Collaboration is the cornerstone of Smart Start of New Hanover County's (SSNHC) mission and modus operandi.  Our role is to provide services to young children and their families without duplicating services that already exist.  To this end, SSNHC bridges gaps in the local human services network that provides for young children and their families.  Collaboration - one of our most effective strategies - brings our community together for the good of all of our youngest residents.

The Board of Directors of SSNHC is a model of collaboration.  When N.C. Smart Start came into existence, the legislation structured local Boards to reflect the character and diversity of each community.  Our Board of Directors is represented by the positions outlined below:

In addition to the Board of Directors, we also build partnerships with people or groups who agree that the children in our community need the benefits of a high-quality comprehensive early childhood care and education system to support them in a successful kindergarten transition and later success as adults.  Our Direct Service Providers are an example of these partnerships.  They include