RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

Local Resources:

2-1-1 – Great resource for help and information in Buncombe County.
Asheville Mamas – Group forum for Asheville mamas.
Asheville Parks and Recreation
Attic Salt Theater – Has $5 shows for kids on Saturdays.
B.E.A.R. Closet – Baby Equipment and Resource Closet.
Black Mountain Parks and Recreation
Buncombe County Library website: Storytimes and Toddler Times, Event Calendar
Family Friendly Asheville- local facebook page that lists family friendly events every day
Division of Child Development and Early Education
La Leche League of Buncombe County
Macaroni Kid Asheville – Weekly local newsletter of kid-friendly events and activities.
Mountain Xpress online calendar
Spellbound Children’s Bookstore – Story times and book clubs
Triple P Parenting: Positive Parenting Program– a toolbox of ideas for parents
WNC Parent – Western North Carolina’s premier parenting resource.
Resource List from How to Talk to Your Children About Race
Book List from Claxton Social Justice Leagues Talking to Your Kids about Race

State & National Resources:

NC 2-1-1 is a free call that connects you with a network of resources in NC — Just dial 2-1-1 from your phone
Sixty Second Parent is an online community of experts in child education and development, child health and parenting to provide easy access to health, nutrition, parenting and teaching information
NAEYC’s website offers information about a wide variety of topics related to parenting—from biting to transitioning to preschool, from meaningful play to tips about understanding your child.
Healthychildren.org (powered by the American Academy of Pediatrics) for information about the health and well-being of young children.
New Mom Health is a hub of evidence-based, expert-written, reality-centered postpartum health information from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Schools of Medicine and Social Work
Be Active Kids is all about fun activities that keep children and their parents/caregivers moving.
Natural Learning Initiative provides some ideas for creating healthy environments.
Triple P Parenting System is a free parenting program you can do from home

Early Intervention Services

Do you have concerns about your child’s development?

Early intervention services are available for children with language, emotional, behavioral, and/or physical development needs.

If your child is 0-3:

Call the Children’s Developmental Services Agency (CDSA)

(828) 251-6091

CDSA will evaluate your child at no charge, and if eligible will:

Develop a special plan for your child and family
Provide and/or arrange needed services (such as speech, physical and occupational therapy, social-emotional support and special instruction)
Deliver all services in the home and/or other community setting

If your child is 3 or older:

Call your local school system’s Exceptional Children’s Program:

Asheville City Schools

(828) 350-2936

Buncombe County Schools

(828) 255-5780

If your child qualifies, this program will:

Evaluate your child
Develop a special education plan for your child called an Individual Education Program (IEP)
Provide special services for your child at child care or other suitable location
Provide special education and related support services

Services for Families

NC Early Intervention for Infants and Toddlers (known locally as CDSA)

(828) 251-6091

CDSA offers evaluation, treatment, service coordination, and consultation services to families of children birth to 36 months of age with developmental disabilities or delays.

FIRST

(828) 277-1315

FIRST, a resource center connecting persons with disabilities and their families with the resources they need to thrive in the community.

Mission Family Support Network

(828) 213-9740

Provides support, information and education to families who care for children with or at risk of different abilities.

Family Preservation Services

(828) 225-8225

Works with youth and their families during times of behavioral and/or emotional difficulties and empower them to identify and access available resources to address current problems.

Vaya Health

(828) 225-2785 (local) or 1-800-893-6246 (toll-free)

Vaya Health ensures those who need treatment receive the right care, in the right amount, at the right time. These services are delivered by a network of high-quality providers who contract with Vaya Health.

Caring for Children

(828) 785-1590

Caring for Children is an organization with diverse programs and services that meets the needs of more than 1,800 children and families annually. Services include residential, family supports, foster care, and mental health.

Access Family Services

(828) 670-7723

Access Family Services, Inc. (AFS) is a behavioral health agency that delivers culturally sensitive behavioral health services to individuals and families.

Download Flyer about Early Intervention Services