Smart Start of Mecklenburg County

08/26/2026

📹 𝐷𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑜𝑛 𝘩𝑎𝑠 𝘩𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝐶𝘩𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑒-𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑘𝑖𝑑𝑠 | Thanks to Queen City News and Jason Harper for having Mike on this morning to discuss the impact Dolly Parton made in our community. Watch the full interview here: https://ow.ly/zHYk50ZFP7m

08/25/2026

We'll keep turning the pages. 💛😢

08/25/2026

A statement on Dolly Parton from our CEO, Mike Blackwelder: "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Dolly Parton. It is difficult to state how much of an impact Dolly had on this world – she continuously poured herself into others through her music and her philanthropy. She was an amazingly bright light that shared her light with others – not just those around her but with millions of fans who loved her work and millions of children who learned to read because of her.

Personally, I have been a fan of Dolly for my entire life; she has been a constant source of inspiration, positivity, and a reminder of the goodness that can (and should) exist in humanity. My SSMC team and I – along with countless others – are processing this news with shock and grief. It has been, and will continue to be, the greatest honor to help carry on her legacy in a small way; the work of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library will continue to provide early literacy opportunities to young children in our community and around the world. Dolly left this world better than she found it – this is truly a loss for all of us. We will always love you, Dolly." 💛

08/25/2026

Plenty of opportunities to get the whole family out and about over the next month. Here's where you can see us 👀⤴️

08/24/2026

08/23/2026

🗨️ "WAGE$ is important because it gives teachers the chance to overcome obstacles, relieve financial stress, and feel like they are not taken for granted. It changed my life by allowing me to have financial freedom.”

Delivered by Early Years NC, WAGE$ offers the opportunity for early childhood educators to receive a financial bonus when they are working towards higher education.

This content supports our vision that all children in Meck County turn five ready to thrive.

08/21/2026

🤝 The Basics Mecklenburg is proud to now partner with the Children's Developmental Services Agency (CDSA). The CDSA is the local agency for Early Intervention in our community and is part of the statewide NC Infant-Toddler Program.

Learn more about our amazing partners here: https://www.smartstartofmeck.org/families-caregivers/ourprograms/the-basics-mecklenburg/partners-supporters/

08/19/2026

📸 I don't know about y'all, but summer flew by 💨 Take a peak at what we've been up to with this photo dump on World Photo Day!

08/18/2026

𝙐𝙥𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨. It's your last chance to register for Saturday's community event, Growing Together: A Community Conversation on Early Care and Education. Hosted by incoming Mecklenburg County Commissioner and SSMC Board Member Charles DeLoach, attendees will learn about the importance of early care and education, access and affordability, what quality care looks like, and how to advocate for a better childcare system. There will be a 90-minute panel discussion with an opportunity to ask questions. Childcare will also be provided. 👈

Visit our Upcoming Events page for more info, to register, and other events: https://www.smartstartofmeck.org/events/

08/17/2026

💙 🤝 Smart Start of Mecklenburg County is proud to partner, collaborate and convene with many like-minded organizations across our community. The mission that all children turn five ready to thrive is shared by all of our partners. On National Nonprofit Day, learn more about who we work with and what we're all about here: https://www.smartstartofmeck.org/about/our-programs/