Alliance for Children

06/16/2026

📢 Attention Child Care Providers! 📢

Alliance for Children is excited to announce that the NC Pre-K Site Selection Application Process is now OPEN for Contract Years 2026–2029!

Applications are being accepted for all Temporary Licensed Sites and 4- and 5-Star Licensed Programs interested in participating in the NC Pre-K Program for the upcoming contract cycle.

Invitations and application materials have been sent via email. If your program did not receive an email invitation, please contact our office as soon as possible so we can update your contact information and ensure you receive all application materials and important communications.

We look forward to partnering with high-quality early childhood programs committed to providing exceptional learning experiences for young children and families in our community.

📞 For assistance or questions, please contact the Alliance for Children office.

Learn More Here!
https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/N/NC_Pre-K_Site_Selection_Application_13OCT25_Final.pdf?ver=CltOA3X17d-gJL7Tn2-ybg%3d%3d

06/04/2026

Registration is now OPEN for Cultivate — a child development conference reimagined!

Hosted by the Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Education in partnership with Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, UNC Charlotte, and the Center for the Environment at Catawba College, this FREE two-day experience is designed to cultivate excellence in early childhood education.

📅 August 6 & 7, 2026 (Catawba College)

📍 Limited to 125 attendees

🥐 Breakfast & lunch included

🤝 Café-style learning options

Featuring:

✨ Ellen Galinsky

✨ Kimberly Shaw

Scan the QR code (or click on the link below) for all the amazing details and to register. We look forward to seeing you there!

Registration link: https://survey.catawba.edu/jfe/form/SV_erJXf33dYG3Lmqa

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is not a day of celebration but a solemn day of remembrance. Join the Alliance for Children in honoring the fallen heroes who have sacrificed their lives in service to our country. Today, we pause to honor real heroes.
Thank you to those who gave everything!❤️💙

05/22/2026

Provider Appreciation Day is an annual celebration on the Friday before Mother’s Day that recognizes the work of child care providers, teachers and other educators of young children. Established by NAFCC in 1995 as a way to thank family child care and center-based providers, Provider Appreciation Day is now celebrated throughout the United States and around the world as a “thank you” to the people who educate, support and spend a tireless amount of time with our children.

On Wednesday, May 20th Governor Stein hosted a Child Care Provider Appreciation Reception at the Executive Mansion and the Office of the Governor graciously extended invitations to all Smart Start Local Partnership Executive Directors. In addition, all EDs were invited to invite up to two child care providers from their communities to attend.

Alliance for Children was represented by our Executive Director, Trinisha Dean, and two Union County Child Care Providers - Lisa Johnson (S.T.E.P.S. Developmental Academy, Inc.) and Rhonda Rivers (LeafSpring School at Matthews).

Words of gratitude and appreciation were provided by Governor Josh Stein, Lieutenant Governor Rachal Hunt, Senator Jim Burgin, and DCDEE Director Candance Witherspoon.

The event was sealed with the Child Care Provider Appreciation Proclamation.

Thank you to the Governor's Office for shining the light on North Carolina's finest - Child Care Providers.

05/22/2026

Summer Succes Fest at East Elementary School

Alliance for Children NC Pre-K had an amazing time partnering in the Summer Success Fest in hosted byUnion County Public Schools!

This special event focused on supporting families throughout the summer months by connecting them with valuable community resources, programs, and opportunities for children to continue learning and growing.

Our NC Pre-K team enjoyed engaging with families, sharing information about the Alliance for Children funded programs, the NC Pre-K program, and encourage literacy and summer reading by giving our free children books📖💙

We believe that strong family partnerships and early literacy are the foundation for lifelong success, and we were honored to support our community in such a meaningful way.

Thank you to all of the families who stopped by our table and to our community partners for making this event a succes!

05/07/2026

Potential early childhood or kindergarten teachers out there? Funds to support you are available!

05/05/2026

Early childhood teachers! Need help paying for your education? This is for you! ❤️

Attention all current and aspiring early childhood educators: Are you ready to take the next step in your education and career with TEACH? 📚🎓 Applications for summer 2026 are NOW OPEN!

The TEACH Early Childhood® North Carolina scholarship program is here to help YOU! Whether you're earning or renewing a credential, completing college credits, obtaining a certificate or finishing your degree, TEACH makes education more affordable while supporting your professional growth every step of the way.

Learn more and apply today! earlyyearsnc.org/program/teach-nc 💙

05/04/2026

🍎✨ Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! ✨🍎

This week, we celebrate the incredible educators who shape young minds, nurture growth, and inspire a lifelong love of learning. 💛

From early childhood classrooms to beyond, your patience, dedication, and passion make a lasting impact every single day.

Thank you for all that you do! Our communities are stronger because of you. 💙

04/27/2026

💼✨ Looking for your next opportunity? ✨💼

Join us at the Union County Job Fair and connect with local employers ready to hire!

🗓 Tuesday, April 28th
⏰ 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Union County Agricultural & Conference Center
3230-D Presson Road, Monroe, NC

✔️ Connect with local employers
✔️ Discover staffing agencies
✔️ Translators available on-site
✔️ Business attire recommended

Need help preparing? South Piedmont Community College offers tuition-waived classes for individuals who are unemployed or underemployed.

Take the next step in your career — we hope to see you there! 💙