When Hatteras Island lost its last licensed childcare center, the impact reached far beyond the families suddenly left without care. Parents struggled to stay in the workforce. Local employers struggled to retain employees. Young families were left wondering whether raising their children here was still possible.

We believe access to dependable, high-quality childcare is more than a family issue—it is essential to the strength and future of our entire community.

Tidal Tots was created to be part of the solution: a nonprofit early learning center built by this community, for this community, and designed to last.

Because when we invest in our youngest children, support working families, and value the educators who care for them, we’re growing strong futures for all of Hatteras Island.