Parenting is hard! There are times when every family could use a little (or a lot) of extra support. Smart Start of NHC provides a variety of classes and services to parents and families who live in New Hanover County to make this hard job easier and a bit more manageable.
Early Literacy
Parenting Services & Classes
Early Literacy Programs
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Smart Start and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library are working together to ensure children develop a love of reading early on. You may register your child under five years of age to receive one free book each month until his or her 5th birthday.
Register Here
Reach Out and Read
Reach Out and Read encourages school success through participating medical providers who “prescribe” children’s books and shared reading activities for families. At scheduled well-check visits, children receive a new, high quality, culturally and age-appropriate book. For more information, contact Smart Start of NHC at 910-815-3731.
Smart Start Resource Room Library
The Smart Start Library is available online and in the Resource Room. Parents, educators and providers who are RR members can check out learning materials, including children’s books, theme kits, and resource materials. Visit the SS Library page or contact Ciara at 910.815.3731 for more info.
Services & Classes for Parents & Guardians
Parenting Consulting 
While raising children, we all face parenting challenges at times. Parenting Consulting is available to all members of our community and on a request basis (see topics here). For more information, contact Smart Start of NHC at 910-815-3731.
Resource Room
Families and early childhood professionals can check-out curriculum guides, resource books, videos, children’s CDs, and theme boxes with educational toys and activity ideas. Laminating services, die cuts, a computer work station, museum passes, baby wear and other items are also available. Membership requires a small annual fee.
Resource Room Website
Smart Start Resource Room Online Library
Parents as Teachers TM (PAT)
Parents are supported in promoting healthy development of their children and school readiness through the use of an evidence-based home visiting model. Parent knowledge of child development and model parenting practices are fostered, and the early detection of developmental delays is improved.
Learn more
Referral Form
Special Needs Support – Circle of Parents ®
Smart Start’s Circle of Parents support group is for parents of children with special needs or special health care needs. The group meets weekly through-out the school year. Meals and a children’s circle for children up to age 12 are provided. Learn more
Download Identifying & Navigating Special Needs
Young Parents Support – Circle of Parents ®
Young Parents Support Program supports young parents using group meetings (Circle of Parents) and home visiting to work towards the common goal of building family strengths in the areas of family management, communications, nurturing, and positive discipline. Learn More about this partnership with Communities in Schools – Cape Fear.
Triple P ® (Positive Parenting Program)
Using evidence based principles, Triple P offers advice and tools that parents need to raise confident, healthy children, and to build stronger family relationships. Individual support on specific issues as well as general parenting information in a seminar series is provided and available to all parents. An intensive group is also available to participants referred from NHC Department of Social Services. Learn more
