Supporting Families & Children
Select a program to learn more about our services.
DOLLY PARTON'S IMAGINATION LIBRARY
Caldwell County Smart Start will provide for the early literacy program – “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library” (DPIL). Register Here »
The goals of the program are to:
DPIL mails age-appropriate books to registered children (ages 0-5) on a monthly basis. The books will belong to the children and children can receive books regardless of family income. Caldwell County Smart Start staff will collaborate with other local organizations which champion literacy and reading, such as the Caldwell County Library and the Caldwell County Family Literacy Program in order to maximize the effectiveness of the DPIL. Staff will monitor the success of the DPIL through surveys and follow-ups with the parents of the children receiving the books.
Complimentary to the DPIL activities may be the development of a locally funded program designed to create and support a pool of qualified volunteers who would provide story reading and storytelling to the children served by child care centers and family child care homes.
Contact: Kim Burns, Program Specialist
828-426-5437
kburns@caldwellsmartstart.org
Child Care WAGE$® Project
The Child Care WAGE$® Project provides education-based salary supplements to low-paid teachers, directors, and family child care providers working with children between the ages of birth-five.
The project is designed to provide preschool children more stable relationships with better educated teachers by rewarding teacher education and continuity of care. The Child Care WAGE$® Project is offered throughout North Carolina as a funding collaboration between local Smart Start Partnerships and the Division of Child Development and Early Education. Counties that use Smart Start funding to support the Child Care WAGE$® Project may participate.
Call Smart Start: 828-426-5437 or visit https://www.earlyyearsnc.org/programs/wages/ for more information.
Quality Initiatives
Helping Child Care Facilities Be Their Best
At Caldwell County Smart Start, we want every child care center and family child care home to be a great place for children to learn and grow. Our Quality Initiatives Program helps child care providers improve the care they give to children from birth to age 5.
Wendy Smith
Program Specialist - Family Support
828-426-5437
wsmith@caldwellsmartstart.org
Paula Arrowood
Program Specialist - Technical Assistance & Training
828-426-5437
parrowood@caldwellsmartstart.org
How We Help
Support and Coaching for Teachers
We visit child care centers and homes to work one-on-one with teachers. We show them helpful ways to play, teach, and care for young children. These visits help teachers make their classrooms better and more fun for learning!
Some of the things we may share include:
- Be Active Kids: fun ways to keep children moving and healthy
- PECE Program: simple ways to help children learn and feel happy
- Healthy Habits: using Go NAPSACC to make child care programs healthier
Training for Child Care Providers
We offer classes and training sessions for child care workers so they can keep learning and growing in their jobs. These trainings may count toward the hours they need to stay certified.
Care Center Cash Bonuses
Child care centers that are highly rated (4 or 5 stars) may receive cash bonuses. The amount depends on:
- How many children they care for (ages birth to 5)
- How often they care for them
Grants for Classroom Supplies
If we have enough funding, child care programs can apply for grants to get things like:
- Books and toys
- Classroom furniture
- Help paying for a substitute teacher
These items are not cash, but they are free supplies to help make classrooms better.
Our goal is to support child care teachers and programs, so all children in Caldwell County can have a strong start in life.
Purchase of Care (Subsidy)
The Purchase of Care (Subsidy) program is designed to provide essential financial assistance to families in need, offering support on a direct, per-child basis.
This funding helps cover the cost of child care services and quality enhancements for families who qualify under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program or the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF). By easing the financial burden of child care, the program enables parents and guardians to pursue employment, education, or job training while ensuring their children receive safe, reliable, and enriching care.
This subsidy program is administered locally through the Caldwell County Department of Social Services, which oversees eligibility, enrollment, and ongoing coordination with child care providers. Families interested in applying can work directly with DSS staff to determine their eligibility and identify child care options that meet their needs. The program plays a critical role in supporting economic stability and child development within the community.
Contact: Caldwell County Department of Social Services, Program Administrator: 828-426-8200
Positive Parenting Program® (Triple P)
At Caldwell County Smart Start, we proudly offer a range of Triple P – Positive Parenting Program® services designed to support families with children ages 0–5. Whether you’re expecting a baby or navigating preschool challenges, our programs offer the tools, strategies, and support you need to foster positive development and a strong parent-child relationship.
Triple P - Positive Parenting Program®
To enroll in a program, contact Wendy Smith at wsmith@caldwellsmartstart.org or 828-426-5437 to find the right option for your family.
Triple P: Brief Primary Care
Targeted support for common parenting challenges.
Brief Primary Care is a short-term, one-on-one intervention for parents who need help managing a specific behavior in their young child. Ideal for families with children 0–5, this program involves 3–4 brief sessions focused on practical strategies for issues such as sleep problems, tantrums, or picky eating. It’s a fast, effective way to get focused support when you need it.
Group Triple P
Learn, share, and grow with other parents.
Group Triple P is an 8-week group-based course is designed for parents of children under 6 who want to build positive parenting skills in a supportive setting. You'll gain insights into encouraging good behavior, setting routines, and managing misbehavior constructively—all while connecting with other parents of young children. It’s an engaging, interactive way to build confidence in your parenting.
