FOR FAMILIES

Asheville Adventure Play provides free pop-up adventure playgrounds around Buncombe County.

Child Care Vouchers support working families by providing financial assistance for child care to eligible families. Families are able to choose their own 4- or 5-star child care provider, center-based facilities or Family Child Care Homes. Child care providers are reimbursed per child at a rate set by the state. Parents must pay a fee of 10% of gross monthly income for all vouchers. Vouchers are available for full-time, part-time or wrap-around care for Early Head Start and NC Pre-K.

Circle of Security is an 8-week parenting program for families who want to strengthen bonds with their children and build secure relationships (Circulo de Seguridad)

Finding Child Care provides some helpful resources to help you find the right program for your child. (Cuidado Infntile)

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides free books monthly to children living in Buncombe County ages birth to five years old. Participating children receive an age appropriate book each month, mailed directly to the child from the time of registration until age 5. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library supports preparing children for kindergarten by exposing children to the concepts of print, encouraging child/parent reading and increasing early literacy skills.

Kaleidoscope Play & Learn Groups meet weekly for families of children 3 months to 5 years old who are not enrolled in child care. The free group sessions focus on pre-literacy skills using hands on activities with take home materials and activities provided.

NC Pre-Kindergarten is a state-funded free high quality child care and education program for eligible children four years of age, administered by Buncombe Partnership for Children. This is a 10-month program for 6.5 hours each day. Classrooms are located in a variety of locations throughout the county (En Español)

Reach Out and Read is a research-driven program that provides free books to children ages 6 months to 5 years old at all Well Child doctor’s office visits. The medical practitioners have a chance to observe the child’s interest in and approach to the book, which is useful for noting on-target developmental stages.

Resources for Families is a list of local, national, early intervention, family services, resiliency, and activities for home resources.

Transition to Kindergarten: Do you need more information on transitioning to kindergarten? Are you unsure of the options? Check out this page for some first steps. (¡Tiempo de Jardín de Niños!)