“The General Assembly finds, upon consultation with the Governor, that every child can benefit from, and should have access to, high-quality early childhood education and development services. The economic future and well-being for the State depend upon it.”
– NC Legislation Authorizing Smart Start Funding, July 1993

Smart Start is North Carolina’s nationally recognized early childhood initiative. Funds are disbursed by the state legislature to local non-profit organizations, charged with implementing a comprehensive early childhood education initiative. Smart Start of New Hanover County is our local Smart Start agency. Led by a volunteer Board of Directors and relying on business and community leaders, parents, teachers, local agencies, nonprofits, and the faith community, our efforts are focused on building collaboration to ensure that children are prepared for success by the time they reach kindergarten.

North Carolina’s Smart Start began in 1993 with 12 pioneer Partnerships across the state and expanded to all 100 counties by 1998. Smart Start of New Hanover County is now celebrating ten years of service to the community, having incorporated in 1995.

Still, the Smart Start Initiative has yet to be fully funded by the North Carolina Legislature. In New Hanover County, the Partnership receives 57% of the resources that would answer our county’s total need. Please join us in our efforts to advocate for children and in providing supports that will allow all children the same opportunities for success.

A parent’s influence has lasting effects and can take many forms, from daily attention given to your child to advocating on their behalf with your legislators.

Who’s at the Smart Start of New Hanover County Table?

Business Representatives, Nonprofit Leaders, Faith Community, Health Department, Public Schools, Community Colleges, Department of Social Services, Head Start, Cooperative Extension, Public Library, Mental Health Department, Child Care Providers, Parents, City and County Governments, Interagency Coordinating Council

In 1998, Smart Start won the Innovations in American Government award from Harvard University and Ford Foundation.

As a Parent….How can I help my child prepare for success?

• Be a “learning model” for your child; children are more likely to succeed when their families actively support them. Learning should always be enjoyable and important!
• Show your child that you care and are dependable.
• Make sure your child eats nutritious food, gets plenty of safe exercise and ALWAYS attends scheduled medical appointments.
• Provide opportunities for repetition—children learn by practicing.
• Listen and talk to your child, beginning at birth, to help develop language ability. Ask your child questions and answer hers; if you don’t know the answer, explore together for it.
• Read aloud to your child every day and make conscientious choices in television viewing. Even parents who can’t read can enjoy the activity when shared with their children and many have learned to read right alongside their children!
• You know your child— challenging him will prevent boredom, but be realistic about your expectations of him.
• Encourage independence by allowing your child to do and decide appropriate things by himself.
• Provide your child social opportunities with children and adults outside of your family. Likewise, provide opportunities for new experiences “off the beaten path.” Go to the library— if your child can write her name, she can sign her own library card!

The ages between birth and 5 are the foundation upon which successful lives are built.
--Laura Bush

How can I be a CHILD ADVOCATE?

• Get to know your child’s teachers and facility. Ask questions of them— What is my child learning? What does my child need to be learning?
• Find others locally who are of like mind and support each other’s efforts to spread the word.
• Know your legislators. Find their contact  information and get to know their stand on the issues. Write a post card or e-mail your legislators— remind them that you are one of their “folks back home.”
• Register to vote.
• Sign up to be an E-advocate at www.ncchild.org.