Smart Start of New Hanover County

10/16/2026

The training calendar for October through December is available for registration! If you are an educator serving children ages birth to five, these trainings are available for you to attend!

You can view our calendar and register at this link: https://buff.ly/LbgG0uC

How to register:
1.) Locate a class you are interested in attending on the calendar (classes are blue).
2.) Click on the class. Scroll down to "Tickets" and select the number of tickets you need.
3.) Fill out the attendee information and checkout.

Classes are located at our office (725 Wellington Ave.) unless otherwise stated.

If you have any questions, please contact Rita Albrecht at [email protected]

10/15/2026

What an amazing experience at the NC Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Association Annual Conference – Hand in Hand: Promoting Early Relational Health! Our team had a wonderful time learning from experts, building new connections, and networking with professionals dedicated to helping children thrive. We left inspired and energized by the work happening across our field!

10/15/2026

Our partners at YWCA Lower Cape Fear are hosting a Week Without Violence. Check out the details below.

10/14/2026

Our partner 4th Trimester Mission is starting a new Mamas of Color Meetup!

10/13/2026

Thanks to Tasha at Life at Marsh McLennan Agency and Jenna at Truist! Your book drive and generous donations make it possible for us to get high quality books into the hands of young children in our community.

Learn more about 's early literacy initiatives at link in comments. ⤵️

10/13/2026

Wilmington families - don’t miss this!

The Smart Start Family Festival is one of our favorite days of the year! 💚
Saturday, November 14th, 10am-1pm

Come out with your little ones for a FREE day of fun, play, activities, entertainment, giveaways and family connection at Long Leaf Park.

Whether you’re bringing a baby, toddler, preschooler or young child, there’s something for your family to enjoy.

Get all the details: www.newhanoverkids.org/family-festival/

video: Boot Scrap

10/12/2026

NC Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Association’s 2026 Annual Conference! *Hand in Hand: Promoting Early Relational Health*

Our team was excited to attend this year’s NCIMHA Annual Conference right here in Wilmington! With so many of our team members able to join, we spent the day learning from inspiring speakers, participating in engaging sessions, and exploring ways to strengthen early childhood systems and promote mental health for children birth through age 5 and expectant parents.

We learned, connected, and brought back new ideas to support our early childhood community!

And of course, we had to add a little personality to our name tags! From “Boss Lady” to “Unsupervised” and “Plays Well With Others,” our badges brought some extra fun to the day!

10/12/2026

Quality interactions play a critical role in a child's life, especially in the . LENA Grow is a research-based professional development program designed to strengthen teacher-child interactions and support healthy brain development.

Learn more about LENA Grow here: https://buff.ly/vsconRt

Through coaching and the use of LENA "talk pedometers," early educators receive personalized feedback on their interactions with and learn strategies to enhance communication and engagement over a five-week period. Best of all, there is no cost to participate.

Is your childcare center taking advantage of this opportunity? Contact to find out more information and next steps (910.815.3731).

LENA

Transform your early childhood education program with LENA Grow's data-driven professional development. Proven to improve outcomes.

10/07/2026

Inspire others to put . We all play a role in helping thrive. Inspire others to raise awareness for children’s healthy development with a Kids First License Plate. https://buff.ly/3W1idPX
Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina

10/07/2026

Save the date for the Smart Start of New Hanover County annual Family Festival on Nov 14th!

Thanks WECT News for helping to spread the word!