The Early Childhood Support Team (ECST), developed in 1995, is a multidisciplinary team of Educational and Clinical Specialists from Social Services and Nurses from Public Health that is funded with Smart Start funds through the Catawba County Partnership for Children. Team members function collectively to provide a range of human and health services to children birth to five years old and their families. This service includes consultations and interventions with child care providers, children, and their families to ensure that children's emotional, social, physical, and cognitive needs are being met. The Team's vision is that children are healthy and ready to learn when they begin kindergarten.

WHERE IS ECST LOCATED?

The Early Childhood Support Team is located at the Sweetwater Early Childhood Education Center. The mailing address is 2110 Main Avenue, SE, Hickory, NC 28602. The phone number is (828) 695-6590.

Who is Eligible for ECST services?

Services can be provided to children ages birth to five years and their families. The services are covered by Smart Start funds, with no expense to families. Even though the majority of referrals are received from child care programs, children do not have to be attending a child care program to receive services. If a child lives out of county, but attends a Catawba County child care program, ECST can provide services.

How do I access ECST services?

Services can be accessed in 3 different ways: (1) Completing the ECST referral form and mailing or faxing to (828) 328-4551 or (2) Contacting the Program Supervisor, Kathy Marshall, at (828) 695-6590 or (3) Having your child's Child Care program complete the ECST referral form.