1993

Smart Start’s authorizing legislation is ratified on July 9 and receives $20 million appropriation.

The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc. is created; the newly created N.C. Division of Child Development develops and implements Smart Start.

Gov. Hunt announces selection of 12 “pioneer” partnerships representing 18 counties.

1994

Smart Start appropriation grows to $47 million; 12 additional partnerships are named from 13 counties.

1995

Smart Start appropriation increased to $58 million; additional 11 counties are selected.

Smart Start services available in 43 counties.

1996

Independent performance audit calls Smart Start a credible program that should be expanded.

Smart Start appropriation now $67 million.

12 additional partnerships added.

Legislation passes requiring 30 percent of Smart Start funds be used for child care subsidies.

N.C. Partnership for the Childrens takes over administration of Smart Start.

1997

Appropriation grows to $97 million, including planning funds for the remaining 45 counties without Smart Start.

1998

Appropriation grows to $143 million.

Smart Start wins the Innovations in American Government award from Harvard University and Ford Foundation.

1999

Smart Start wins national award from the Council of State Governments.

Smart Start appropriation grows to $217 million.

2000

General Assembly appropriates $231 million to Smart Start, an all-time high.

Smart Start tops more than $100 million in combined private support since 1995.

Working Mother magazine ranks NC‘s Smart Start as one of nation’s top child care initiatives.

2002

National Smart Start Technical Assistance Center established.

Smart Start funding decreases to $220 million.

Performance-Based Incentive System is created to evaluate partnerships on statewide standards.

Smart Start funding reduced to $198 million.

Hundreds of child advocates attend first “Keep the Promise to North Carolina’s Young Children” rally at the NC Legislature, lawmakers presented with petitions with more than 10,000 signatures supporting Smart Start.

2003

Study by FPG Institute finds that Smart Start is achieving its goal, children are better prepared for school.

Performance Audit of Smart Start shows financial compliance.

Smart Start private support tops $200 million since 1995.

14 states use Smart Start as the model for early education programs.

2004

Poll finds that 81% of North Carolinians favor Smart Start.

More than half of N.C. children enrolled in child care are in the highest quality programs.

2006

Smart Start receives first funding increase from the General Assembly in 5 years. Funding is increased to $203.6 million.

Smart Start receives $5 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.