our community
early childhood education is critical to future success
our overarching goal is ensuring that all children in Johnston County enter kindergarten ready to succeed
In order to achieve this goal, we’ve strategically identified key programs that our agency can participate in and together with our community partners we are making big impacts on early childhood education, health, family, and community supports. These programs each work independently of one another, yet they are intertwined in many ways regarding the outcomes for families and educators, which we know are highly influential in preparing children for the future.

We are making a difference in the lives of children and families in Johnston County
but we know that there is more work to do
We are deeply committed to highlighting gaps in our organizational structures and barriers within our community. Key action steps have included deepening partnerships and applying an equity lens by confronting the disparate outcomes and challenges in the rural/urban divide within Johnston County.
Did You Know?
The Partnership has established ourselves as a lead convener in Johnston County
In April 2018, we celebrated the grand opening of a one of a kind park for children of all abilities, the work of a public-private collaboration. In the past 7 years we have registered more than 17,000 children for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which could only be accomplished with the support of our friends at Johnston Health. The Partnership is the lead convener for Safe Kids Johnston County and the Local Interagency Coordinating Council. Programmatic partnerships are in place with the Department Social Services – Adolescent Parenting and Foster Care Programs, Harbor of Johnston County, a shelter for victims of domestic violence, and Cambridge Place, a substance abuse half-way house for expectant and new moms. Most recently, we have expanded our early literacy work as the backbone agency for Read to Grow Jo Co, Johnston County’s Campaign for Grade Level Reading.
It is necessary for systems to work together for the successful dissemination and implementation of these efforts. Alliances develop the communication and collaboration skills necessary for educators, families and community members, and policymakers to come together to define and accomplish this transformative work.