About this About this guide This is the fourth edition of Albemarle Smart Start Partnership’s Community Resource Guide, designed to help parents with young children learn more about the region’s resources for families. This guide includes information about the counties we serve – Bertie, Camden, Currituck, Gates and Pasquotank. We worked hard to make this edition as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but it’s always a good idea to call before making plans, as times, locations and other information may have changed. We appreciate the help and cooperation we received while putting this updated edition together. We hope our readers will find valuable information and learn more about the resources that serve our region’s children and families. For additional copies, stop by the offices of Albemarle Smart Start Partnership, 1403 Parkview Drive in Elizabeth City. You may also call (252) 333-1233, (Elizabeth City) or (800) 262-8314 (toll free). The guide may also be viewed and downloaded from www.albemarlessp.org. Visit us on Facebook for up-to-date information on programs, services and local events - www.facebook.com/albemarlesmartstart Albemarle Smart Start Partnership Albemarle Smart Start Partnership is part of North Carolina’s statewide Smart Start initiative, which has the goal of making sure every child in North Carolina enters school healthy and ready to succeed. In northeastern North Carolina, Smart Start funds support programs for children between birth and age five, their families and child care providers. The Partnership offers a variety of programs, and supports programs offered by other agencies. These programs are accompanied by the Smart Start logo. How to reach us: The Elizabeth City office is in the Edgewood Center at 1403 Parkview Drive. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (252) 333-1233, send a fax to (252) 333-1201, e-mail [email protected] or visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/albemarlesmartstart What’s Inside Welcoming your little one Tips for a healthy pregnancy 3 Breast is best, but... 5 Breastfeeding resources 7 Advice for new parents 8 Feeling overwhelmed? 9 Parenting Resources Need help finding child care? 12 Choosing quality child care 14 Child Care Subsidy Scholarship 16 Parenting Programs 17 Fathering is child’s play 18 Resource Lending Libraries 20 Cooperative Extension 21 Children with special needs 22 Family Support Network 23 Preschool Programs for children with special needs 25 Additional resources 27 School Readiness Ready for kindergarten 31 Preschool programs 33 NC-PreK 34 Contact information for schools 35 Transition to kindergarten 36 Community Assistance Help in a Crisis 39 County departments of social services 42 Food Bank of the Albemarle 45 Housing assistance 53 Employment assistance 54 Educational opportunities 56 Child support 57 Health Care Resources Albemarle Regional Health Services 60 Mental health & substance abuse services 66 Area hospitals 64 Other health care resources 66 Places to go and things to do Visit your local library 70 County attractions 71 Recreation Centers 75 Parks and Recreation Departments 75 Outer Banks attractions 77 Hampton Roads attractions 79 2 Tips for a healthy pregnancy From Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information about healthy pregnancies at http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/pregnancy_gateway/index. html One of the best things a mother can do for her child is to take care of herself before the baby arrives. Here are some tips to help new moms have a healthy pregnancy, resulting in a healthy infant. • Visit a doctor or clinic as soon as you think you’re pregnant, and keep your prenatal care appointments. • Avoid exposure to toxic substances and chemicals, such as cleaning solvents, lead, mercury, some insecticides and paint fumes. • Don’t smoke. Smoking during pregnancy increases the chances of premature birth, certain birth defects and infant death, and is one of the risk factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). • Avoid alcohol and limit caffeine. • Avoid saunas, hot tubs and steam rooms while you are pregnant. • Ask your health care provider about prescription or over-the-counter drugs before you take them. • Get plenty of rest. Resting on your left side provides the best circulation to your baby and helps reduce swelling. 3 • Stay active. Light to moderate exercise strengthens the abdominal and back muscles, which can improve posture. • Stay hydrated. Drink extra fluids (water is best) throughout pregnancy to help your body keep up with the increases in your blood volume. • Eat a healthy diet that includes whole grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, protein foods or meat. Foods that are low in fat and high in fiber are important to a healthy diet. • Take prenatal vitamins to ensure that you are getting enough vitamins and minerals, including folic acid and iron. • Wash your hands throughout the day and avoid contact with rodents, under-cooked or raw meat, and cat litter. Wear gloves while gardening. Medical conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, and high blood pressure should be kept under control. Discuss with your doctor all prescribed and over-the-counter medicines and supplements you are taking. Frequent urination during pregnancy is normal, but if you experience burning as well, tell your doctor. