Smart Start

Smart Start Smart Start was created in 1993 as an innovative solution to a problem: Children were coming to school unprepared to learn.

Smart Start brings together all the people involved in a young child’s life—families, teachers, doctors, caregivers, social workers, and many others—to ensure every child has all they need for healthy growth and development. Policymakers recognized that progress would require tapping into the same innovative spirit that inspired private sector advances, and therefore, established Smart Start as a

public/private partnership. Independent, private organizations work in all 100 North Carolina counties through The North Carolina Partnership for Children and 75 Local Partnerships. The power of Smart Start is that it delivers outcomes by giving communities local control to determine the best approach to achieving them. Smart Start measurably increases the health and well-being of young children, building the foundation for all future learning, by:
• Improving children’s early care and education programs so that they are safe, healthy and provide opportunities for children to learn skills they need for success in school.
• Ensuring that children are screened for developmental delays.
• Providing parents with tools that support them in raising healthy, happy, successful children.

June is Whole Child Health and Well-Being Month in North Carolina!Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up health...
06/16/2026

June is Whole Child Health and Well-Being Month in North Carolina!

Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy, supported, and ready to thrive. At Smart Start, we're proud to partner with families and communities to help build strong foundations for lifelong success.

Thank you to Governor Josh Stein for recognizing the importance of investing in the whole child.

Learn more:

Governor Stein Proclaims Whole Child Health and Well-Being Month Whole Child and Health Well-being Month.pdf PDF • 1.79 MB - June 03, 2026 Proclamation

06/13/2026

We are proud to share that Governor Josh Stein has officially proclaimed June 2026 as Whole Child Health and Well-Being Month in North Carolina.

This proclamation affirms what we know to be true: a child’s health, well-being, education, and resilience are essential building blocks for lifelong success and a thriving future for our state.

At Smart Start, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to be healthy, safe, supported, and ready to learn. Through partnerships with families, communities, and early childhood professionals, we are committed to helping North Carolina’s children reach their full potential.

Join us this month as we celebrate the importance of nurturing the whole child and advancing opportunities that help all children thrive.

For 30 years, Robeson County Partnership for Children has supported families through early education, childcare assist...
05/27/2026

For 30 years, Robeson County Partnership for Children has supported families through early education, childcare assistance, literacy programs, and community partnerships. As part of North Carolina’s Smart Start network, the organization helps expand access to affordable preschool and Pre-K programs while offering resources that strengthen families and support children’s development. Through innovative programs, community collaboration, and initiatives like the bilingual book Hello Robeson County, the partnership continues working to ensure every child and family has the opportunity to thrive. Learn more by reading this Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina blog-

May 26, 2026 By Taylor McDonald, Senior Partnership Engagement Manager, and Elizabeth Fowler, Communications and Marketing Associate “You cannot make people learn. You can only provide the right conditions for […]

Former NCPC President, Karen Ponder, gives the Karen W. Ponder Leadership Award to William R. Batts, nominated by the Wa...
05/07/2026

Former NCPC President, Karen Ponder, gives the Karen W. Ponder Leadership Award to William R. Batts, nominated by the Wayne County Partnershp for Children, and David Jackson, nominated by the Children's Council of Watauga.

"We can not build resilient children on the backs of depleted adults" - Dr. Nefertiti PoynerDr. Poyner closes out the 20...
05/07/2026

"We can not build resilient children on the backs of depleted adults" - Dr. Nefertiti Poyner

Dr. Poyner closes out the 2026 Smart Start Conference with a focus on resilience.

As we wrap the 2026 Smart Start Conference, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our Strong Foundations Sponso...
05/07/2026

As we wrap the 2026 Smart Start Conference, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our Strong Foundations Sponsors.

Your support helped make this year’s gathering possible—bringing together leaders, partners, and advocates committed to building strong starts for young children and families across North Carolina. We’re grateful for your partnership and your continued investment in this work.

Thank you for being part of the foundation that makes it all possible.

05/07/2026

The 2026 Smart Start Conference is coming to a close soon. We are so thankful for our attendees, speakers, and sponsors. You all make it possible!

Watch this Fox 8 clip to see clips from Monday's Technical Assistance Preconference and hear from NCPC's Amy Stephens Cubbage

Smart Start extends its gratitude to Counseling Wellness & Health for sponsoring the 2026 Smart Start Conference.Their c...
05/05/2026

Smart Start extends its gratitude to Counseling Wellness & Health for sponsoring the 2026 Smart Start Conference.

Their commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care for children, families, and individuals supports stronger communities and aligns with Smart Start’s mission to help every child thrive.

We appreciate their partnership and investment in wellness across North Carolina.

Today we kick off the 2026 Smart Start Conference, and we’re proud to extend our gratitude to the North Carolina Educati...
05/04/2026

Today we kick off the 2026 Smart Start Conference, and we’re proud to extend our gratitude to the North Carolina Education Lottery for sponsoring this year’s event.

Their continued investment in early childhood education helps create more opportunities for young children across North Carolina to learn, grow, and thrive. Learn more at www.smartstartconference.org Follow our conference happenings at

Address

1100 Wake Forest Road
Raleigh, NC
27604

Telephone

+19198217999

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