Each Child. Every Community.

In partnership with state agencies, philanthropy, and other organizations, NCPC collaborated on statewide projects and initiatives to enhance the state’s ability to support children and families. 

Capacity and Sustainability through Shared Services 

NCPC established a Shared Services Department in 2022 to strengthen the collective power of the Smart Start Network. The department focuses on increasing purchasing power, improving efficiency, providing access to quality resources, boosting organizational stability, and advancing equity. 

Since its inception, the department has introduced numerous shared service opportunities for the Network, including: 

• Network-wide survey platform for efficient data collection. 
• Resource bank for hiring critical consultants. 
• Translation and interpretation services catalog to support statewide needs. 
• Capacity-building tools for Local Partnership staff and boards, including trainings, shared events, and resource libraries. 

The Shared Services Department also: 

• Explored Network-wide health insurance enhancements for employees. 
• Led the redesign of the Network’s intranet to improve communication, collaboration, and resource sharing across all 75 Local Partnerships. 

To further support connection and collaboration, NCPC created Smart Start Local Partnership Peer Networking—a space for staff to explore challenges and opportunities in early childhood work together. From September 2023 to June 2024, more than 50 Local Partnership staff participated in 17 Peer Networking hours covering topics such as Communications & Outreach, Family Support, and Programming. 

These shared services have increased statewide collaboration, provided access to otherwise inaccessible resources, and eased administrative burdens for Local Partnerships.

Leadership Development through System Building 

NCPC embeds systems change and advocacy strategies into Smart Start leadership through training and coaching. 

• Program Coordination and Systems Building Peer Networking: A dedicated group for Local Partnership program staff to share tools, resources, and support around systems building. 
• Summer Institute for Systems Change: Launched in June 2024, this free training series supports Smart Start Local Partnerships, resilience coalitions, and other partners in systems change work. The series provides practical tools and strategies to improve outcomes for children and families and will continue into the next fiscal year. 
• Select NCPC staff are receiving advanced training on adaptive planning and coaching to better support Local Partnerships and community coalitions in implementing systems change practices. 

Building Strong Nonprofits through Leadership Development 

Through its partnership with the NC Center for Nonprofits, NCPC provides Local Partnerships with access to training and resources to strengthen nonprofit leadership and operations. 

Impact since September 2021:

• Over $64,000 saved in capacity-building support. 
• 52 Local Partnerships participated in Center trainings. 
• 46 Smart Start Network staff engaged in the Nonprofit Management Institute to build stronger organizations. 

This collaboration continues to foster leadership growth across the Smart Start Network. 

Smart Solutions: Effective Prenatal-to-Five Investments 

In FY 2023-2024, NCPC launched Smart Solutions: Effective Prenatal-to-Five Investments, a searchable catalog of evidence-based programs, interventions, and strategies designed to support children, families, communities, and professionals. 

The catalog includes solutions to enhance: 

• Early care and education 
• Family support 
• Literacy 
• Child and family health outcomes 
• Early childhood systems building 

Local Partnerships and community partners can use Smart Solutions to select programs based on community needs. The catalog is updated regularly, and Local Partnerships can submit additional solutions for consideration each fiscal year. As of October 2024, Smart Solutions features over 130 programs and services for Local Partnerships to implement in their communities. Learn more about Smart Solutions here.  

Through leadership development, shared services, and innovative resources, NCPC continues to strengthen the Smart Start Network, ensuring children and families across North Carolina are supported right from the start.