The Alamance Partnership for Children is a member of North Carolina’s Smart Start Network, supporting young children, families, and caregivers for over 30 years.
Literacy Initiatives
Strategic Priorities
Link Parents To Helpful Programs
Collaborate with State and Local Stakeholders Support Alamance Educators and Child Care Providers
* Vice Chair - Candice Gobble, Alamance County Department of Social Services
* Secretary - Susana Goldman, Alamance County Libraries
* At Large - Brandi Covington, Regional Consolidated Services
Seneca Rogers, ABSS School Board
Maggie Renuart, First National Bank
Reagan Gural, Alamance County Chamber of Commerce
Patricia Jones, Patty Cakes Child Care
Pamela Tyler-Thompson, Alamance County Commissioner
Maureen Vandermaas-Peeler, Elon University
Teresa Wiley, Piedmont Health Services
Message from the Board Chair
It is my privilege to present the 2024–2025 Annual Report of the Alamance Partnership for Children. As Board Chair, I am proud of the progress our staff, board, and community partners have made in advancing our mission to ensure every young child in Alamance County grows, learns, and thrives.
In September 2024, we hosted the 9th Annual Early Education Summit, bringing together early childhood professionals, community leaders, and advocates for a day of learning and collaboration. We were honored to welcome speakers Dr. Connie Book, Rhodus Riggins, and Safiyah Jackson. We also thank our sponsors, including Impact Alamance and Hedgehog Holdings, and congratulate Nikki Ratliff, recipient of the Ron Waters Award, and LIFESPAN Services Early Learning Center – Burlington, this year ’ s Children’s Champion.
In October, we celebrated the early childhood workforce at our annual Early Educator Banquet, honoring the teachers and directors whose dedication shapes the foundation for Alamance County’s youngest learners.
In April 2025, we welcomed families to our annual Day of the Child celebration, highlighting the importance of early literacy and family engagement. Throughout this report, you will see the many ways the Partnership works with community partners to support young children and families. We invite you to learn more at www.alamancechildren.org and by following us on social media.
Allen Johnson Board Chair
Alamance County Early Care and Education Community
Supporting our Children and Families
Incredible Years is a 14-week evidence-based program designed to support families of dren with challenging behaviors Services provided to parents of children ages 3–5 –12, including one 14-week series offered in Spanish.
Kaleidoscope Play and Learn provides families w opportunities to connect, learn, and play togethe while strengthening early literacy and developme skills The program supports parents in fostering t child’s learning through simple, engaging activiti
ents as Teachers provides home visits and dividualized support, along with group ctions, developmental and health screenings, ferrals for participating families with young children.
y Literacy strengthens language and early ing skills for children from birth through e five by promoting family engagement, community outreach, Dolly Parton’s ination Library, and interactive storytimes that support school readiness.
Pre-K is a state-funded prekindergarten ram that provides eligible children with h-quality early learning experiences in e year before they enter kindergarten.
care subsidies help eligible children enroll gh quality early education programs The program uses enhancement funds to help support the cost of quality at local early childhood programs.
Supporting our Local Early Educators
WorkforceImpactat
Professional Development Programs Strengthened Participated in training to improve quality and classroom practice
Professionals Invested in Growth
Participated in training to improve quality and classroom practice
Programs received outdoor learning technical assistance
Professionals participated in outdoor-focused training
Field Trips and 12 playgroups hosted
Professionals utilized the outdoor learning environment
Educators received salary supplements
Building Literacy Through Access and Connection
We put books directly into children’s hands because access builds opportunity. As the local affiliate for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, we deliver free, high quality books to families each month Through outreach events and storytimes, we help turn reading into a shared experience that builds language and school readiness
44
56 Storytimes.
This book in particular, The Power of Yeti, is helping Noelle, who can be a little shy and reserved in some settings, build confidence and encouraging her that with a little help she can do anything she puts her mind to Shaquan, DPIL Parent
Young Readers Served.
Creating shared moments that build language, connection, and a lifelong love of books.
Incredible Years is more than a parenting class It is a space where families grow together. Over 14 weeks, parents build confidence, strengthen relationships, and connect with others who understand the journey of raising children at every stage.
“Lifechanging”
-AmandaJones O’Neill
“Amazingprogram. Ihighlyrecommend it.”
-Nicole Sousa-RosaArslan
-Moshimalee Johnson
“IfeellikeIunderstandmy childbetter”
-JuliaHamilton
Parents As Teachers
Building Bonds, Supporting Growth
The Parents as Teachers program guides caregivers in Alamance County through their children’s earliest years, building bonds that foster learning and growth.
413 35+ 830 Parents Served Families Visited Regulary Home Visits Completed
Parent Voices
“The Parents as Teachers program has been an incredible blessing to my family. The support and resources from my educator have helped me immensely as a parent. It’s a blessing to know there are caring people who step in when my family needs help most”
NC Pre-K
Ready to Learn. Ready to Lead
482
“Parents as Teachers has helped my family overcome many obstacles and challenges during our time in the program Having access to many different resources has allowed us to grow and be part of a likeminded community, we are truly grateful!"
Providing access to high-quality early education in the year before kindergarten Children Served
Enrolled in high-quality NC Pre-K classrooms across Alamance County.
41 NC Pre-K classrooms across 24 sites in Alamance County provided high-quality early learning opportunities for eligible four-yearolds
24
Monitoring visits ensuring classrooms meet state standards for quality, safety and instructional practice.
Because kindergarten readiness begins long before the first day of school.
Community Awareness & Outreach
When families know, children grow.
