Each Child. Every Community.

2026 Smart Start Conference | May 4 - May 7, 2026 The 2026 Smart Start Conference features a full day of preconference sessions followed by three days of workshops and networking opportunities. Workshop focus areas include... Early Care and Education Child...

“We need to center children and families in how we approach this work and think about them as holistic people…human beings who need a whole range of services. That’s why states, localities, and collective action are so critical because...

During this time of political polarization, it is such an inspiration to see legislators who find common ground in their support for early childhood. There are compassionate, smart, and responsible leaders serving in North Carolina's General Assembly who don't...

The pandemic created unprecedented challenges for the early childhood sector. However, despite these challenges, federal relief funding for state and local governments and a renewed focus on the importance of child care and family supports, translates into historic opportunities. Smart...