We’ve achieved some remarkable things since 1974. Here are just a few of the things we’re proudest of:
CCSA was founded
1974
Child Care Services Association (CCSA) began in 1974 as two independent organizations: the Durham Day Care Council in Durham County and Day Care Services Association in Orange County.
DDCC was created
1975
The Durham Day Care Council (DDCC) was formed after the Durham United Way’s planning committee conducted an intensive study of child care needs in Durham.
DDCC opened its first child care resource and referral office
1976
In 1976 The Day Care Council opened an office on Market Street, in Durham, and began providing resource and referral services. It is believed to be the first child care resource and referral agency in the state.
Durham Day Care Council creates health and safety guidelines for home child care facilities
1981
Durham lead the way as a trailblazer in North Carolina. They are the first to set standards for family day care homes that are virtually unregulated. The Durham Day Care Council has long provided a list of standards for family day care homes but started visiting homes to help them meet the city building and fire safety features prior to a formal inspection. If a home passes the inspection, a certificate is awarded and made available to parents.
DCSA created the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Project
1990
Day Care Services Association (DCSA) began the pilot Child Care Teacher Education and Compensation Program, which later became the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Project. With a total of $23,100 from five funding sources, including both the Durham and Orange United Ways and the Greater Triangle Community Foundation, DCSA offered scholarships to 21 teachers to attend community college and take courses leading to an associate’s degree in early childhood education.
CCSA unveiled its groundbreaking study, "Who's Caring for our Babies? A Profile of Early Care and Education for Children Birth to Three in North Carolina."
2006
CCSA releases its landmark study, "Who's Caring for our Babies? A Profile of Early Care and Education for Children Birth to Three in North Carolina". This study is designed to offer an understanding of the quality, supply and accessibility of infant and toddler care in North Carolina.Results of this study indicate that all infants and toddlers, including those receiving child care subsidies, have significantly less access to quality child care than 3 to 5-year-olds. With so much national and state attention focused on school readiness and on helping four year olds come to school better prepared, it is important to assess what is happening for our very youngest citizens. Research shows that learning begins at birth. Infants and toddlers need the very best teachers to ensure that their needs are met and that they receive every opportunity to develop to their full potential.
CCSA successfully completed the construction of the Jim and Carolyn Hunt Child Care Resource Center
2007
CCSA successfully completed the construction of the Jim and Carolyn Hunt Child Care Resource Center in Durham. Named for former Governor Jim B. Hunt, Jr. who launched North Carolina’s pioneering early childhood initiative, Smart Start, the 27,000 square foot facility is now home to CCSA’s Child Care Resource and Referral division and Durham’s Partnership for Children. By co-locating these agencies, families and child care providers now have a one-stop resource center for all of their child care needs. "I don’t think anything touches having a child-care resource center named for us and to help all these little children," former Gov. Jim Hunt said. “What this is all about is helping all those little children become all that they can be."
CCSA launched its expanded nutrition program out of the new commercial kitchen in the Jim and Carolyn Hunt Child Care Resource Center.
2008
Did you know that CCSA's Meal Services program has been a pillar of nourishment in our community for more than three decades? From its humble beginnings at the University United Methodist Church in Orange County to now serving child care programs in Orange, Durham, Wake and parts of Chatham Counties, this program has grown and thrived to make a significant impact. In 2008, the construction of a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen at the Jim and Carolyn Hunt Child Care Resource Center in Durham County changed the game. This kitchen became a hub of love and nutrition, producing over 1,100 meals a year for children in child care facilities across the Triangle. With this expansion, CCSA now provides two nutritious meals and one snack per day to almost 1,400 children in participating child care centers in the Triangle. These scratch-made meals meet or exceed all USDA child care requirements and comply with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). 2020 marked an exciting new chapter for CCSA's meal service program as it transformed into spoonFULL (Fresh, Unique, Liked, and Local). This fresh identity reflects our dedication to providing locally sourced, quality food that kids enjoy — paving the way for a brighter, healthier future! Join us in celebrating the incredible journey of CCSA's Meal Services program, where food becomes a catalyst for change. Let's spread the word and keep the spirit of community nourishment alive!
CCSA was recognized by Carolina Parent Magazine as one of the NC Family-Friendly 40 Companies for the second year in a row!
