Star Patrol

	The Onslow County Partnership for Children is pleased to announce our Star Patrol.  Staff from OCPC have been surprising child care centers and homes with a banner and cake to recognize their hard work and achievements on the newly revised North Carolina star rating system.  View pictures from previous Star Patrol visits.

Child Care Keeps Onslow County Working! The child care industry in Onslow County employs over 860 early educators who serve as the backbone of our community's economy.  Without child care, nurses, teachers, lawyers, retail professionals, military personnel and others would not be able to report for work each day.  Child care is an important part of our community's infrastructure, and it is vital for economic development.

With over 4,000 children in state licensed care each day, the child care industry supports thousands of families in our community. The Onslow County Partnership for Children is proud to support and recognize early educators for all they do for children and families.

The average star rating (based on North Carolina's star rated license system) is 3.75 on a 5.00 scale. Each time a new child care center or family child care home achieves a four or five star rating, the Partnership organizes local community members to recognize the achievement at a Star Patrol.  With a banner and balloons, Partnership staff, business leaders and even elected officials say "thank you" to early educators and child care professionals for their hard work and dedication to providing high quality child care. To find out when the next Star Patrol is scheduled, contact us at (910) 938-0336, or email LaWanna Wooden at lawanna.wooden@onslowkids.org. It's easy to find out which programs in our county have achieved a four or five star rating.  Visit www.ncchildcare.net where you can search for facilities by star rating!

Child care professionals work hard every day, and there is a special day each year to recognize their hard work and dedication.  National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day is held the Friday before Mother's Day each year.  For more information about national recognition efforts, visit www.providerappreciationday.org. Directors, ask your Quality or Compliance Specialist about ideas for organizing special events for your staff!  We are glad to help.