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Parents & Guardians

The most important influences on a child’s development are their relations with the adults in their life.

– First Things First

 

Happy family of four lying on the floor together, smiling and playing, with the young daughter playfully holding a clothespin on her mother’s nose

Did you know 90% of a child’s brain develops by age 5? This is why the quality of a child’s experiences in the early years sets the foundation for their success in school and in life. These influences begin at home, with parents and family, but also include child care providers, teachers and other members of the community.

Wake County Smart Start connects parents to high-quality, early learning programs, services, and resources. We meet families where they are – at home, school, and in their communities.

 

Two smiling men outdoors holding and playing with a young child, one man showing the child a small toy while the other holds the child on his lap

Three young children playing together with colorful toys in a classroom, smiling and focused on their activity

Wake Pre-K + ThreeSchool

We offer free early learning programs for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds. These 6.5 hour, daily programs provide early education to children in a play-based, dynamic way.

THREESCHOOL: 3-YR-OLDS

Wake Pre-K: 4-YR-OLDS

Group of young children sitting on the floor in a classroom, attentively watching something, with colorful bookshelves in the background

Wake Connections

Have concerns about your child’s health, development, behavior or getting them ready for school? Need support with parenting, your pregnancy or accessing resources? Our Wake Connections referral system connects families to free, home-based and parent group support.

WAKE CONNECTIONS

 

 

Two women sitting at a table reviewing documents, one holding a pen and a baby, the other pointing at the papers, with a laptop, toy car, and peeled orange on the table

Quality Child Care

Studies show that high-quality early care and education leads to positive, lifelong outcomes for children.  We know it can be challenging to find and navigate the child care options in Wake County, so we’ve created a resource guide to help you understand what quality care looks like and how to find it.

CHILD CARE GUIDE

CONNECTION TOOL

Five young children of diverse backgrounds sitting together on the floor in a classroom, smiling and with arms around each other, with toys scattered in front of them

WCSS Outreach

Reaching families out in the community and connecting them to early education programs and resources is vital to our mission.

LEARN MORE

FIND US AT OUR NEXT EVENT

 

Woman helping a mother and young daughter at a table, using a tablet device together, with books and office supplies nearby in a bright indoor space

Parent Leader

Learn how parents can use their experience and unique voice to make a difference at WCSS and in the broader community.

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Family Support Connection Tool NEW!

Use our simple online tool to find essential Wake County resources pertaining to early education, parenting support, child development, basic needs, and more. 

 

 

 

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