Parent Information and Resources

Child Care

Choosing child care is personal decision.  The options of child care include:

1. licensed child care centers
2. licensed family child care homes
3. public preschool programs,
4. licensed exempt programs such as School-Age Child Care and Half-Day Preschools.

When making the decisions about child care, parents and families can seek guidance from local and state resources.  The Division of Child Development is the licensing agency for North Carolina.  Parents and Families can visit the website www.childcare.net to understand the role the Division of Child Development plays in licensing and monitoring child care programs.

All licensed Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes are required to post their Child Care License.  To view a sample child care license visit http://ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us/parents/pr_sn2_sl.asp.

The North Carolina Child Care License consists of two components: Staff Education and Program Standards.  Programs will receive a score between 1 and 7.  Programs can earn Bonus Points which will add to their score for Staff Education and Program Standards.  The total score is then reflected in the Star Rated License.  Each Star (1,2,3,4 or 5) has a predetermined score.  For further information about the Two-Component Star Rated License, visit http://ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us/parents/pr_sn2_ov_sr.asp.

Parents and families are encouraged to visit, interview and evaluate prospective child care choices.  For sample interview questions visit: http://ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us/pdf_forms/Checklisthome.pdf  for Family Child Care Homes or http://ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us/pdf_forms/Checklistcenter.pdf for Child Care Centers.

Paying for child care services can be expensive.  The range of child care cost in Onslow County is between $185.00 and $150.00 per week.  Parents and families can apply for child care assistance with the Onslow County Department of Social Services.  http://www.co.onslow.nc.us/socialservices/applicationprocess.aspx.    Military parents and families can also apply for child care subsidy with the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA).  Visit their website for more information. http://www.naccrra.org/MilitaryPrograms/assistance.php. 

Child Development

Parents of children between the ages of birth and five years old often wonder about the development of their child.  Child development is a period of time when a child typically begins to learn how to do something new.  Sometimes children will regress as they are learning a new skill.  This is completely in the realm of normalcy.  Children between the ages of Birth and 36 months develop quickly.  Visit http://ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us/pdf_forms/dcd_infant_toddler_important_milestones.pdf for a quick reference of some milestone these children will be learning.

North Carolina Health Care Serices

Low Cost and Free Health Insurance for children is available through Health Check and NC Health Choice.  Families must apply for services.  More information is available at: http://www.nchealthystart.org/public/childhealth/index.htm.

Infant Health

Becoming a parent for the first time is a moment filled with many feelings.   Feelings of uncertainty are typical.  Understanding new born health and development can relieve some feelings of doubt.  Information about New Born Health and Safety Tips can be found by visiting: www.nchealthystart.org/public/babycare/newborn.htm.

Infants communicate in many ways and crying is the most frequent way.  During infants’ early development, 2 week to 5 months, some infants cry and cannot be comforted.  These infants are not ill, hungry, sleepy or tired.  This typical development in infants is called the Period of PURPLE Crying. 

PURPLE is an acronym meaning:
P - peak pattern (crying peaks around 2 months, then decreases)   
U – unpredictable (crying for long periods can come and go for no reason)       
R - resistant to soothing (the baby may keep crying for long periods) 
P - pain-like look on face
L - long bouts of crying  (crying can go on for hours)                                     
E - evening crying (baby cries more in the afternoon and evening)

Dr. Ronald G. Barr is a Developmental Pediatrician and World Expert on Infant Crying.  He has studied infant crying for over 35 years.  Please watch his video explaining the Period of Purple Crying.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f97psdLPC4

In 1991, the United States began to encourage families to place infants on their backs to sleep after incidences of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) decreased in England and Wales by two-thirds.  While having infants sleep on their backs decreases the occurrences of SIDS, there are more factors to consider.  More information about SIDS can be found at http://www.nchealthystart.org/downloads2/BTS_info_sheet.pdf and http://www.nchealthystart.org/public/sids/index.htm.

Women, Infant and Children (WIC) is a program offering subsidized vouchers for food items high in protien, iron, fiber and Vitamin C.  WIC Services are available in Onslow County: http://www.co.onslow.nc.us/health/wic.aspx.

Parent Education and Supprt

PEERS (Parent Education, Empathy, Rapport & Support) Family Development Center offers families information about parenting and parenting classes, support for adolescent parents, FREE Drop-In Care for children ages infancy to five years old, and a Kindergarten Readiness Program.  For more information: http://www.co.onslow.nc.us/socialservices/PEERS.aspx

Car Seat Safety

North Carolina state law requires all children less than 8 years old and less than 80 pounds be restrained in belt-positioning boosters or some other type of child restraint.   Additional guidance about choosing the appropriate type of restraint system can be found at http://www.buckleupnc.org/using_selection.cfm.  Visit any local Law Enforcement Station or Fire Rescue Station to have your Car Seat installed professionally at no cost.

Product Recall

Parents and families purchase toys, furniture and equipment for their children daily.  On occasion, products have defects which are not detected prior the product becoming available for purchase.  Parents and families can visit the federal website for the most current product recalls.  http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html.

Toy Library and Creative Activities

The Onslow County Partnership for Children has a Resource Center with developmentally appropriate toys, children’s literature and family resource literature for members to borrow.  A creative area is available for children and adults to draw, cut, glue creating pictures, scrapbooks, charts, party favors, invitations, and hundreds of other craft ideas.  For membership information click here: http://www.onslowkids.org/Resource_Center.php.

Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerece

The Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce provides information about Onslow County and area.  Visit their website: http://www.jacksonvilleonline.org/ 

Women and Children Safety

The Onslow Women’s Center, Inc. offers women and children a safe haven from domestic violence.  Counseling, Occupational Guidance, and Shelter are available.  For free and confidential support call 910.347.4000.