CHATHAM COUNTY PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN

What CHATHAM COUNTY PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN does

Chatham County Partnership for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in June 1994 in Pittsboro, North Carolina, that plans, funds, and implements early childhood care, education, health, and family-support initiatives across a five-county region (Chatham, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Wayne). The Partnership operates three core program lines: Smart Start (North Carolina's state early-childhood initiative, of which it was a pioneer county) channeling roughly 30% of allocation to child care subsidies; NC Pre-K administration across 10+ public-school, Head Start, and licensed-center sites; and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), acting as a sponsoring agency that reimburses participating child care homes and centers for nutritious meals. Family-facing services — all free — include the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library book-gifting program, Kaleidoscope Play and Learn facilitated playgroups at three county library branches, the Ch.A.M.P.S. diaper and maternal-supply bank, Focus on Fathers coaching, and Child Care Search referrals via a call center and online portal.

The Partnership's notable technology is the licensed LENA Grow program, a practice-based professional-development platform using "talk pedometer" vests to count adult-child conversational turns and drive data-informed coaching; the Partnership implements LENA Grow as a Regional CCR&R agency. Supporting infrastructure includes a Multi-Tiered Technical Assistance system with on-site coaching, Environment Rating Scale preparation, and Program Administrator Scale consultation for child care directors. Operational systems are off-the-shelf: Constant Contact for email, Canva for reporting, Givebutter for event registration, and Minute Menu for CACFP record-keeping. The organization employs ~18 FTEs including an Executive Director (Heather St.Clair, since January 2024), Finance Director, R&D Director, program managers, bilingual outreach coordinators, and CACFP specialists.

Revenue is non-public and derived primarily from North Carolina Smart Start allocations, federal grants (USDA/CACFP, NC Pre-K via NC DHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education), state discretionary awards, and a modest individual/corporate donation base including the $30 for 30 recurring-giver campaign and the Champions for Children ($1,000+) business-sponsorship tier. A Tax ID of 56-1885127 is on file. The Partnership merged with Child Care Networks, Inc. on January 1, 2016, absorbing CCR&R Lead Agency and CACFP contracts under the slogan "Better Together," and is currently opening a new Family Resource Center (May 2026) in Pittsboro to co-locate Ch.A.M.P.S., case management, and child care search services.

Name

CHATHAM COUNTY PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN

Legal name

Chatham County Partnership for Children

Website

https://chathamkids.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Chatham County Partnership for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1994 in Pittsboro, NC, that administers Smart Start, NC Pre-K, CACFP, LENA Grow, and family-support programs for children birth to age five and their educators across a five-county region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Early Childhood Education Services

NAICS

Child Care Services (62441), Child and Youth Services (62411), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Child Day Care Services (8351), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Early Childhood Education & Childcare Nonprofits (BPAGADAA)

Keywords

• Early childhood education
• Child care resource referral
• Family support services
• Preschool programs
• Child care subsidies

Headquarters

HQ city

Pittsboro

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Smart Start Funding: Primary funding from North Carolina's Smart Start program, a statewide initiative launched in 1993 by Governor Jim Hunt. At least 30% of Smart Start allocation goes to subsidizing child care for families. The Partnership was selected as one of the first 24 pioneer counties in 1994.
2. Government Grants and Contracts: Federal funding including USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), NC Pre-K program through NC DHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education, and historical Safe Start federal grants. Congressional discretionary awards and state-level program funding.
3. Donations and Fundraising: Individual donations through the $30 for 30 campaign ($30/month for 30 months), online donations, check donations to PO Box 637. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with Tax ID 56-1885127. Proceeds from events like Reindeer Run 5K and Touch a Truck fund community grants.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Champions for Children sponsorship program for businesses contributing $1,000 or more. Event sponsorships for Touch a Truck, Day of the Books, Reindeer Run, and other community events.
5. CACFP Reimbursements: Monthly reimbursement for meals served that meet USDA requirements to participating child care homes and centers. Chatham County Partnership for Children acts as sponsoring agency providing on-site training, menu planning assistance, and record-keeping support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Chatham County Partnership for Children administers a portfolio of free early childhood education, child care quality, family support, and nutrition programs for families with children birth to age five, plus professional development and technical assistance for child care providers across a five-county region in North Carolina. Core offerings include Smart Start-funded child care subsidies, NC Pre-K preschool placement, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) sponsorship, free child care search referrals, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Kaleidoscope facilitated playgroups, Ch.A.M.P.S. diaper and supply bank, and LENA Grow educator coaching.

