Services for Child Care Professionals 
Research shows that high quality early care and education programs help children develop stronger language, pre-mathematical and social skills than those in lower quality settings. Smart Start Rowan works with local child care centers, family child care homes and church preschools to improve the quality of early learning environments. Supporting educational opportunities for child care professionals is a priority. Financial assistance is available to eligible families to assist with the cost of child care.
Below are a list of Smart Start Rowan programs that work to enhance the experiences a child receives during those first critical years.
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 Melinda McHone ~ 704-603-3369.
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 Millie Nelson ~ 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 2 WAGE$supplements. Services provided by Child Care Services Association, 919-967-3272 or e-mail us.
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.