The 2012 Smart Start Pledge Breakfast has raised over $54,000 for New Hanover County so far...and still counting.

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The earliest years of childhood are critical.

Experiences during this time literally shape the structure of the brain. Because today's children are tomorrow's leaders, parents and workers, everyone has a stake in making sure that all children have the experiences that they need to thrive. Smart Start brings together all the people involved in a young child's life - families, teachers, doctors, caregivers, social workers and many others - to ensure every child has all they need for healthy growth and development.

"The foundations of social competence that are developed in the first five years are...[the] same social skills [that] are essential for the formation of lasting friendships and intimate relationships, effective parenting, the ability to hold a job and work well with others and for becoming a contributing member of a community."

National Scientific Council on the Developing Child

("Children's Emotional Development Is Built into the Architecture of Their Brains," April 2004)

It Takes A Thousand Voices...

Looking for Child Care Referrals? Click on the PUZZLES Center logo to the left and receive referrals online or by telephone, a FREE service of Smart Start Puzzles Center.

Smart Start of NHC is a proud partner in the weeLiveFIT collaborative.
Click on the logo above to find out how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.