Product overview

Chatham County Partnership for Children operates as a multi-program nonprofit organization administering early childhood education, health, and family support services. The core programs include Smart Start (child care quality improvement and subsidies), NC Pre-K (free preschool for at-risk four-year-olds), and Child Care Resource & Referral (including Child Care Search referral services). Family support offerings encompass Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (free book program), Kaleidoscope Play and Learn (facilitated playgroups), Ch.A.M.P.S. (diaper and supply bank), Family Resource Center, Focus on Fathers, and Car Seat Safety services. Professional development for educators includes LENA Grow (language environment improvement), Healthy Social Behaviors Project, Birth-to-Three Quality Initiative, Childcare Academy training program, and the Annual Providers Conference. The organization also administers CACFP, providing meal reimbursements to participating child care facilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ch.A.M.P.S. Chatham's Assistance for Maternal and Pediatric Supplies - provides essential items like diapers, wipes, and hygiene products to families in need.
• Child Care Search
• Chatham's Success Network

Products and services

• Smart Start A state-funded initiative to improve child care quality, availability, and affordability for families. The organization allocates approximately 30% of Smart Start funding to child care subsidies for qualifying families in Chatham County.
• NC Pre-K Program A free statewide preschool program for at-risk four-year-old children designed to enhance school readiness. Operates in public schools, Head Start sites, and licensed child care centers across Chatham County with classroom placements and developmental screening.
• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) A federally-funded USDA program administered by the Partnership as sponsoring agency, providing nutritious meals and snacks to children in participating child care homes and centers. Includes monthly meal reimbursements, on-site training, menu planning assistance, and record-keeping support.
• Child Care Search