8
Sharing trusted early childhood resources with parents and providers. Community Presentations CommunityEvents 30 Meetingfamilies wheretheylive, workandgather 225 Expandingour digitalreachand growing community engagement. NewSocialMedia Followers 7600+ Website Visits Connecting families and child care providers to programs, services and support.
Community Awareness promotes the importance of the first five years and connects families and child care providers to resources across Alamance County. Through events, partnerships, and outreach, we ensure families and providers know where to turn for support and that every young child receives a free book.
Community Partnerships
Strong partnerships expand opportunities for young children and families across Alamance County Alamance Partnership for Children collaborates with schools, child care programs, universities and community organizations to strengthen the early childhood system and connect families with trusted resources
ABSS
RCS Head Start
Local Child Care Programs
Alamance Public Libraries
Valores
Safe Kids Alamance
Impact Alamance
First National Bank Alamance Chamber
Rotary Club DSS Crossroads
Burlington Housing Authority
Sutainable Alamance
Program Highlights
Subsidy Highlights NCPK Highlights
151
children received Smart Start subsidies to attend early childhood programs
7600+ enhancements were given in support of quality services
Parents As Teachers Hightlights
45 parents, with 59 young children, participated in Parents As Teachers.
830 home visits were completed.
35+ parents or caregivers participated in group connection events
122 referrals to community services provided to help meet individual family needs.
Literacy Hightlights
7700+
children received at least one book during the program year.
More than 480 children were served in NC Pre-K classrooms.
Children received high-quality early education programming, developmental screenings, and follow-up supports, as necessary.
Incredible Years Highlights
12 parents of 12 children age 3 to 5 completed
14 parents of 14 children ages 16 to 12 completed
10 Spanish-speaking parents of 9 children ages 3–5 completed
11
Parents of children with autism or language delays, ages 3–6
Listening + Responding Community Feedback in Action
Health Access
Families expressed that accessing health care information and services can be timeconsuming and difficult to navigate.
APC Program
Parents As Teachers
Parents as Teachers helps families navigate health and developmental services through screenings, guidance, and referrals.
Child Care
Rising costs, long waiting lists and saffing shortages are straining the local child care system.
APC Program Quality Child Care and supports through Subsidy and WAGE$
Our Quality Child Care program, subsidy support, and WAGE$ initiative promote workforce stability while providing technical assistance and guidance to help programs strengthen quality and maintain Star ratings.
Mental & Social Emotional Well Being
Families also expressed the importance of having safe spaces to connect, share experiences, and support one another Early Literacy
APC Program Incredible Years
Incredible Years and Parents as Teachers provide families and educators with tools to strengthen relationships, support positive behavior, and build resilience.
Health Access “Hard for families to find health info”
Families emphasized the importance of talking with their children and shared concerns about developmental delays
APC Program
Dolly Parton Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, monthly storytimes, and free book distribution support early language development and strengthen parentchild engagement.
Families often have to work hard to find information and services they didn’t even know they needed.
Our Commitment:
We address community challenges with real, sustained solutions.
Alamance Partnership for Children connects families to available resources, strengthens the early childhood workforce, and works to remove barriers to essental services and quality early childhood education.
Early Education Summit
In September 2024, Alamance Partnership for Children hosted its 9th Early Education Summit, bringing together educators, community leaders, and advocates to highlight the importance of early learning in Alamance County. The event featured remarks from Dr. Connie Book, President of Elon University, and keynote speaker Rhodus Riggins, Jr., a strong advocate for quality early care and education
The Summit also recognized community champions who support young children.
LIFESPAN Early Learning Center received the Children’s Champion Award, and Nikki Ratliff was honored with the Ron Waters Award for Outstanding Service.
Events like the Early Education Summit strengthen partnerships and keep the focus on ensuring every child in Alamance County has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive
Early Educators Banquet
IIn October 2024, Alamance Partnership for Children hosted its annual Early Educators Banquet, celebrating the early childhood professionals who support young children and families across Alamance County. The evening recognized the vital role educators play in helping children grow and thrive. The event featured keynote speaker Sharon Baskerville, an author and advocate known for bringing joy and inclusivity into the classroom. The banquet highlighted the lasting impact that passionate educators have on the lives of young children.
Day of the Child
In April 2025, Alamance Partnership for Children hosted Day of the Child, a free community celebration at the Outdoor Learning Environment. Families enjoyed storytelling, games, crafts, and hands-on activities while connecting with local organizations and resources. The event highlighted the importance of early learning, creativity, and strong community support for young children. Day of the Child celebrates the joy of childhood while bringing families and partners together to support every child’s success in Alamance County
2024-2025 Financials
Organization Level
Total Assets: $314,585
Total Liabilities: $56,698
Assets in Excess of Liabilities: $257,887
Total Revenue: $3,819,775
Total Expenses: $4,045,022
Expenses in Excess of Receipts: $225,247
Program Level
Total Government Grants Revenue: $3,768,528
Total Program-Services Expenses: $3,769,813
Expenses in Excess of Receipts: $1,275
Our Staff
Staff 2024-2025
Cass Wolfe -Executive Director
Doug Gentry-Finance Director
Rushonda Thomas-Program Director
Angela Lowery-Child Care Services Manager
Di’Quasia Champ-NC Pre-K Manager
Sandra Vanover- Parents As Teachers Manager
Tyra Knowles - Incredible Years Coordinator
Michelle Howe - Community Outreach and Early Literacy Coordinator
Carina Hoover - NC Pre-K Family Support Specialist