2009
Child Care Services Association (CCSA) was recognized by Carolina Parent Magazine as one of the NC Family-Friendly 40 Companies for the second year in a row! In both 2008 and 2009, we stood out for our unwavering commitment to supporting our incredible team of parents in their journey to balance work and family life. We're proud to have been chosen for our dedication to creating policies that are flexible enough to accommodate each employee’s unique family needs. The competition was fierce, with a record number of companies vying for a spot on the Family-Friendly 40 list. Yet, CCSA shone through, being honored for our relentless efforts to make work-life balance not just a possibility but a priority.
Child Care Services Association selected its second president Anna Carter.
2013
Meet Anna Carter, the second president of Child Care Services Association (CCSA). Stepping into the role in July 2013, Anna took on the challenge with grace and passion, following in the footsteps of our founding president, Sue Russell. Anna received her master’s in social work from UNC Chapel Hill and was previously the Deputy Director for the Division of Child Development and Early Education for 20 years. In Anna’s own words, she encourages the community to “…look at CCSA as a whole and see the work that has been done locally, statewide, and nationally.” Described by Human Resources manager Teresa Graves as “very laid back and calm, with a great sense of humor,” Anna was always ready to lend a hand in agency activities, such as the annual A.S.K. (Advancing Skills and Knowledge) Conference. Please join us in applauding Anna Carter, our second president of CCSA!
Recognizing Dorothy Graham and Mary Bridgers
2017
Today, we remember and celebrate the incredible impact of two leaders who shaped the foundation of our organization. In the mid-1970s, Dorothy Graham and Mary Bridgers were the driving forces behind the creation of Durham Day Care Council and Day Care Services Association. Their commitment to the cause of accessible and quality child care laid the groundwork for what we proudly call CCSA today. Dorothy and Mary were more than founders; they were champions for change. Fueled by a profound passion for educating and nurturing young minds, these remarkable women put their vision into action. They advocated tirelessly for affordable child care, empowering countless women to pursue their dreams while ensuring their children received the care they deserved. Both Dorothy and Mary believed in the power of quality child care and dedicated themselves to the cause. From attending rallies to speaking out at Commissioners' meetings and legislative hearings, they were the voices that echoed the need for a brighter future for our children. Every two years at our Triangle Child Care Awards breakfast, we proudly present the Dorothy B. Graham Early Childhood Leadership Award, given to an individual who has been a leader in improving early education and who has made a difference in the lives of young children. And the Mary Y. Bridgers Child Care Provider Award, to recognize an outstanding early childhood teacher and advocate. The pivotal role these two women played serves as a beacon of recognition for those who continue to champion the cause of early childhood education and make a lasting impact in our community.
Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$ Plus is introduced. Formerly known as Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$ program.
2018
Celebrating the Impact of Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$ Plus! Did you know that in October 2018, North Carolina took a groundbreaking step towards recognizing and supporting the invaluable work of our Infant-Toddler Educators? The state launched a new program specifically designed to address the compensation disparity for infant-toddler educators … and CCSA administers the education-based salary supplements. What is AWARD$ all about? It's not just an award; it's a commitment to bridge the compensation gap for our dedicated infant-toddler educators. This program provides education-based salary supplements to full-time teachers in this crucial developmental phase, ensuring that passion and dedication are met with the recognition they truly deserve. In 2019, the impact was already inspiring. AWARD$ reached recipients in 87 counties, benefiting 1,124 infant-toddler teachers across 591 child care programs. This isn't just a program; it's a movement, empowering educators and uplifting the early childhood education landscape. Join us in recognizing North Carolina for taking a stand for educational equity, recognizing that the first years of a child's life are the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Let's spread the word, raise awareness, and champion the cause of investing in our educators. Together, we can create a brighter, more promising future for the tiniest members of our community.
CCSA becomes the fiscal agent for the NC Early Education Coalition's Think Babies™ NC Initiative.
2018
CCSA becomes a state partner and the fiscal agent for the NC Early Education Coalition's Think Babies™ NC Initiative, working to boost awareness and support for issues affecting infants, toddlers, families, and early educators. Partnering with the national ZERO TO THREE Think Babies™ Campaign, we’re making the potential of every baby a national priority! We’re focusing on five key policy areas, including: paid parental leave, infant and early childhood mental health, family support and economic security. Because when we invest in healthy beginnings, support families, and make quality child care accessible, the benefits ripple through our communities, workforce, and economy. Research shows that when we nurture our little ones from the start, we set them up for a lifetime of success. Think Babies™ NC is on a mission to advance policies that promote the healthy development of North Carolina's babies and toddlers. Let's build a future where every child has the support they need to thrive!