Quantifiable outcome

• 41 families received child care subsidy vouchers; 3,579 children fed through CACFP; 2,162 children served in Chatham County + 3,579 through regional programs
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Chatham County SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary education partner for NC Pre-K classrooms in public schools, including Bennett School, Chatham Grove Elementary, North Chatham Elementary, Perry Harrison Elementary, Pittsboro Elementary, Siler City Elementary, and Virginia Cross Elementary. Partnership supports kindergarten readiness and school transition programs.
• North Carolina Partnership for Children (NC Smart Start)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-level parent organization for Smart Start initiatives. Chatham County Partnership is a local Smart Start agency, one of 75+ partnerships statewide. Receives Smart Start funding and technical assistance.
• Chatham County Public Health DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners on Child Care Health Consultation program bringing health education to child care facilities since 1995, Focus on Fathers program, and car seat safety checking station. Staff provide training at Siler City Community Classroom.
• Chatham County Department of Social ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners on Quality Subsidy Family Services providing child care subsidies for qualifying families. DSS assists with child care subsidy applications and referrals.
• Families and Communities Rising, InccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners on Assuring Better Child Health and Development (ABCD) project ensuring developmental screenings, and Child Care Behavior Consultation program providing behavioral and social emotional screening and support in child care settings.
• Telamon Head Start ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners on NC Pre-K classroom at 505 M.L. King Jr. Blvd., Siler City. Head Start serves children birth to 5 from low-income families.
• Division of Child Development and Early EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency under NC DHHS that administers NC Pre-K, child care licensing, and early education programs. Partnership serves as Lead Agency for CCR&R Region 13.
• United Way of Chatham CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey funder supporting Smart Start services, Kaleidoscope Play and Learn groups, and Safe Start services. Co-funded Raising a Reader program (2014) and continues supporting early childhood initiatives.
• Chatham County GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal government partner co-funding Smart Start, Kaleidoscope, and Safe Start services. County Commissioner Designee sits on Board of Directors. Beginning funding of ECAP recommendation one in January 2026.
• Central Carolina Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost site for Reindeer Run 5K (764 West St, Pittsboro), Childcare Academy training location (Siler City Campus), and Board member representation (Mark Hall).
• Chatham Transit NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal partner for transportation resources connecting families to early childhood services and child care programs.
• Chatham County Sheriff's OfficeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Touch a Truck event and community safety initiatives. Participates in community events with emergency vehicles.
• Chatham Arts CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunding partner for Day of the Books/El Día de los Libros annual children's literacy and arts festival.
• NC Child (Advocacy)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide child advocacy organization partnering on policy and advocacy for early childhood issues.
• Chatham ReadsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal literacy initiative partnering on early reading and kindergarten readiness efforts.
• Chatham County Literacy CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal literacy organization partnering on family literacy and early reading programs.
• North Carolina Cooperative ExtensionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners on community education and family support services through NC State Extension.
• Raising a ReadercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational early literacy program launched in Chatham County in 2014 through United Way and Chatham County government partnership with Smart Start. Provides children with weekly bags of books to take home.
• Child Care AwareminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational partner providing resources and referrals for military families and child care affordability assistance.
• LENA (Language Environment Analysis)coreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner for LENA Grow professional development program using talk pedometer technology. Partnership is a Regional CCR&R agency implementing the program which has served 42,000+ children and 11,000+ educators.
• Early Years NC (Birth-to-Three Quality Initiative)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide initiative providing Regional Birth-to-Three Specialists who offer coaching, training, and hands-on support for teachers and administrators across all 100 NC counties.
• Child Care Resources Inc (HSB Program)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners on Healthy Social Behaviors Project providing on-site consultation for challenging behaviors and social-emotional development in preschool classrooms across NC licensed centers.
• Goldston LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKaleidoscope Play and Learn location for Bear Creek/Bonlee/Bennett area (Fridays 10-11:30am). Part of Chatham County Library system.
• Chatham Community LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKaleidoscope Play and Learn location in Pittsboro (Wednesdays 10-11:30am). Part of Chatham County Library system.
• Wren Memorial LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKaleidoscope Play and Learn location in Siler City (Thursdays 10-11:30am). Part of Chatham County Library system.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Durham's Partnership for Children: Another North Carolina Smart Start county partnership providing comparable early childhood programs (NC Pre-K, child care subsidies, family support) in Durham County. Operates under identical Smart Start funding model with similar regulatory and programmatic structure.
• Wake County Smart Start: Direct peer Smart Start partnership in Wake County, NC. Runs parallel NC Pre-K, child care resource and referral, and family support programs under the same state funding framework, but in a larger and more urbanized county.
• Orange County Partnership for Young Children: Neighboring NC Smart Start partnership serving Orange County with similar early childhood education, family support, and CCR&R functions. Highly comparable in scope, model, and customer segments to Chatham County Partnership for Children.
• Guilford Child Development: North Carolina Smart Start-affiliated organization administering NC Pre-K, child care subsidies, and family support services across Guilford County. Comparable in mission, programs, and CCR&R responsibilities.
• Child Care Resources Inc. Existing partner organization that co-administers the Healthy Social Behaviors Project with Chatham County Partnership. Operates CCR&R and early childhood quality programs across multiple NC counties, making it a directly comparable peer in regional service delivery.
• Families and Communities Rising, Inc. Strategic partner on the ABCD developmental screening and Child Care Behavior Consultation programs. Operates similar early childhood consultation and behavioral support services across NC licensed centers, with overlapping service portfolios.

Regional players

• Action for Children: Ohio-based CCR&R and early childhood advocacy organization providing child care referrals, parent education, and provider training. While serving a different geography, the CCR&R Lead Agency model and program mix directly mirror Chatham County Partnership's service portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• Child Care Aware of America: National CCR&R umbrella organization that supports military family child care referrals and resources nationally. Operates at scale across the broader child care resource and referral ecosystem in which Chatham County Partnership participates as a regional affiliate.
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): National professional membership organization for early childhood educators. Provides accreditation, professional development, and policy advocacy that indirectly parallels Chatham County Partnership's Childcare Academy and Annual Providers Conference offerings.

Emerging players

• Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: National book gifting program that Chatham County Partnership implements locally. Comparable in direct-to-family literacy service model and free-distribution economics, though operates at much larger national scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/chathamcountypartnershipforchildren

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about CHATHAM COUNTY PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN