Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children, Inc.

ICYMI: ECU Health is partnering with Food Lion Feeds, Sodexo and the ECU Health Foundation to provide free meals for kids and teens this summer. From June 15-Aug. 20, meals will be available at York Memorial AME Zion Church in Greenville every Monday-Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., while supplies last.

For more information, email [email protected].

📢 Attention Families & Community Partners:

The Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

On this day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten.

We will resume normal business hours at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

The Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children was honored to participate in the Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina’s Regional Convening last week. The day was filled with meaningful conversations, collaboration, learning, and a shared commitment to strengthening families and supporting children across our communities.

We are proud to call ourselves a Positive Childhood Ally and grateful for the opportunity to connect with organizations and leaders who are working together to create the conditions where all children can thrive. 💙

📣 Attention: The Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children office will be closed today, Monday, 5/11.

We will reopen to the public at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, 5/12. Thank you for your understanding! 💙

📲 Stay in the know!
Get the latest Partnership closure and delay updates by signing up for our text alert system:
👉 https://mpage.info/mppfcoptin

🍎✨ As we close out Teacher Appreciation Week, Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children wants to recognize and celebrate the incredible early childhood educators and child care programs we are fortunate to work alongside each day. Your love, patience, and dedication help build strong foundations for children and families across our community. 💙

Today we’re spotlighting a handful of the amazing educators and programs making a difference in the lives of young children every single day:

• Brilliant Minds Enrichment Childcare
• Children's Campus of Greenville
• Children's World Learning Center - A Child's Place
• Children's World Learning Centers
• CCCDC-Cornerstone Christian Child Development Center
• Dawnsha's Loving Childcare Center
• East Carolina Kiddie College
• Follow The Son Child Care Center
• Greenhouse Preschool
• Grow Early Learning Center
• Heavenly Days Childcare Home
• Joy Junction Christian Childcare
• Kid’s Castle Learning Center
• Kids- R- Us 3 Preschool & Childcare
• Kidz Place Childcare
• Kinder Care Learning Center - Red Banks
• Kinder Care Learning Center - Stantonsburg
• Koinonia Kaleidoscope Child Care Center
• Little Sunshines Academy - Greenville
• Little Sunshines Academy - Winterville
• Loving Arms Family Home Child Care
• Mom’s Tiny Treasures ELC
• Nanna’s Family Day Care
• Opendoor Child Development Center - Simpson
• Pitt County Early Head Start
• Pitt County Head Start
• Precious Moments Learning Center, LLC
• Rising Stars of Greenville
• Sadie Saulter Pre-k
• Safe Haven Childcare
• Sharon’s Home Away From Home Child Care
• South Greenville Elementary School
• Sunshine Scholars Academy - Ayden
• Sycamore Chapel's Tender Touch Child Care
• The Scholars House Learning Center
• Tiny Hearts Child Care Center

“The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist.’” — Maria Montessori

Thank you for all that you do to nurture curiosity, confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. 🌟📚🖍️

🎓💜 Big congratulations to our incredible intern, Emily Madrigal!

Emily is graduating Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Social Work from ECU's School of Social Work, and we couldn’t be more proud! 🏴‍☠️💛

Throughout her time with the Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children, Emily has been an instrumental part of our team, helping plan and bring to life so many of our community events, including Bottoms for Babies Diaper Drives, Trunk-or-Treat Spooktacular, KidsFest Springtacular, and Wellness at Wildwood.

Her dedication, passion, and heart for serving others have made a lasting impact on our organization and the families we serve. She will be greatly missed, but we’re so excited to see all the amazing things ahead for her! ✨

Join us in wishing Emily the very best on her next chapter! 💫👏

The Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children was thrilled to participate in the 2026 Smart Start Conference this week! ✨

Our staff spent the week learning, connecting, and growing alongside fellow early childhood professionals from across North Carolina through inspiring workshops, networking opportunities, and powerful keynote sessions. 💙

This year’s conference focused on topics including:
📚 Early Care and Education
🩺 Child, Family, & Community Health
🤝 Family Support and Engagement
📊 Data, Learning, and Evaluation
🌱 Systems Building and Leadership
📣 Public Engagement and Fundraising

We were especially inspired by guest speakers Josh Davis of Strive Together, who shared insights on how community partnerships can drive economic mobility and long-term success for children and families, and Dr. Nefertiti Poyner, who spoke on the importance of resilience and well-being for the adults supporting children every day. 🌟

Safe to say our team had a blast, energized with new ideas and renewed passion for serving children and families in our community! 💫

💚 What is Children’s Mental Health and why does it matter? 💚

Today, Thursday, May 7, we recognize Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, a time to shine a light on the well-being of our children and youth.

The 2026 theme, “Beyond the Screen: Education, Prevention, Connection,” reminds us of the importance of balancing technology with real life connection, strengthening family relationships, and supporting early intervention.

👕 Wear green today to show your support and help raise awareness!

For nearly 20 years, this day has helped bring attention to the growing mental health needs of young people. Right now, children and youth are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis. About 1 in 5 experience a diagnosable mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder, yet many do not receive the care they need. These challenges can impact how they learn, grow, and thrive.

Looking for fun ways to swap screen time for connection time? 💚

Try these simple, engaging activities for young children:

🎨 Arts and crafts like coloring, painting, or playdough

📚 Reading books together

🧩 Puzzles and building blocks

🚲 Outdoor play like biking, sidewalk chalk, or a nature walk

🎭 Imaginative play like dress up, pretend kitchen, or puppets

🎶 Dance parties or singing along to favorite songs

🧑‍🍳 Helping in the kitchen with simple recipes

🌱 Gardening or planting flowers

Looking for something new to do? Stop by our lending library today and get your FREE membership.

Our lending library offers hundreds of toys and activities to keep your little ones learning and having fun without screens. The best part? You can check out up to five items at a time for free.

Come explore, play, and connect 💚