Each Child. Every Community.

As I reflect on my second Week of the Young Child while serving at Smart Start, I am deeply grateful for the warm welcome I received in visits to Smart Start Local Partnerships across the state. Those organizations that work, day in, day out, to elevate the needs and find the resources, along with so many community partners, to reach each child in our Smart Start population of birth through five. I was amongst greatness, leaders who with deep and broad expertise, who have spent years in service to young children, their families, and all who care for and educate them.

We must lead by humanity, as one local partnership board member told me. And, I saw that humanity in action, as our local partnerships introduced me to the parents, teachers, nurses, doctors, school principals, child care center directors, fire and police chiefs, sheriffs, county commissioners, district court judges, legislators, school board members, city councilors, and many more who truly make up Smart Start. Each represent incredible organizations reaching across and playing a role in providing our comprehensive service areas of early care and education, family support, and child and family health, to ensure our youngest North Carolinians have the opportunities to grow up with strong minds, hearts, and bodies.

Most importantly, I had the chance to sit on the floor with young children, to receive and respond to warm smiles and hugs, hold hands as the wobbly early steps were taken by toddlers, and celebrate the spring with preschoolers finding new green sprouts growing forth in a wonderfully muddy outdoor play space. Thank you for giving me the chance to be buoyed by a week of honoring all who work directly with and dedicate their lives to the well-being of these most precious North Carolinians. Onward, in partnership!

Amy Cubbage, President, The North Carolina Partnership for Children