#SummerReadingCLT
Partnering with Read Charlotte to fight summer learning loss
Did you know students who don't read over the summer can fall months behind their peers who do? Just 15 minutes of reading a day can help combat this "summer slide."

We are partnering with Read Charlotte t o promote regular, active reading throughout the summer months to help prepare children for kindergarten. Here are three easy steps you can take to ensure your child is set up for summer reading success:

  • Sign up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and start receiving free books for your 0-5 year old.

  • Text ReadCLT to 70138 for free tips through weekly Ready4K text messages.
Just in time for Mother's Day
Can't make the event? Call in a phone order to the South Park store during the event and Kendra Scott will ship for free! Call 704-837-7689 to place your order. Click here for gift inspiration.
Opportunity for Influence; Opportunity for Celebration
Celebrating 25 years of service at our annual
Opportunity For Influence Breakfast

"Together, we can elevate
Smart Start’s mission to more broadly provide opportunity for influence in our community for the 85,000 children birth to five and their families."
Nancy Hughes, SSMC Executive Directo r
Smart Start was created in 1993 as an innovative solution to a statewide problem: children were coming to school unprepared to learn. Twenty five years and 100 county chapters later, our organization continues its relentless support of young children from birth to five years old, and the momentum in the community continues to build.

At this year's Opportunity For Influence breakfast, Smart Start founder and former Governor James Hunt gave an inspiring and encouraging speech to a room full of community leaders. We were excited to share both the impact Smart Start has had as well as the possibilities that lie ahead with our comm unity's continued support. We were encouraged to see just how many people share in our vision that every child in Charlotte/Mecklenburg enters kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed.

You too can be a part of this growing momentum. Click here to help Smart Start continue to fund programs that make a difference in the lives of our community's families and children.

This Years Opportunity for Influence breakfast was Presented by Providence Preparatory School !

Pictured to the left are Sandy & Betsy Weathersbee (owners) and the Providence Prep team!
Thank you to all our sponsors who helped make this event possible:
A little rain, a lot of fun!
Misty weather did not deter the golfers and volunteers who came out to support our inaugural Chip In For Children golf tournament on April 24th. Twenty one teams enjoyed a great meal and teed up at Ballantyne Country Club for some friendly competition, all the while knowing that their donation was going to help children right here in Mecklenburg County.

A big thank you to our main sponsors who made our first Chip In For Children possible:
2018 National Smart Start Conference!
Most of our team was in Greensboro last week at the National Smart Start Conference , "The nation's largest conference devoted to early education systems and strategies." We are committed to providing the very best support to our community organizations and this conference provides advanced professional development to help us do just that.

We attended workshops and listened to speakers to further our knowledge in the fields of early care and education, childhood health and development, family support, public engagement, fundraising, management, leadership and more.
The Month of May is....
To help keep your kids safe this summer, follow these guidelines:
  • Always supervise children when swimming, bathing or playing in water.
  • Wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket if you can't swim.
  • Don't swallow the water and avoid swimming when you have diarrhea.
  • Teach kids to swim- it's the best way to stay safe in the water.

Visit www.nationalwatersafetymonth.org for more tips on playing it safe this summer.

Triple P Parenting Tip of the Month

Have realistic expectations. All children misbehave at times and it is inevitable that you will have some discipline hassles. Trying to be the perfect parent can set you up for frustration and disappointment.

Funded Program Spotlight
Reach Out and Read gives young children a foundation for success by incorporating books into pediatric well visits and encouraging families to read aloud together.
Click here to find a Reach Out and Read location near you.
Smart Start of Mecklenburg County administers approximately $13 million a year in state and private funds to programs serving children birth to age five, their families, and their caregivers in Mecklenburg County. 

Thank You!

Thank you for all you do to ensure that ALL children in Mecklenburg County enter school healthy and ready to succeed!