Leche League International accredited professionals that assist mothers and mothers-to-be with all aspects of breastfeeding.
Phone: (919) 717-1570 Website: www.lllofnc.org/groups/Durham.html
LATCH (Local Access to Coordinated Healthcare)
Provides health services to uninsured and under-insured Durham County residents
Phone: (919) 613-6509 Website: https://phmo.dukehealth.org/initiatives/local-access-coordinated-healthcare-latch
Duke Division of Community Health
Home Visits, Assistance Making Appointments, Health Education, Application Assistance (Medicaid, Food Stamps), Links to Community Resources (housing, food, clothing, bills assistance, prescriptions), Transportation Assistance (health-related)
Care Management Staff: (919) 613-6653 Website: https://fmch.duke.edu/divisions/division-community-health
Lincoln Community Health Center
Prenatal, Pediatrics, and Dental Care, Pharmacy, WIC Program, Breastfeeding Support
Phone: (919) 956-4000 Website: www.lincolnchc.org
Durham County Library
Offers programming for young children and families.
Phone: (919) 560-0100 Website: www.durhamcountylibrary.org
Durham County Social Services Department
Provides financial and family support to families with children ages birth-12, including Medicaid, food and nutrition services, child support and Work First.
Phone: (919)-560-8472 Website: https://dconc.gov/Social-Services
Durham Parks and Recreation
Offers healthy, fun and high-quality activities for children and families, including athletics, programs, trails, and a park locator.
Phone: (919) 560-4355 Website: https://www.dprplaymore.org/
Durham Public Schools
DPS Title I Pre-K, Parent programs, skills for school, parent/school connection, healthy start, social & academic readiness and more.
Phone: (919) 560-3730 Websites: www.dpsnc.net/
American Academy of Pediatrics
Information and tools developed by pediatricians for the health of all children.
Phone: (847) 434-4000 Website: www.healthychildren.org
Children’s Developmental Services Association
Portal of entry for all children birth-3 into the Infant-Toddler program, offering multidisciplinary developmental evaluations, determining eligibility and service coordination.
Phone: (919) 560-5600 Website: www.beearly.nc.gov/
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
The world’s largest organization working on behalf of young children.
Phone: (800) 424-2460 Website: www.naeyc.org
North Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children (NCAEYC)
Promoting and inspiring excellence in the early care and education of young children, birth through age eight.
Phone: (919) 510-5034 Website: www.ncaeyc.org
NC Division of Child Development and Early Educaiton
Implements quality standards, increases access for families, and collaborates to promote enhanced service delivery of care and education across the state.
Phone: (919) 814-6300 Website: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/
North Carolina Partnership for Children
Advances a high quality, comprehensive, accountable system of care and education for every child beginning with a healthy birth.
Phone: (919) 821-7999 Website: http://www.smartstart.org/
Zero to Three
National center that promotes the health and development of infants and toddlers.
Phone: (202) 638-1144 Website: www.zerotothree.org
