Children's Resource Center

If your child will be 4 years old by August 31, 2026, they may be eligible for FREE NC Pre-K! 🌟 Apply today at https://catawbakids.com/nc-pre-k/

NC Pre-K – Catawba County Partnership for Children NC Pre-K is a free pre-kindergarten program for eligible 4-year-old children. Applications are accepted all year; children are only age-eligible for 1 year prior to kindergarten. Transportation is not provided. Priority is given to children who aren’t currently enrolled in a high quality child car...

Since July 1, 2026, Our Nest Diaper Pantry has proudly distributed more than 1,200 diapers to local children in need—and we couldn't do it without the support of our amazing community.

A clean diaper is more than a basic necessity. It helps keep babies healthy, allows children to attend childcare, and eases the financial burden on families facing difficult times.

Every donation, every package of diapers, and every act of kindness helps us continue this important work.

Want to make a difference?
We're always accepting donations of diapers (especially sizes 4-7), pull-ups, and wipes to help meet the growing needs of families in our community.

For more information on how you can support Our Nest Diaper Pantry, contact:
[email protected]

Thank you for helping us care for our community—one diaper at a time.

We're still accepting applications for FREE NC Pre-K in Catawba County! 🌟Applications are accepted year-round, and classroom availability depends on location. 📲 Apply today at catawbakids.com/nc-pre-k
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¡Todavía estamos aceptando solicitudes para NC Pre-K GRATIS en el condado de Catawba! 🌟 Aceptamos solicitudes durante todo el año, y la disponibilidad de cupos depende de la ubicación. 📲 Solicite aquí: catawbakids.com/nc-pre-k

REGISTRATION LINK: https://findchildcarenc.org/classes?class=1782311594182x757198444384747500 🖱️🧸

Our Nest Diaper Pantry is seeking individuals, businesses, churches, civic groups, and organizations willing to host a diaper drive to support local families in need.

Diapers are one of the most requested items by parents, yet they cannot be purchased with SNAP or WIC benefits. Your diaper drive can make a direct impact on children and families right here in our community.

Every donation helps us keep shelves stocked and ensure families have access to this essential need.

Interested in hosting a diaper drive?
Contact Breanna at 828-695-6517 or [email protected] for more information.

Together, we can make a difference—one diaper at a time!

Join us THIS Friday for a special Bilingual Storytime! ☀️📚

RISE & Shine Storytime is a FREE monthly event for caregivers and children ages 0-5, focused on social-emotional learning through stories, hands-on crafts, and time to play together. Light snacks are provided!

📅 4th Friday of every month
⏰ 10:30 AM - 12 PM
📍 RISE Resource Center (748 4th St SW, Hickory)
📞 Questions? Call 828-695-6565

When children are cared for by people who understand their needs, parents gain time to find solutions (employment, education, healthcare). Simultaneously, children receive stabilizing positive educational and social experiences that build resilience. This supports the whole child, whole family and whole system.

Learn more and take action: earlyyearsnc.org/the-young-child-homelessness-outreach-project

Partners for Impact

You can't teach a child from where you wish they were. You have to start from where they actually are emotionally, developmentally, and relationally. That's not lowering the bar. That's finding the door.

💬 Share this with an educator who meets every child where they are 💙

The lack of access to quality early learning and care affects babies during their most critical period of development. As families are priced out and providers shut their doors, parents are forced to choose between caregiving and responsibilities like work or school. Child care is the work that helps everyone else work.

It’s time for all of us to show up with our Strolling Thunder families: https://bit.ly/3LDrNXV