Child Care Services Association selected its third president Marsha Basloe.
2018
Meet Marsha Basloe, the third president of Child Care Services Association. Stepping into the role in 2018, Marsha remained at CCSA until her retirement in 2022. During her time as president, she transformed the organization with a “mindset of abundance,” embracing new ideas and taking bold risks, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic. She brought a wealth of knowledge from her experiences running other nonprofits and working in the federal government. Her leadership extended to key initiatives like the Think Babies™ NC Alliance, the Worthy Wages Campaign, and countless more. Governor Cooper even appointed her to the NC Interagency Council for Coordinating Homeless Programs. Marsha’s energy, commitment, and expertise have had a major impact on children, families, and early childhood educators. She takes pride in CCSA’s continued role at the forefront of everything that happens in North Carolina. Please join us in applauding Marsha Basloe for her unwavering dedication and the incredible legacy she leaves behind at CCSA!
CCSA established a COVID-19 Relief Fund, dispersing $260,000 in grants to 750 child care programs in NC.
2020
Imagine being an essential worker without the support of reliable child care during those critical months of March and April 2020 Financial struggles became an unfortunate reality for many programs, leaving the backbone of our society hanging by a thread. The pandemic drastically reduced the number of children these centers could serve, making it an uphill battle to keep their doors open without a steady income. In response to this pressing challenge, CCSA stepped up to the plate and established the CCSA COVID-19 Relief Fund to support child care programs in North Carolina. This fund provided support for child care programs in North Carolina, addressing their immediate needs during the statewide stay-at-home order and later assisting with more comprehensive needs as our larger community reopened. Through two impactful phases, CCSA disbursed $260,000 in grants to 750 child care programs across the state. These funds were a lifeline, ensuring that these programs had the resources necessary to keep the children in their care safe and healthy.
CCSA launched a 3-year strategic plan to strengthen the early care and education system.
2021
In 2021, CCSA launched a 3-year strategic plan. CCSA envisions a future where all children have fair access to affordable, high-quality early care and education to lay the foundation for successful life outcomes. The strategic plan lays out the goals CCSA will accomplish within the organization — and externally with our partners and colleagues — to change the early care and education system locally, statewide, and nationally. From supporting families to empowering communities and boosting the workforce, CCSA is on a mission to build a better future for children and families.
CCSA’s T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® National Center launches U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship-approved pilot apprenticeship program.
2022
In 2022, CCSA’s T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® National Center launched a U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship-approved pilot apprenticeship program. CCSA developed the National Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship Program with the U.S. Department of Labor to raise awareness of the importance of retaining and maintaining a stable early childhood workforce by blending employment, on-the-job training, college coursework and individualized mentoring. Apprenticeship programs provide a unique opportunity to support skill development in the high-demand field of early childhood education. Using the unique structure of an apprenticeship program that includes mentoring support and a comprehensive T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood scholarship, a participant will be able to gain employment and attend institutions of higher education working toward industry-recognized credentials and degrees. Combining employment, on-the-job training, college coursework and individualized mentoring, an apprenticeship program supports a more stable early childhood workforce.
Child Care Services Association selected its fourth president Dr. Kristi Snuggs
2022
Meet Dr. Kristi Snuggs, the fourth and current president of Child Care Services Association, stepping into the role in 2022. Before joining CCSA, Dr. Snuggs was the Deputy Director of the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education, where she collaborated with CCSA, the NC Child Care Resource & Referral Council, TEACH, WAGE$ and AWARD$. Dr. Snuggs has a deep understanding and a wealth of experience in early childhood education at the local, state and national levels. Under her leadership, “CCSA will continue to fight the fight for a highly educated and well-compensated early care and education workforce,” said Snuggs. “My hopes are that CCSA will continue to champion the need for accessible high-quality early care and education for all children and families, a thought partner in the creation of innovative solutions for the child care industry, and an advocate for a respected and well-compensated early learning workforce.”
CCSA launched the #BringingFamiliesHome campaign to raise awareness for and advance the early education of young children experiencing homelessness.
2023
In April 2023, CCSA launched a public awareness campaign called Bringing Families Home to raise awareness for and advance the early education of young children experiencing homelessness, and promote social and economic justice. Materials focused on the needs of young children experiencing homelessness and the value of building community systems, especially housing and early childhood, to bridge gaps in North Carolina. Did you know that in our state, someone’s highest chance of experiencing homelessness is when they are an infant?