Smart Start

Who We Are

Smart Start of New Hanover County, Inc. shares with the other citizens of New Hanover County a common concern for and commitment to the welfare and future success of our youngest citizens. As part of Smart Start, North Carolina’s Early Childhood Initiative, Smart Start of New Hanover County serves as a local leader in developing a comprehensive, collaborative approach to serve the needs of all children, birth to 5, in New Hanover County. We know that, during this time in a child’s life, the brain grows to 90% of its adult size and children are eager and ready to learn; therefore, their access to high quality health care and learning environments does matter. We collaborate with a network of community services on behalf of children and their families in order to ensure that every child has the opportunity to enter school prepared for success.

Smart Start of New Hanover County, Inc. is a public-private 501(c)-3(non-profit) organization.

Our Vision

Smart Start of New Hanover County envisions every child entering school with the health, family support and early education necessary to succeed.

• All families will receive the support and education that they need in order to have healthy children with necessary preventive and routine health care;
• Every child will grow up in an environment that is free of abuse, neglect and violence;
• Families and their children will have the necessary assistance in their efforts to reach their full potential;
• Affordable, quality early education will be available to all families, as appropriate, meeting individual child and family needs;
• New Hanover County corporate, philanthropic and community leaders will make quality early childhood services for children and their families a priority.

Our Mission

Smart Start of New Hanover County seeks to build bridges to develop, sustain and enhance health, family support and early education services for all children, ages birth to five.

Our Beliefs

• The well being and success of every child is critical regardless of race, ethnicity,
  socioeconomic status, or developmental and learning disabilities;
• The quality of life for young children is basic to adult well-being and the future
  economic vitality of our community;
• Parents are a child's first and most important teachers;
• A broad community-based partnership committed to young children should be available to assist parents in their role as primary caregivers;
• The community has the responsibility to provide effective strategies and services to support early education, as well as the development of mentally and physically healthy children.

Accountability

As part of a state legislated and funded program, Smart Start of New Hanover County adheres to strict monitoring and evaluation standards. In order to track progress and evaluate outcomes and results, a performance-based incentive system (PBIS) was created at the state level as a guide for Smart Starts across the state. More than 20 criteria have been established in four key areas– administration, early care and education, health and family support. These standards focus our work and resources in targeted ways that truly impact a child’s readiness for kindergarten.