When Danielle Wharton first walked into Play to Learn in February of last year, she came as a parent attending with her daughter, Elsie Grace. Wednesday playgroup quickly became a highlight of their week — and it didn’t take long for Danielle to notice something else: Ms. Kay was running the entire session on her … Continued
Read More »On any given week, you can find Ellowyn right where she wants to be — laughing, exploring and fully immersed in play at the Play to Learn program through Partnership for Children of the Foothills. For Ellowyn, it’s more than just a playgroup. It’s her favorite place of the week. “Play to Learn is her … Continued
Read More »Families are invited to a joyful morning of play, imagination and discovery at a special “Little Sprouts, Big Fun!” Fabulous Free Friday event designed just for young children. The Partnership for Children of the Foothills has teamed up with Denise Strickland, the Rootle Ambassador for Rutherford County, and KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum to host this … Continued
Read More »April is a time to come together as a community with a shared purpose: supporting children and strengthening families. In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Partnership for Children of the Foothills is engaging families and community partners across McDowell, Polk and Rutherford counties through meaningful, hands-on outreach. From local libraries to community events, the … Continued
Read More »Protecting children starts with awareness—and people who are willing to act. Join us on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, for a free W5 Mandated Reporter Training at Isothermal Community College. This session will equip community members and professionals with the tools to recognize and respond to suspected child maltreatment. Event Details Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026Time: … Continued
Read More »February is Children’s Dental Health Awareness Month, and at Partnership for Children, we’re shining a light on something that can make a big difference for your child’s health, confidence, and future learning: early dental care. If you have a child from birth to age 5, now is a great time to schedule their first (or … Continued
Read More »February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a perfect time to focus on building healthy habits for our youngest learners. This month, The Partnership for Children of the Foothills is heading into local library storytimes across Polk, McDowell, and Rutherford counties to share an important message with families: healthy smiles start early. For children from … Continued
Read More »Forest City, January 8, 2026 –The Partnership for Children of the Foothills announces the retirement of longtime Executive Director Barry Gold, who is concluding an extraordinary 26-year tenure marked by transformational growth, regional collaboration, and lasting impact for children and families across Rutherford, Polk, and McDowell counties. Under Gold’s leadership, the Partnership evolved into a … Continued
Read More »At Partnership for Children of the Foothills, we know that building a love for reading early in life sets the foundation for long-term success. When children feel safe, comfortable, and excited about books, they are more likely to develop strong literacy skills that carry them into school and beyond. One simple way to nurture that … Continued
Read More »Free weekly sessions help parents of young children connect, learn and grow — together. June 30, 2025 (Forest City, NC) – Parenting can be both joyful and challenging — especially in the early years. That’s why Partnership for Children of the Foothills is expanding its Circle of Parents program, now offering a new support group … Continued
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