Buncombe Partnership for Children

06/12/2026

Want to start your career in early childhood education?

✔ No experience required
✔ FREE 24-hour training program
✔ $500 stipend upon completion
✔ Dinner provided during class
✔ Childcare available
✔ Job placement assistance after training

Call 828-407-2060 or learn more at https://buncombepfc.org/workforce/

06/12/2026

At west Asheville Academy , the garden is growing more than just plants. It is helping children build language skills every day. With 10 garden beds across infant, toddler, and preschool spaces, children are learning about the ecosystem, enjoying fresh snacks, and developing new vocabulary along the way. Their Speech Language Pathologist joins them in the garden several days a week, turning hands-on experiences into opportunities for communication and learning.

“Gardening is a great way to encourage language development… First the seed, then the sprout, then the flower.”
— Jessica Bumgarner, Speech Language Pathologist, Carolina Pediatric Therapy

The center is also growing blueberries, using books and activities from us, and partnering with Growing Minds at WCU: Local Food & Farm to School Education Project while purchasing local food through an ASAP grant. With new additions like water and sand play, art areas, and upcoming shade, there is a lot of growth happening here.

06/10/2026

We're excited to showcase Liza Kelly, the recipient of April's Classroom Creativity Microgrant! Her project brings families together to create a handmade yearbook, capturing a full year of growth, connection, and community at Little Field School. Using photos, art materials, and plenty of creativity, each child and their caregiver will design a one-of-a-kind keepsake to remember their time together. This project is about memory-making and honoring their first year of building community, supporting one another, and creating a lasting sense of belonging for families.

Are you an early childhood educator in Buncombe County interested in bringing a new classroom project to life? Apply for our $200 micro creativity grant! Applications are always open and deadline is the last day of each month. Learn more at the link in comments.

06/09/2026

Support doesn't have to look the same for everyone.

Our free Circle of Security Parenting groups here in Buncombe County offer a space to connect in person, reflect on your parenting journey, and build stronger relationships with your child alongside other caregivers. We also know getting to a group is not always possible. For parents who need more flexibility, Totem Org offers free virtual support spaces where you can connect with others and share honestly from home.

Totem also has a local connection, with Asheville-based meetups and community events led right here in Buncombe County. However you find support, you deserve to feel connected and not alone.

06/08/2026

"I don't feel alone anymore." That's just one of the powerful takeaways parents share after completing our Circle of Security Parenting group. Watch this short video to hear directly from local families about the new ways they learned to connect with their children, recognize emotional cues and patterns, and find support for navigating parenting challenges.

Our FREE 8-week group is for parents and caregivers of children ages 2 months to 6 years interested in strengthening their relationships with their children, understanding their needs, being present in all moments, and connecting with other caregivers.

Upcoming Sessions (West Asheville):
Thursdays, July 2 to August 20, 5:30-7:30pm
Mondays (Spanish), September 14 to November 2, 5:30-7:30pm
Thursdays, September 17 to November 12, 5:30-7:30pm

Dinner and childcare are provided! Ready to sign up or learn more? Visit link in comments.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

06/07/2026

We had such a lovely day at East Asheville Public Library yesterday for Summer Library Fest! There was even a suprise story time with Books Alive with Ms. Ann and The Hop Ice Cream! And we learned something that will stay with us forever: Unicorn P**p Ice Cream is made with REAL unicorn p**p from Jupiter, NC. We have so many questions about the unicorns of Jupiter, NC. We have even more questions about Greg's first thought to make ice cream out of it.

We're packed up and ready for another fun event today with Helping at Risk Kids - HARK at Hi-wire RAD! Come on out from 12-4 for games, activities, resources, a pickleball tournament, and a raffle to raise money for at risk youth.

06/07/2026

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library registration is officially OPEN!

If you have a child ages 0–5 in Buncombe County who isn’t already receiving a free book in the mail each month, now’s the moment to sign up: https://buncombepfc.org/dpil/

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to build a love of reading from the very start. Tag a friend, spread the word, and help make sure every child gets books in their hands.

06/06/2026

Last Call: Free Resilience Trainings for WNC Residents

If you've been meaning to check out the free trainings offered by Resources for Resilience, now is the time. This month marks the final opportunity to participate in this no-cost programming made possible through support from NCDHHS and Vaya Health.

Resources for Resilience, an Asheville-based nonprofit, provides practical tools and educational trainings designed to help individuals, organizations, and communities manage stress, build resilience, and prevent burnout. With both virtual and in-person opportunities available across Western North Carolina, there's something for everyone.

Whether you're a caregiver, educator, nonprofit professional, volunteer, community leader, or simply looking for new tools to support your well-being, we encourage you to explore these offerings and share them with your network.

View upcoming trainings and events here: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Reminder--Last-Call--FREE-Trainings---Events-for-WNC-Residents-.html?soid=1123721082022&aid=xQZ0U2F1bGM

06/05/2026

At His Watchmen Childcare, gardening has become part of everyday learning for every age group, from infants to after-school students. Children help with everything from planting seeds to harvesting and even raising and releasing butterflies, learning about life cycles by seeing them happen in real time. The garden has become a “third teacher,” helping build teamwork, confidence, and connection.

“They realize it takes everyone to create something beautiful like a garden.”
— Kim Waters, Owner and Director

With more local food connections, farmers market visits, and plans for a digging area and therapeutic garden space, this has been a year full of growth and there is more to come.

06/04/2026

Are you prepared for classroom emergencies? Join The Resusci-Taters CPR and First Aid Instruction for hands-on CPR, AED & First Aid Certification. Next class is Saturday, June 27 from 11 am to 2 pm at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center (285 Livingston St, Asheville). This class is perfect for child care providers, parents & caregivers, teachers, coaches, or really anyone who wants to be prepared in an emergency. Reserve your spot today, space is limited!

Schedule your appointment online Resusci-Taters CPR & First Aid Instruction