Ermalyn Jaeck, SSR Parent Educator, recently completed training and will be the first Rootle Ambassador of PBS Kids to represent Rowan County. Rootle Ambassadors are locally based community members who have a strong desire to support families of young learners and are trained to utilize and share the suite of PBS early education resources within their communities.
Early Childhood Professionals! Make an appointment with Smart Start Rowan to complete a Professional Development Plan and receive a $25 Sheetz Gift card. (No strings attached). You will learn about ALL of the resources available to you in our state as an Early Childhood Professional, and we will tell you all about our NEW education incentives for continuing your education in early childhood! You must work at least 20 hours/week in a licensed childcare in Rowan County to Qualify.
Email Jamie to make an appointment jguagliano@smartstartrowan.org
(October, November, December 2022)
Education in Action Application (pdf)
Education in Action Facility Letter of Agreement (pdf)
Education in Action Professional Development Plan Application (pdf)
Services for Child Care Professionals
Research shows that high quality early care and education programs help children develop stronger language, pre-mathematical and social skills than those in lower quality settings. Smart Start Rowan works with local child care centers, family child care homes and church preschools to improve the quality of early learning environments. Supporting educational opportunities for child care professionals is a priority. Below are a list of Smart Start Rowan programs that work to enhance the experiences a child receives during those first critical years.
Child Care Resource and Referral: Training and on-site assistance to child care professionals working to maintain or improve quality. For information regarding training’s please contact: Jamie Guagliano, Early Education Program Lead 704-603-3351, jguagliano@smartstartrowan.org
North Carolina Pre-K (NCPK): Free high quality pre-kindergarten education for four-year-olds who may not have had the opportunities that prepare them for success in school. To inquire about becoming a NC Pre-K site, call 704-630-9085.
W.A.G.E.$. Provides education-based salary supplements 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 (PDF). Services are provided by Child Care Services Association, 919-967-3272, and funded by Smart Start Rowan.
Behavioral Support: 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.
Recognized in the News
Rowan County Early Childhood Professional provider Denise Lyerly, owner of Joy-N-The Morning Home Childcare was recognized for her involvement in the Early Childhood Club and in the community during the Student Leadership Awards at Stanly Community College.