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: pain of any kind, strong cramps, uterine contractions at 20-minute intervals, vaginal bleeding, leaking of amniotic fluid, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, constant nausea and vomiting, trouble walking, swelling of joints, or if your baby has decreased activity. 4 Yes, breast is best, but what about ... Most expectant moms know that breast milk is the perfect food for babies. Babies get the benefit of increased immunity, and mothers are saved the time and expense of preparing formulas and bottles. In addition, breastfeeding helps the mother’s uterus return to normal size quickly, and making milk uses lots of calories, so it’s a great way to lose the extra weight gained during pregnancy. However, almost all new mothers have concerns about breastfeeding. Here are some common worries, along with suggestions for dealing with them: Concern that baby isn’t getting enough to eat: Sometimes, babies do seem hungrier than usual. However, as long they are having adequate output, which is about six to eight wet diapers and three or four bowel movements every 24 hours, frequent nursing is probably due to a growth spurt. If your baby isn’t having adequate output, talk to your pediatrician or a lactation specialist for assistance. Worry about pain and discomfort: Although mothers have been breastfeeding their babies since the beginning of the human race, not all babies and mothers are pre-programmed with the proper techniques. However, new mothers can learn to minimize discomfort by contacting a lactation specialist or health care provider. 5 Don’t wait until you experience a problem – learn all you can about breastfeeding and decide who to contact for support before your baby arrives. Fear that some people may think breastfeeding is “unseemly.” If you run into this attitude, you may choose to just slip off and find some privacy, as stress can make breastfeeding more difficult. To discreetly breastfeed your baby, try draping a receiving blanket over your shoulder, making a little tent for your baby and your breast. Make short shopping trips and scope out dressing rooms with a chair for resting or breastfeeding. Be sensitive to others’ feelings, but don’t compromise your beliefs. North Carolina General Statute 14-190.9 states that a woman may breastfeed in p u b l i c . Concern that the baby’s father or other caregivers may feel left out. There are many ways others can participate in an infant’s day-to-day routine — bathing, rocking, soothing, reading stories, playing and singing songs are just a few ways for others to bond with your baby. Let the others in your child’s life know how important they are to you and the baby. Worry that you just can’t do it. Don’t worry but don’t be afraid to ask for help. 6 Breastfeeding resources Healthy Homecoming: This program is offered through Albemarle Health (hospital). A registered nurse, who is also a certified lactation specialist, makes home visits to new mothers to make sure mother and baby get off to a good start. For more information, call (252) 384-4745. Albemarle Health (a Vidant Health Partner) Albemarle Health provides Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support for families to meet the needs of expecting parents throughout all stages of their pregnancy; all programs are currently free of charge. Breastfeeding and Childbirth classes are offered. For more information call 252-384-4455 or look online at: http://albemarlehealth.org/community-programs- calendar.php#edu. New mothers are also welcome to call the hospital at (252) 384-4745. WIC/Nutrition Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a nutrition education and food supplement program for children birth to age 5 and women who are pregnant and breastfeeding. Clients must meet eligibility requirements. For detailed information, call (252) 338-4446 or visit www.arhs-nc.org and look under programs. 7 Advice for new parents From Prevent Child Abuse America Being a parent is the most difficult, yet most important and satisfying work you will ever do. During the busy days that make up the first weeks of parenting, remember to take good care of yourself as well as the new baby. Here are some tips for the early weeks. Get as much rest as possible. Sleep when the baby sleeps and moms and dads can take turns sleeping. Eat nutritious meals. If friends offer to help, let them bring you dinner or do your grocery shopping.