Smart Start Partnership for Children

06/11/2026

Many schools offer summer opportunities for rising kindergarteners!

These camps or school events can help children practice school routines, meet school staff, and feel more comfortable before the first day of kindergarten.

Be sure your child is registered for kindergarten and check with your school to see what summer opportunities are available.

Small steps now can help the first day feel a little more familiar.

06/09/2026

Countdown to Kindergarten: Week 2
This week, we're focusing on following simple directions.

In kindergarten, children follow many small directions during the day, like lining up, putting things away, washing hands, and moving to a new activity.

Try this at home:
Practice 1-step and 2-step directions during everyday routines.
1-step: "Bring me your shoes"
2-step: "Pick up your dishes and put them in the sink."

Why it helps:
Practicing simple directions helps children build listening skills and feel more comfortable with classroom routines.

Small reminder:
Keep directions short and clear. Children are still learning to listen, remember, and follow through.

Small skills. Big confidence.

06/08/2026

On the hunt for food pantries? Use MANA food bank's online food locator tool to find food pantries and meal sites today.

https://mannafoodbank.org/find-food/

06/04/2026

Registering for kindergarten helps your child's school stay connected with your family.

When your child is registered, your school can share important updates, reminders, summer opportunities, and first-day information.

Tip: Register as soon as you can so you do not miss updates from your school.

Not sure where to start? Contact your child's school for help with kindergarten registration.

Register TODAY:
https://kreg.hcpsnc.org/

06/02/2026

Count to Kindergarten: Week 1

This week, we're focusing on helping children name big feelings.

Kindergarten can bring lots of emotions: excitement, nerves, frustration, tiredness, and pride. When children can name how they feel, it is easier for them to ask an adult for help.

Try this at home:
Use feeling words during everyday moments. You might say, "That felt hard," or "You seem proud of yourself."

This helps children learn the words they can use when big feelings come up at school.

Reminder:
All feelings are okay! Children learn how to handle big feelings by watching us.

06/01/2026

There are so many amazing farmers markets happening in and around Henderson County this summer! Bring your child along this week and let them help pick out something new to try — maybe something in their favorite color, a fruit they’ve never tasted, or ingredients for a fun family meal. With this many options, there’s something for everyone. Mills River Farm Market Flat Rock Farmers Market

Fletcher Community Farmers Market
Tuesdays | 3–6 PM | May–August
85 Howard Gap Rd, Bill Moore Community Park

Treska’s Tuesday Market
Tuesdays | 3:30–6 PM | May–September
215 Rhett Dr, Flat Rock

Etowah Lions Farmers Market
Wednesdays | 3–5:30 PM | May–October
447 Etowah School Rd

Flat Rock Farmers Market
Thursdays | 3–6 PM | May–October
1790 Greenville Hwy

Henderson County Tailgate Market
Saturdays | 8 AM–12 PM | May–October
100 N King St

Mills River Farm Market
Saturdays | 8 AM–12 PM | May–October
94 Schoolhouse Rd

Hendersonville Farmers Market
Saturdays | 8 AM–1 PM | May–October
650 Maple St, Historic Train Depot

Remember: You can double your SNAP/EBT benefits at participating farmers markets! For every dollar spent using SNAP/EBT, you’ll receive another dollar to spend on eligible products. This is a great way to stretch your SNAP dollars to work best for you!

05/29/2026

Do you have a rising kindergartener? 🎒✨

This summer, we’ll share simple tips to help your child feel more confident and ready for school. Each week will focus on one small skill families can practice at home — like routines, feelings, independence, and readiness.

Be sure your child is registered for kindergarten so you can stay connected with your school and hear about summer opportunities. https://ext.hcpsnc.net/enrollment/

Small skills, big confidence.

05/28/2026

Do you have a rising kindergartener? The June Kindergarten Readiness Calendar is full of simple, play-based activities your family can do at home to help your child build confidence and practice important skills before the first day of school.

This month’s calendar includes fun ways to practice:
✂️ Fine motor skills
🔤 Letters, names, and rhyming
😊 Social-emotional skills
🎒 First-day-of-school routines
🧠 Following directions and problem-solving
👟 Self-help skills like zippers, buttons, and shoes

A few minutes of playful practice can make a big difference as children get ready for kindergarten!

📌 HCPS Families: Be sure your child is registered for kindergarten! Most HCPS elementary schools are offering rising kindergarten camps this summer, so you’ll want to make sure you are registered and connected with your child’s school so your rising kindergartener can attend.

Link to register: https://ext.hcpsnc.net/enrollment/

We’re excited to support our newest HCPS students as they get ready for a great start to kindergarten! 💙

05/26/2026