Down East Partnership News

When Families Need Stability Most, Community Matters
By Henrietta Zalkind for the Rocky Mount Telegram 

Across eastern North Carolina, many families are working hard every day just to keep their children safe. For some, that effort includes navigating the realities of homelessness, a challenge that is often hidden, misunderstood, and deeply impactful for young children.

Down East Partnership for Children recently hosted a presentation and discussion through a partnership supported by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education.  Community and regional partners were brought together to focus on an urgent issue: the needs of young children experiencing homelessness right now.

See the rest of the article here:  Link to full text

See it at the Rocky Mount Telegram: Link to Telegram article

Down East Partnership for Children Offers Weekly Play and Learn Groups for Families with Young Children

Rocky Mount, NC — Families with children ages 0–5 are invited to join weekly Kaleidoscope Play and Learn Groups hosted by Down East Partnership for Children (DEPC). These free groups provide caregivers and young children the opportunity to learn through play, build school readiness skills, and connect with other families in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Each session is held from 9:30–11:00 a.m. at the following locations:

  • Mondays – DEPC (215 Lexington St., Rocky Mount), led by Liz Norman
  • Tuesdays – DEPC (215 Lexington St., Rocky Mount), led by Natalie Brooks
  • Wednesdays – Spaulding Family Resource Center (600 S. Pine St., Spring Hope), led by Sydney Land
  • Fridays – Edgecombe County Memorial Library (909 N. Main St., Tarboro), led by Liz Norman

Caregivers and their children enjoy hands-on activities, songs, stories, and guided play experiences designed to support early learning and development. Families also gain ideas and tools they can use at home to continue their child’s growth and learning.

Recently, playgroups celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday and enjoyed a special visit from Polly with The Wisdom Tooth Program. Children sang songs, read a book about keeping their teeth healthy, and had lots of fun brushing the teeth of Ms. Polly’s stuffed animals while learning about good dental hygiene habits.

Families interested in participating are encouraged to register by contacting Bethany Lambeth at blambeth@depc.orgor 252-985-4300 ext. 270. Visit depc.org for more information.

DEPC welcomes caregivers and young children to come play, learn, and grow together.

Building Strong Foundations for Families in Challenging Times
By Henrietta Zalkind for the Rocky Mount Telegram 

These are challenging times for families. Across our community, families are facing uncertainty — from worries about putting food on the table, to finding affordable, safe housing, to struggling with child care that allows parents to work.

Like many challenges before, we remain committed to moving forward with a sharp focus on what we can do to make a difference for families.

This year, DEPC lost considerable funding due to cuts to SNAP-Ed, and we face uncertainty about future state allocations. Still, our commitment to children and families remains unwavering. We continue to make the best use of the resources available and to strengthen the early education system our community deserves.

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See it at the Rocky Mount Telegram: Link to Telegram article

Compensation Matters
Q&A with Henrietta Zalkind

Check out this Q&A from the Early Years with DEPC Executive Director Henrietta Zalind on the importance of W.A.G.E.$ and compensation for educators.

See the rest of the article here:  Link to full text

Visit Early Years site: Link to Early Years NC

DEPC is Approved SECC Charity

Did you know that Down East Partnership for Children is an approved Charity with the State Employees Combined Campaign (SECC)? Our code is #3751. Help spread the word about another way to support young children and families in our community.

DEPC Named Certified Family Forward Employer

Down East Partnership for Children has been named a Family Forward NC® Certified Employer by the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation’s Family Forward NC® initiative.

See the full release here:  link to release

Learn more about Family Forward NC:  link to site