Triple P for Baby
Support for expectant and new parents.
If you're expecting or recently welcomed a new baby, Triple P for Baby can help you start your parenting journey with confidence. This program supports pregnant individuals and parents of babies up to 12 months old, focusing on secure attachment, infant development, managing parental stress, and creating a nurturing home environment.
Standard Triple P
Personalized parenting support for complex needs.
Standard Triple P is a more intensive, one-on-one program for families facing a variety of behavioral concerns. Tailored for children aged 0–5, it consists of up to 10 sessions and helps parents develop customized strategies for handling persistent issues. This individualized approach allows for deeper exploration and problem-solving tailored to your family’s unique needs.
Triple P Online
Your parenting toolkit—available anytime, anywhere.
Triple P Online brings the flexibility of a self-paced program to your home. Designed for parents of children 0–5, this web-based course covers everything from bedtime battles to behavior management, using videos, interactive activities, and downloadable tools. It’s an ideal option for busy parents who want expert support on their own schedule.
We’re Here for You
At Caldwell County Smart Start, our goal is to empower parents and caregivers of young children with knowledge, confidence, and support. If you're caring for a child between birth and age 5, there's a Triple P program that can help you thrive.
GROWING UP SAFE - CAR SEATS
The Growing Up Safe Program will contribute to and promote the safety of children in Caldwell County in the following ways:
Car seat safety classes and distribution of car seats.
- The seats will be distributed to families with children birth-five attending various Caldwell County Health Department clinics/programs.
- CCHD will coordinate with the Caldwell County Safe Kids to organize Car Seat Safety Checks to be held at various locations in Caldwell County.
- Car Seat Safety classes will consist of instructions and demonstration on proper installation and use.
- The Health Educator/Child Passenger Safety Technician will maintain certification from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For Car Seats, Contact: Caldwell County Health Department, Program Administrator
GROWING UP SAFE - SWIM LESSONS
Caldwell County Smart Start is proud to offer swim safety classes for young children, from birth through age five, helping them build essential water safety skills early in life. These classes are designed to introduce children to safe practices in and around water, fostering confidence while reducing the risk of water-related accidents. Through age-appropriate instruction, children learn basic swimming techniques, floating, and how to respond safely in water environments.
Smart Start will cover the cost of swim sessions for eligible children participating in lessons throughout Caldwell County. Classes are led by a certified swim instructor who holds and maintains all necessary lifeguard and early childhood water safety certifications required to serve this age group. By removing financial barriers and prioritizing safety, Smart Start ensures that more families have access to life-saving skills that will benefit children for years to come.
For Swim Lessons, Contact:
Lenoir Aquatic Center - (828) 757-2196 | MAP
Redwood Park - (828) 728-3131| MAP
Shuford Recreation Center - (828) 396-1221| MAP
Parents as Teachers (PAT)
Helping Parents Support Their Children from the Very Start
Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a free home-visiting program for families with children from pregnancy through age 3. It’s designed to support you as your child’s first and most important teacher.
When you join PAT, a trained Parent Educator will come to your home (or meet you somewhere that’s comfortable for you) to share tools, ideas, and information that help your child grow, learn, and thrive.
What PAT Offers Your Family:
- Personal Visits
Regular one-on-one visits with a friendly Parent Educator who will talk with you about your child’s development, answer questions, and offer simple activities to help your child learn through play. - Group Connections
Fun group events where you can meet other parents, share experiences, and enjoy activities with your child. These are a great way to build community and learn together. - Developmental Screenings
We’ll check how your child is learning, speaking, moving, and interacting with others to make sure they’re on track. We also look at hearing, vision, and overall health so we can catch any concerns early. - Connections to Community Resources
If you need help with things like housing, food, healthcare, child care, or other services, we’ll help connect you to the right local resources. - Support for Parents Too
We offer adult screenings to support your well-being. When parents are healthy and supported, kids do better too.
Who Can Join?
PAT is especially helpful for families who may be experiencing challenges like:
- Low income
- Young or first-time parents
- Limited support or resources
- Concerns about child development
While any family with a child ages prenatal to 3 years can ask about joining, we focus on helping those who need it most. Most families in our program have at least one risk factor that makes them a good fit for extra support through PAT.
Why Join PAT?
Being a parent is a big job, and you don’t have to do it alone. PAT is here to listen, guide, and support you, with no judgment. We’re here to celebrate the small moments and help you give your child the best start in life.
Interested in Parents as Teachers?
Reach out to Vicki Jetton at vjetton@caldwellsmartstart.org or 828-426-5437 to learn more or sign up. We’d love to meet you and walk with you on your parenting journey.
Baby Essentials Day
Caldwell County Smart Start is here to support families with young children.
WHERE: The United Way of Caldwell County
WHEN: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month
TIMES: Anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
You can get free diapers, baby wipes, and formula to help care for your baby.
Supplies are given out on a first-come, first-served basis, so come early if you can!
This special day is just one way we show love and support for local families. We can’t wait to see you there!