To ensure every child in Durham enters school ready to succeed, we lead community strategies for children birth to age 5 and their families that promote healthy development and learning and enhance access to high quality care.
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NEXT WEEKEND: Find us at Centerfest! Since 1974, Durham Arts Council has brought the community together each fall for CenterFest, Durham’s signature fine arts festival. The festival features juried visual artists from Durham, the Triangle, and across the country, showcasing ceramics, paintings, photography, jewelry, fiber art, woodwork, glass, and more.
We`ll be at CenterFest in the kid zone, providing resources and info on early childhood programs in Durham. Stop by and visit us to sign up for the Imagination Library, get your pre-k questions answered, or to grab some swag!⭐
#Centerfest #DurhamNC
Durham’s Partnership for Children is seeking individuals to participate on the Smart Start Allocations committee! ✨This committee reviews proposals for funding early childhood activities throughout Durham County.
➡️Who are we looking for? We are looking for individuals who are knowledgeable about Early Care and Education and can make funding recommendations in alignment with our mission. Members of the Allocations Committee cannot currently be the recipient of Smart Start funds.
💡Good to know
-Meetings are held virtually each month from October through May.
-New members will receive an orientation in October.
-This is a two-year commitment, renewable up to a total of 5 years.
If you are interested in serving on the Allocations committee or learning more, please contact Jameka Wells, Director of Programs, at jameka@dpfc.net.
#DurhamNC #AllocationsCommittee #EarlyChildhoodAdvocacy
This week`s #StaffSpotlight features our Early Head Start Trauma-informed Coach, Lateshia Langhorne! In her role, Lateshia uses trauma-informed practices to support our Early Head Start teachers in the classroom.⭐
Through her combined tenure at DPfC, Lateshia has spent nearly 4 years here!
💫Her hope for every child? "My hope is that every child knows what it feels like to be genuinely loved and cared for by a teacher, has the freedom to learn and grow in a safe and nurturing environment, and leaves with positive childhood experiences that shape how they see themselves and the world around them."
💡 Did you know? The Smart Start Network administers state, federal, local, and private programs and services, such as NC Pre-K, child care subsidy, and Head Start, serving as North Carolina’s system for early childhood health, development, and learning.
In Durham County, Durham`s Partnership for Children is a critical part of the early childhood landscape. We implement NC Pre-K, Early Head Start, and a variety of Smart Start programs across our county. 💫 Learn more about our programs at: dpfc.net
Social-emotional learning isn`t a "someday" skill - for kids under 5, it`s happening right now, in every hug, every "use your words," every turn taken on the playground. That`s why it`s woven into everything we do. Here are some tips on how to build social emotional skills with your little one at home! ⭐
#socialemotionallearning #Earlychildhood #socialemotionalskills
Did you know? Play-based learning sparks creativity and curiosity in young children, helping them develop critical thinking, social skills, and a love for learning through fun and exploration! Our littlest learners in our NC Pre-K classrooms are learning through play every day⭐
#Preschool #PreK #DurhamNC #PlayBasedLearning
Many children in North Carolina face barriers, from high child care costs to limited access to health services. Smart Start helps families overcome these challenges by connecting them to programs, resources, and support they need to thrive.💫
Explore our Smart Start funded programs at: dpfc.net/our-work/smart-start/smart-start-programs/
Give your baby the best start possible!
Durham Early Head Start offers free, high-quality child development and family support for expectant moms and families with children under 3, including free child care, home visits, health and nutrition support, parent education, and more.
✅ Home visiting or full-day center-based care — you choose what fits your family
✅ Open to expecting families and families with infants/toddlers
Spots are filling up, apply today! 👉 dpfc.net/our-work/durham-early-head-start
📞 Questions? Call (919) 403-6960
#DurhamEarlyHeadStart #EarlyHeadStart #DurhamNC #FamilySupport #EarlyChildhood
Meet our next team member in today`s #StaffSpotlight! Melisa is our Office Coordinator, managing our front desk, incoming calls, and assisting with essential office tasks. She is the first friendly face that families see when they walk into our office!
What does Melissa hope every child experiences? "I hope every single child gets the chance to learn and feel truly loved. Nowadays, so many families are facing tough hardships, and those struggles can make it really hard to give children the time, care, love and attention they need." ✨💙
#Meettheteam #DurhamNC
