Affordable Child Care
Early education matters to everyone. The Children's Council helps to address the issue of quality, affordable child care for families in Watauga County by contributing funding to the Child Care Subsidy Program through the Department of Social Services to support children in 4 and 5 star centers. Working families can apply for a subsidy to help cover the cost of child care in a 4- or 5-star setting. In addition, we administer the county NC Pre-K program and provide funding for low income families to have free preschool for eligible 4-year-olds.
Child Care Resource and Referral
For Parents: What is Child Care Resource and Referral?
As a core service of the Partnership, Child Care Resource and Referral improves quality and increases the availability of child care in Watauga County. We offer training and resources for providers and parents, and awareness of children’s issues within the community. Your Child Deserves High-Quality Child Care! The Children’s Council is committed to making Watauga County a better place to be a child and to raise a child. Do you know your child care facility’s Star Rating? Every parent wants what is best for their child, and that includes high-quality child care. Licensed child care centers and homes in North Carolina are rated on a One to Five Star scale to accurately reflect their overall quality. Four and Five Star child care centers and family homes have higher program quality, higher staff education levels, and high compliance histories. Choosing child care is one of the most important decisions that families can make. Finding childcare, however, can be challenging. Child Care Solutions offers free referral services to our region. You and only you, know your child’s needs and the kind of care most appropriate for you child. Taking the time to find good child care will result in peace of mind while you are away from your child, knowing he/she will be safe and having fun, and knowing that your child is learning. If you are looking for child care, you can call this toll free number: 1-877-670-8735 and talk to a referral specialist about the options in our county. They can help you know who has openings, explain the star rating system, and answer any questions you may have. The website for the regional call center is http://www.iredellsmartstart.org/looking-for-childcare/. Complaints: Regardless of good intentions, sometimes misunderstandings and problems happen. The Children’s Council Child Care Resource & Referral’s first commitment is to the healthy nurturing of children; if you have a complaint about a child care facility, please feel free to contact us. You may also contact the Division of Child Development and Early Education at 1-800-859-0892 or the Department of Social Services at 828-265-8100. 
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Licensed Providers in Watauga County:
5 Star Facilities:
4 Star Facilities:
3 Star Facilities:
1 & 2 Star Facilities:
Temporary Licenses (issued for first 6 months of opening/moving) Half-Day Programs (Unlicensed): -Boone United Methodist Preschool -- (828) 264-6092 -First Morning Out -- (828) 264-9427 -Mary's Preschool -- (828) 297-5045 -Mom's Morning Out -- (828) 260-5361 -Kinderwood -- (828) 265-9698 (serving 4- to 6-year-olds) There are Six, 5-star NC Pre-K sites in Watauga County. There are Eight, 5-star After School Programs in each of the Elementary Schools. There are Two Licensed Summer Camps. *Denotes Family Child Care Home: Family child care providers care for children in the providers' own home. The children are in a mixed age group with a low adult to child ratio. Care can be more personalized and individual. The hours may be more flexible and the provider may offer evening and weekend care for mothers who work second or third shifts. |