Smart Start

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 […]

05/14/2026

The Smart Start Connection- May 2026 - https://mailchi.mp/smartstart/connection-may-2026

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.

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.

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

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.

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

04/30/2026

Smart Start is thankful for Teaching Strategies for Early Childhood Education for sponsoring the 2026 Smart Start Conference.

Their commitment to high-quality early learning tools and resources supports educators and helps ensure young children have engaging, developmentally rich learning experiences. We're grateful for their partnership and investment!

Still not registered? You can do so at www.smartstartconference.org

04/29/2026

Smart Start extends its gratitude to UNCW's Watson School of Education for sponsoring the 2026 Smart Start Conference.

Their commitment to preparing and supporting educators strengthens the early childhood workforce and helps ensure high-quality learning experiences for young children across North Carolina.

Learn more, explore the full conference experience, and register today: www.smartstartconference.org