Smart Start Of Transylvania County

08/27/2026

✨Save the date!✨

The next dinner in the GetSet Family Dinner Series will take place on September 28 from 5:30-7:00 at the Transylvania County Recreation Department. The dinner will focus on foundational skills for early learning. Attendance is free and child care is available for children over 18 months.

Register here: https://bit.ly/4gmWblX (🔗 in bio!)

08/25/2026

Rest in eternal peace, our sweet and magical Dolly! Thank you for being such a fierce champion of early literacy and impacting the lives of millions of children! The joy, light, and inherent goodness that you shared with us will not be forgotten. We are forever grateful for you and your endlessly generous heart. 🩷🌈🪽

08/22/2026

Resources, community, and care. 🫶

These are some of the answers local FFN providers gave when asked the question "How can organizations support Family, Friend, and Neighbor Caregivers and Families?"

ECE organizations that are interested in engaging in meaningful thought partnership and exploring ways that they might be able to support FFN families and providers in their communities are invited to reach out to SSTC to learn more about our FFN work.

08/21/2026

Learning begins at birth. During the first three years of a child’s life their brain forms over one million new neural connections every second. By the time children turn three, they have already begun laying the foundation for life-long learning.

A supportive and loving relationship between a child and their caregiver(s) and a consistent early learning environment are key factors that influence brain development and lifelong mental health in babies. 👶🩷

08/21/2026

Do you work at least 10 hours a week at a licensed child care program serving children ages 0-5?

If so, you may qualify for WAGE$ education-based salary supplements. Head here http://bit.ly/3mwa73D or to the link in our bio to find out if you qualify, learn about WAGE$ outcomes, and apply today to earn fairer compensation. ✨💰

08/19/2026

In recognition of the large number of families in our community who rely upon Family, Friend, and Neighbor care, SSTC formed our FFN Network to recognize, uplift, and empower home care providers. 🏡👦🏼👧🏽

⭐️ FFN Care Network Members meet monthly to network with other providers in the community, participate in chats surrounding child care, and work together to advocate for better resources and support for home-based caregivers. ⭐️

Learn more: smartstarttransylvania.org/ffn-care-network

08/13/2026

SSTC held our second annual Dental Bus event over the weekend! 🦷✨ Free dental cleanings, fillings, and extractions were offered to children age(s) 0-5 and to parents and siblings living in their household.

First Baptist Church of Brevard hosted the event and provided on-site child care. A total of 45 people boarded the Baptists on Mission Dental Bus to receive care from dental professionals from Transylvania County and the broader WNC region who generously volunteered their time!

FFN Network members assisted with translation services and team members from The Hunger Coalition, The Family Place, Blue Ridge Dental Clinic in Cashiers, and Spark Point joined SSTC in providing free resources and fun activities for families!

A special thank you to Pastor Jeff Maynard from First Baptist Church and to Megan Sansosti and the Water Oak Dental team for all of your help, and thank you so much to all community partners and volunteers who helped make this event possible! 🙌🩵😁

08/11/2026

08/06/2026

“Investing in FFN care strengthens not only child development and family stability but also community resilience, highlighting the essential role they play in Western North Carolina.”

Since 2023, Dogwood Health Trust has awarded SSTC $700,000 to support our Family, Friend, and Neighbor care initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to strengthening the child care sector as a whole and a recognition of the important role that home-based caregivers play in early childhood education.

One of our local FFN providers, Karen, is profiled in Dogwood’s recent partner story: “Homegrown Care – Why Family, Friends and Neighbors are Key to WNC’s Childcare Crisis.”

Read the article through the link in our bio or here: https://bit.ly/4fUO4M1

08/03/2026

Join local organizations at the Community Resource Fair on August 29 for free food, giveaways, and resources!

Our Community Engagement and Family Support Manager, Chelsea, will be there to connect with families! Hope to see you there! 💙