North Carolina’s prosperity depends on our ability to ensure that all children have the opportunity to develop intellectually, socially and emotionally. A child with a solid foundation becomes part of a solid community and contributes to society.

How do we ensure a solid foundation? We begin with high-quality early care and education. Science has shown that early experiences have biological consequences. In fact, the experiences children have early in life—and the environments in which they have them—literally shape the wiring of the brain and strongly affect whether a child grows up to be a healthy, productive member of society.

This report demonstrates Smart Start’s ongoing impact for North Carolina’s children—our future parents, workers, and leaders. The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc., is required by legislation to make a report no later than December 1 of each year to the General Assembly.