Services for Child Care Professionals 

Education doesn't begin when a child enters kindergarten.  It begins at birth. The latest research tells us that the first three years of a child's life are the most important for future development and success.  Below are a list of Smart Start Rowan programs that work to enhance the experiences a child receives during those first critical years.


Child Care Resource and Referral
Training and on-site assistance to child care professionals working to improve quality.  Contact Cindy Nimmer ~ 704-603-3360.

More at Four
Free high quality  pre-kindergarten education for four-year-olds who may not have had the opportunities that prepare them for success in school.  To inquire about becomming a More at Four site, contact Donna Hogue ~ 704-603-3379.

Star License Enhancement
Assists 4 and 5 star child care facilities that serve children receiving child care subsidies or scholarships to maintain high quality learning environments by providing enhanced subsidy payments.  Contact Erin Witker ~ 704-603-3372.

W.A.G.E.S.
Provides education-based salary supplements for child care providers to reward teacher education and continuity of care for those working with children between the ages of 0-5. If you are interested in participating in the WAGE$program, please complete a WAGE$ application.  Smart Start Rowan offers Tier 1 WAGE$supplements.  Services provided by Child Care Services Association, 919-967-3272  or e-mail us.

Community Inclusion Specialists
Provides training and in classroom assistance to child care professionals to support inclusion of children with special needs , developmental concerns or social emotional issues. 
Services provided by Partners in Learning Child Development and Family Resource Center, 704 638-9020 or email us.

Stories To Go
Provides enriching literacy experiences  and books for children in child care facilities and More at Four classes and training for child care teachers and parents to help them provide a literacy rich environment.  Services provided by Rowan Public Library, 704-216-8269 or email us. 

Child Care Health Consultants 
Provides training and on-site assistance to child care providers to improve the health and safety of children and prevent the spread of communicable disease. Services provided by Rowan County Health Department, 704-216-8806 or email.