Region A Partnership for Children

08/31/2026

September is Smart Start Month in North Carolina! 💜

Governor Josh Stein has proclaimed September as our state's third annual Smart Start Month, recognizing the work happening in all 100 counties to give every child a strong start.

The first five years shape so much of a child's learning, health, and well-being. Here in Region A, that work looks like Family Support Network, Parents as Teachers, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, NC Pre-K, and support for the early childhood educators who care for our youngest learners every day.

This month is a celebration of the families, caregivers, educators, and partners who make it all possible. Thank you for being part of it!

Learn more about Smart Start Month at the link below.

September marks North Carolina's third annual Smart Start Month, recognized by proclamation from Governor Josh Stein. It is a chance to celebrate the families, educators, and community partners who support our youngest children, and a reminder that investing in the first five years builds stronger s...

08/31/2026

08/31/2026

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I CALL ABOUT SECTION 8? 📞

Calling Mountain Projects on September 1 is the first step. But what happens after you call?

1️⃣ Call a Mountain Projects Intake Specialist on Sept. 1.
2️⃣ Schedule an appointment.
3️⃣ Attend your appointment.
4️⃣ Complete the application.
5️⃣ If you qualify, you’ll be placed on the waiting list.

That’s it! You don’t have to figure it out on your own. Our Intake Specialists are here to help you understand the process and answer your questions.

📅 Section 8 waiting lists open September 1.

📞 Save the Mountain Projects phone numbers now so you’re ready to call when the waiting lists open.

Haywood County: (828) 452-1447 | Jackson County: (828) 586-2345

08/31/2026

We believe in you, friends! 🪱🥹💚

08/31/2026

Do you or someone you know need help with groceries this week in WNC? We can help with our free food Community Markets. These markets are full choice, for everyone, and no questions asked.

Please share our mobile market calendar for the week of August 31st through September 4th. These markets are just one way that MANNA distributes food to WNC – visit mannafoodbank.org/find-food/ to find more ways we can help.

Tuesday, September 1

1:30 – 3:30 PM
Nantahala (at Aquone Baptist Church)
71 Old School Rd, Topton, NC 28781

4:30 – 6 PM
Enka Middle School
390 Asbury Rd, Candler, NC 28715

Wednesday, September 2

10 AM - 12 PM
Southwestern Community College
60 Almond School Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713

3 – 4:30 PM
Aston Park Towers
165 S French Broad Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Thursday, September 3

1:30 – 2:30 PM
Harrah’s Casino - Cherokee
777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719

Friday, September 4

3 – 4:30 PM
Fairview Library Market
1 Taylor Rd, Fairview, NC, 28730

08/28/2026

Region A Partnership for Children joins families across western North Carolina in mourning the loss of Dolly Parton and honoring the reading legacy she leaves behind.

Through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Smart Start, and state funding, 6,784 children in our region have received free books through their fifth birthday, with 2,890 children in our far western counties receiving a book in the mail each month.

Click the link below to read more about the life-changing impact of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

Region A Partnership for Children joins families across western North Carolina in mourning the loss of Dolly Parton and honoring the reading legacy she leaves behind. Through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Smart Start, and state funding, 6,784 children in our region have received free books thr...

08/28/2026

Grant opportunity:

The Governor's Office and the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education are seeking proposals for Phase 1: evaluation planning and design across two rural child care pilots. This funded, two- to three-month engagement will establish the evaluation approach, comparison-group and data strategy, common measures, cost-effectiveness methodology, and a costed scope of work for a potential full evaluation. View the RFP and submit a proposal through Catalyst Exchange by September 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Read the ongoing questions and answers document, which will be updated periodically through September 2. The selected evaluator is expected to be positioned to conduct Phase 2, the full evaluation, if dedicated funding is secured.

The Governor's Office and the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education are seeking proposals for Phase 1: evaluation planning and design across two…

08/27/2026

https://www.dollyparton.com/

Honoring the life and legacy of Dolly Parton, global icon, humanitarian, and beloved entertainer who inspired generations with her music and kindness.

08/27/2026

Join our team!

If you've spent time in early childhood education and you love the coaching side of the work- helping teachers grow, watching classrooms come to life, connecting providers with the resources they need- this role was made for someone like you.

Our Early Care and Education Specialist works directly with childcare centers and family childcare homes across our seven westernmost counties and the Qualla Boundary, offering coaching, training, and support that raises the quality of care for the children in those classrooms.

$50,000 - $56,000 plus benefits and mileage reimbursement. We're accepting applications until the position is filled.

Know someone who'd be perfect? Send them our way.

All the details are in the link below.

Region A Partnership for Children in Western NC seeks a full-time Early Care and Education Specialist. Empower early childhood providers through coaching, training, and classroom evaluations to enhance care quality. Requires a related Bachelor's degree and 3+ years' ECE experience. Salary is $50K-$5...

08/27/2026

Mosquito and tick bites can spread disease, but the right repellent can help protect you. Choose an EPA-registered product and use it as directed when spending time outdoors. Learn how to prevent bites and stay safe: https://www.cdc.gov/vector-borne-diseases/prevention/index.html
Las picaduras de mosquitos y garrapatas pueden transmitir enfermedades, pero el repelente adecuado puede ayudar a protegerte. Elige un producto registrado por la EPA y úsalo según las indicaciones cuando pases tiempo al aire libre. Aprende cómo prevenir las picaduras y mantenerte seguro: https://www.cdc.gov/vector-borne-diseases/prevention/index.html
IMAGE SOURCE: Arclet