Tidal Tots will be located in Frisco, North Carolina, in the former Little Sprouts childcare facility. We will serve families from throughout Hatteras Island.

Tidal Tots will provide care for children from infancy through preschool age, with three classrooms designed for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Our planned licensed capacity is approximately 30 children. Keeping the center intentionally small allows us to create a nurturing environment where children, families, and educators can truly know one another.

Our planned hours are 7:15 a.m.–5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, with care available year-round except for scheduled holidays, staff development days, and other announced closures.

Our anticipated monthly tuition rates are:

Infants — $1,400/month
Toddlers — $1,200/month
Preschool — $1,000/month

Final tuition and enrollment policies will be provided to families before enrollment.

Yes. Tidal Tots intends to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy Program so eligible families can use subsidy assistance toward the cost of care.

We encourage all families who are considering enrolling their child(ren) at Tidal Tots to find more information here:

https://www.darenc.gov/departments/health-human-services/our-units/family-services

Yes. Tidal Tots will operate as a licensed North Carolina childcare center through the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). We are building our program with the goal of achieving and maintaining the highest Star rating based on NCDCDEE requirements.

Families will provide their child's meals and snacks from home. This allows families greater flexibility around their child's preferences, dietary needs, allergies, and family choices. Tidal Tots will provide appropriate storage and mealtime routines in accordance with applicable childcare requirements.

A lot more than simply “be watched.” Children will spend their days learning through play, exploration, stories, art, music, movement, outdoor time, friendships, conversation, and developmentally appropriate curriculum.

Our goal is to create days that feel joyful to children while intentionally supporting their social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development.

Families interested in Tidal Tots can email coastalfamilycollaborative@gmail.com

This allows us to gather the information we'll need as enrollment begins, but does not guarantee placement until an enrollment offer is formally made and accepted.

Because we anticipate that initial demand may exceed available spaces, enrollment will depend on classroom availability, age, required staff-to-child ratios, and the center's ability to appropriately place each child.

Yes! Building an exceptional childcare center begins with exceptional educators. We are recruiting caring, dependable professionals who want to help create something special for Hatteras Island's children and families. Please visit the Careers page for more information.

Tidal Tots is operated by Coastal Family Collaborative, a North Carolina nonprofit organization created to develop sustainable, community-based solutions that strengthen children, families, and the future of Hatteras Island.

That means Tidal Tots is not privately owned and is not being operated to generate profit for an individual owner. Revenue is reinvested in the program and the mission of Coastal Family Collaborative.

Please do! Tidal Tots has been possible because people throughout our community have recognized that childcare affects all of us.

Businesses, organizations, and individuals can support our work through financial contributions, grants, sponsorships, donated materials or services, and community partnerships.

Please visit the Support page for additional information.