Wake Connections: At Home + Group Support
Get connected to family support programs in Wake County
Please note: The WCSS office is closing for winter break, but Wake Connections applications can be submitted anytime. Applications submitted after Friday, Dec. 19 will be processed on Tuesday, January 6.
Wake Connections is an easy-to-use tool that matches families to free support programs and resources for pregnancy to age 5.
Who
we Serve?
- Families with Children, birth-5
- Pregnant & Postpartum Parents
Where
we Serve?
- At home
- In the community (group programs)
- Virtually
Types
of Support
- Parenting Skills & Child Development
- School Readiness
- Behavior Support
- Postpartum Support
- Linkage to Resources
How
to Apply
- Parents fill out one confidential Application.
- Next, Wake Connections matches eligible parents with support programs that best meet their needs.
Partner Programs
Visit our Partners Page to see a list of local programs providing parenting support and resources.
Application Process
What to Expect
Apply
- Family or professional completes the confidential online application.
- Answer as many questions as possible to ensure the best fit.
Service Match & Referral
- Wake Connections reviews the application.
- The family is matched with programs that best meet their needs.
- Wake Connections will contact the family for more information or next steps.
Enroll
- The program will contact the family with enrollment details, potential waitlist information, and to answer questions.
FAQs
Wake Connections programs provide different kinds of support to families with young children. All are provided in your home or in a group. To learn more about the types of services that are available, please click here.
No. All programs that Wake Connections refers to are free for eligible families.
Wake Connections programs partner with you to support your child and family. Parents or caregivers should plan to be involved and present for each home visit or group session.
Wake Connections programs may offer home visits once a month, every other week, or every week. Groups usually meet once a week for a short-term period. Providing information about your availability for visits is helpful so that we can try to match your family with a program that fits your schedule.
Some programs may have wait time to begin services. If the program that you are referred to has a wait list, the program will contact you and let you know the estimated wait time.
Privacy is very important to us. All information you provide is confidential and is only used to help your family connect with services. It will be shared only with the program(s) that you are referred to. It will not be shared for any other reason.
The Wake Connections system uses the information that you provide on the application form to determine if there is a match for any program. Please provide as much detail as possible, because it makes it more likely that there will be a match. If you are not a match for any programs, we will contact you. We may be able to add information to your application or talk about other resources that may be helpful for your family.
Click here to find a public library near you where you can connect to the Internet. You can also call Wake County Smart Start at 919-851-9550 to complete a Wake Connections application over the phone.
With questions or for more information, please contact Caroline Janes at cjanes@wakesmartstart.org or call 919-851-9550.
Watch and Learn More
More Resources
Family Support Connection Tool
Visit our Family Support Connection Tool to be connected to vital local resources like early education, parenting support, child development, basic needs, and more.
Online Resource Library
Visit Our Resource Library to be Connected to Family Online Resources.