Children & Youth Partnership For Dare County

Baby LINKS provided lactation consultation and breastfeeding support services by providing education and counseling to pre- and post-natal mothers and other key family members to promote successful breastfeeding and infant health. During the year, 195 new mothers were contacted, representing 86% of the 227 reported births. In-home visits and individualized support were provided to 103 mothers (45% of births), with 20 receiving referrals to additional community programs and services through targeted referrals. As an integrated community resource, the Baby LINKS nurse ensures that families receive timely guidance and assistance.

Pre-Literacy: A continuum of pre-literacy programs was provided to support early language and literacy development for young children and their families in Dare County. These initiatives emphasized the critical role of parents in school readiness and social-emotional growth. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a universal book distribution program for children from birth to age five, served 1,176 children. The Raising A Reader program reached 156 at-risk children across nine classrooms, promoting family engagement in reading. Through Reach Out and Read, implemented at five medical sites, 3,998 books were distributed during well-child visits, accompanied by physician guidance encouraging parents to read with their children. In partnership with Dare County Schools, staff also facilitated Kindergarten Transition & Pathways to School Readiness activities and distributed resources to support families with children entering kindergarten.

Quality Early Learning

Child Care Resource and Referral

Diaper Bank

Kaleidoscope Play & Learn

Community Outreach & Public Awareness

Sea Change OBX

Professional Development

Resilience

Program Coordination/Evaluation