ACDP Forum on Childcare in Ashe County
Childcare Forum Panel, moderated by Sarah Jane Stewart and Donna Apple (not pictured) ,
included from left to right:
Kayla Absher, Director, Generations Ashe Child Development Center
Karen Wolford, Director, Mt. Jefferson Child Development Center at Family Central
Laura Barefoot, Director, West Jefferson United Methodist Church Pre-School
Donna Wilkinson, Director, Learning Thru Play
Debbie Williams, Owner, Learning Thru Play
Also include in the photo: Greg Hopper, Chair of the Ashe Democratic Party and Darlene Sekerak President of the Democratic Women of Ashe.
Please help: ACDP is taking snack donations for Mt. Jefferson Child Development Center.
Suggested items: Goldfish crackers, bananas, apples, cuties (small mandarin oranges), small yogurt cups.
You can drop off your donations at our Democratic HQ, 642 Beaver Creek School Rd., West Jefferson on Fridays from 10am to 2pm.
Or donate directly to the Child Development Center at 626 Ashe Central School Rd, Jefferson, NC 28640.
What we learned:
1- There are 6 licensed child care centers in Ashe County, all 5 star rated.Ages 0-5 are served and some offer after school care. These centers currently enroll approximately 360 children.In addition, one child care center, operated by the West Jefferson United Methodist Church, is half day and serves 36 children.
2- Some Centers have a wait list, although one has vacancies.Most Centers would increase their enrollment if they could find qualified teachers to hire, and if state subsidies for families were available.These funds have been frozen for nearly a year. Many Centers have a sizable percent of families who receive subsidies.
3- Recruitment and retention of teachers is difficult due to several factors:
Pay is low, starting at $10-$11 entry level to $22 for 4 year college degree.
Benefits like health insurance and retirement are generally not available, only if the Center is affiliated with a larger organization like the school system or the senior center.
Attrition is often to the school system where pay and benefits are better.
Child care and early education is difficult work and requires a passion.
4- The cost of child care ranges from $1000/month for infants and toddlers to $890 for 3 and 4 year olds.
NO KINGS RALLY Sparta, NC
Oct. 18th, 2025
ACDP August General Meeting and
Ice Cream Social
From left to right: Charlie Wallin, Candidate for GA-93, our House District
Dorian Palmer, NC Democratic Party Executive Director for Community Outreach
Greg Hopper ACDP Chairman
Congresswoman Deborah Ross
and Chuck Hubbard, Candidate running for NC 5th District against Virginia Foxx.
Our July Litter Sweep was a Great Success!
Our Booth at Christmas In July
We The People !
On the morning of June 14, 2025, Ashe County Democrats joined a vibrant crowd of over 1,200 people that gathered in downtown West Jefferson for the “No Kings” march and rally. The event was part of a nationwide day of action protesting authoritarianism and democratic backsliding associated with the Trump administration.
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We had a great time at our
Sign Making Party!PARTY !!!
FDR DINNER
MAY 3, 2025
What a wonderful evening at the annual FDR Dinner and Ashe County Ashe County Democratic Party fundraiser!
Anderson Clayton (NCDP State Chair) gave an inspiring, fiery speech! Chuck Hubbard, who will boot Virginia Foxx from office next year, gave us some passionate words.
Other highlights of the evening included the presentation of the FDR Award by Ralph Sorrell to Melba Jones and a concluding talk by ACDP Chair Greg Hopper that expressed his vision for the party in the next two years.
2025 County Convention
At the convention, Greg Hopper was elected ACDP Chair, replacing Interim Chair Dick Greenwood
5th Congressional District Convention
The District Convention took place in Wilkesboro on May 17, 2025. Eleven ACDP delegates attended in person.
US House Candidate Chuck Hubbard was the keynote speaker.
Photos from Recent Meetings
2025 Precinct Organizing Meeting
