Each Child. Every Community.

At Smart Start, we believe that every child deserves a strong foundation, and that foundation begins with families. This year, our work focused on partnering with North Carolina families to address challenges, foster resilience, and create opportunities for children...

For employees who have recently given birth, returning to work can be challenging for many reasons. For those who breastfeed, many are met with barriers—such as a lack of adequate break time to breastfeed, few private and comfortable spaces...

Honoring each family starts with understanding the systems they live in February is Black History Month and Family Support Awareness Month. While these two celebrations may seem separate, they are very much intertwined. The histories, stories, and lived experiences of...

Guest Blog Post: Our Children’s Place Smart Start offers evidence-based and evidence-informed, family-focused programs that offer support and education to increase parental knowledge of development, enhance parent confidence, and increase positive parenting practices. Smart Start is also able to connect...

- For Immediate Release (Download press release PDF) - New Website Will Engage Communities Statewide Around Resilience Download press release PDF RALEIGH- Resilient North Carolina, a website created by the NC Healthy & Resilient Communities Initiative (NCH&RCI), has launched. Resilient North...

Smart Start Recognizes the Impact of Community Based Doulas We must continue to reduce health inequities for black children and their families. We must do better. Smart Start’s mission is to advance a high quality, comprehensive, accountable early childhood system that benefits...

The Smart Start Network works year-round to ensure children and families are supported, creating a brighter future for each child in every community. Each Local Partnership provides critical social and emotional support, needed resources and referrals, crucial infrastructure support,...

by Mary Sonnenberg, M.Ed., President of the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County We have all heard the adage: I want “better” for my children. With 20 years of evidence-based research, the Family Connects International program has proven to provide that “better”...

- For Immediate Release (Download press release PDF) - NC Home Visiting & Parenting Education System Receives Funding to Improve arenting Supports Across North Carolina Press Release for NC Home Visiting System The North Carolina Partnership for Children (NCPC), which...

Smart Start is working across the state to elevate the voices of family leaders and support them in advocating for their children and their communities. Governor Cooper recognizes the importance of lifting up Family Voice and November has been...