Early Learning and Play Opportunities
The following programs offer enrichment activities, school readiness support, free books and other literacy resources for children.
In addition, Durham Public Libraries and Durham Parks and Recreation offer a wealth of resources and low or no-cost programming for young children and their families. Check them out!
Durham Resources
Book Harvest & Book Babies
Book Harvest provides free books for children of all ages; a Family Space designed for families to read, learn and play together; and programs that partner with parents to nurture language and literacy development.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Free children’s books sent directly to a child’s home every month until age 5; open to everyone!
Durham Early Head Start
Free, comprehensive program for low-income and other eligible families of children prenatally through age 3; offers home visiting or high-quality center-based childcare; operated by Durham’s Partnership for Children.
Durham PreK (Pre-kindergarten)
High quality, free or affordable pre-K in a variety of settings around the county for all Durham 4-year-olds, giving children the skills they need to be ready for kindergarten and beyond.
El Centro Hispano
A Latino nonprofit organization providing a variety of support and opportunities to Latinx families in the Triangle.
FCR Head Start and Early Head Start
Free child development (child care) and comprehensive family support program for low-income children ages 6 weeks- 5 years; multiple locations around Durham
Healthy Families Durham
A free home-visiting program designed to help new parents as they support the healthy growth and development of their children from birth to 3 years old.
ISLA NC
Community based educational space that elevates the importance of bilingualism through Spanish language and cultural immersion programs
Museum of Life + Science
Free tickets to the Museum of Life + Science on ‘Durham Community Days’ with proof that you live in Durham.
Piedmont Wildlife Center- Scholarship Opportunities
Nature-based summer camps, track-out/school break and teacher workday camps, and a homeschool program for children ages 5-12 with a scholarship program to support equitable access
The Bull City Woodshop
The Bull City Woodshop is a non-profit, student centered organization that guides individual development, fosters community connection, and cultivates creativity through woodworking.
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Anti-racism training for children, families, and educators.