Preschool-Early Childhood Initiatives

The Administrative team oversees the preschool program which serves Head Start, Title I and Exceptional Children for Onslow County Schools.  This team monitors fiscal management, program operations, program management, quality improvement and supervision of preschool staff. 

• Luisa Davis, Director
• Katherine Ray, Assistant Director
• Melinda Watkins, Preschool Coordinator & Finance

Education staff focus on the preschool teacher and classroom.  They work directly with the teacher to ensure the classroom runs smoothly and assist with implementing the Creative Curriculum and utilizing Teaching Strategies Gold online assessment.  They plan and facilitate professional development and pre-service training for teaching staff.  Education staff are actively involved in the preschool leadership team meetings. 

• Brandy Lammonds, Education Specialist
• Gwen Macias, Education Specialist
• Miros Waite, Education Specialist

Family Services staff provides coordinated services and activities for families that promote strength, healthy living, and overall well-being for families.  They also provide support as a liaison between families, staff, the community, and other family-related services.  The family services team encourages all family members to become advocates for their children and family. 

• Brittany Smith, Family Service Worker
• Hannah Venero, Family Service Worker
• Janie Marshburn, Family Specialist
• KeAndra Macklin, Family Service Worker
• Madison Whitney, Family Service Worker

Exceptional Children staff work with families to ensure eligible children with disabilities are appropriately serviced through a range of environments, which include walk-in services, play-based group services, itinerate services in the home or community setting, and/or in a preschool setting. 

• Amy Fitz, EC PreK Program Coach
• Chandra Walsh, EC PreK Program Coach
• Michelle Smith, EC PreK Program Coach
• Tara Olson, EC PreK Program Coach

NCPK Coordinator works with program staff to ensure compliance and oversight of NCPK requirements and NC Childcare Licensing requirements. Additionally, the NCPK Coordinator monitors and supports the preschool application process. 

• Hannah Bradshaw, NCPK Coordinator

Office Support staff works with families in accessing preschool information and resources.  They support families through the application process and provide resources to families as needed.  

• Najah Martin, Office Support
• Trystyn Kent Orr, Office Support

Thompson Early Childhood Center
440 College Street, Jacksonville, NC

Phone Number 910-346-6222

Fax Number 910-346-6636