The Dare County Board of Commissioners continued its review of an initiative to restore licensed childcare services on Hatteras Island through a nonprofit model. Coastal Family Collaborative Executive Director Heather Jennette previously presented the organization’s proposal to establish Tidal Tots Childcare Center, a nonprofit early childhood education center intended to provide accessible, high-quality childcare for Hatteras Island families.
Following the nonprofit’s presentation during the August 3, 2026, Board of Commissioners meeting, the board established a subcommittee to work with Coastal Family Collaborative and further evaluate the initiative’s financial plan, long-term sustainability and request for a $125,000 county investment over three years to support startup costs. The subcommittee met with the board and representatives from Coastal Family Collaborative on August 6, 2026, to continue that review.
Following the subcommittee’s review, County Manager Bobby Outten reported that the proposed nonprofit model was determined to be workable. The board recognized that the center will need time to build enrollment and staffing and may not have full attendance or all staff members hired when it first opens, but the financial model is expected to become viable over time.
After discussion, the Board of Commissioners approved providing up to $35,000 to Coastal Family Collaborative for initial startup expenses, including payment of the center’s first year of rent. The rent is approximately $2,600 per month, with the remaining funding available to address other eligible expenses that may arise during the center’s initial startup period. The total county contribution will not exceed $35,000.
As part of the agreement, Coastal Family Collaborative will return to the board at the six-month mark to provide an update on the center’s progress and financial performance.
The initiative remains focused on restoring licensed childcare access on Hatteras Island, where the closure of the island’s last childcare center in December 2025 left working families and local employers without a year-round licensed childcare option. Coastal Family Collaborative has proposed a diversified funding model that includes tuition, state childcare subsidies, grants, charitable contributions and community fundraising to support the center’s long-term sustainability.
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