Each Child. Every Neighborhood.
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That's a Wrap!
Celebrating MECK Pre-K's first graduating class
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All good things must come to an end. But for almost 600 four and and five year olds who graduated in the inaugural
MECK Pre-K class, the end of this school year means an exciting new beginning...kindergarten!
Thanks to all the teachers, assistants, donors, volunteers, parents, and cheerleaders along the way, these children are now better prepared academically, socially and emotionally for a successful educational career.
There are countless stories revealing how MECK Pre-K has been transformational for children and their families. To hear one such story, watch the video in the link below to learn how a student went from struggling to communicate to counting to 100 in only a few short months. Congratulations, MECK Pre-K students, families and teachers!
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Meck Basics Tip of the Month
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With your infant (0-12 months):
Go back and forth. When your baby makes
a sound, show excitement on your face and in your voice. Respond with words. See how long you can keep the "conversation” going back and forth between the two of you.
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With your toddler (12-36 months):
Expand on what your child says. For example, if they point to a dog and say, “Doggie,” you can reply, “Yes, that is a doggie. It’s brown and soft.”
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Introducing Our New Board Member
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Join us in welcoming our newest board member, Joanette Freeman.
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Greetings! My name is Joanette Freeman and I’m very excited to be a part of the Smart Start of Mecklenburg County Board of Directors. I enjoy working with initiatives in the city to help promote and enhance the lives of our youth and look forward to contributing in efforts to provide services to help children optimize their fullest potential.
As a professional, I currently serve as the Executive Director of Compensation, Benefits and Talent Acquisition for Central Piedmont Community College. I have been employed with the college for more than 13 years. I enjoy all aspects of Human Resources and the opportunities to enhance and improve processes which allow us to service employees with efficiency and excellence.
I have been married to my wonderful husband, Troy for six years and we share a wonderful family which includes one daughter, two sons and a grandson, who is our absolute delight. In my leisure time, I enjoy reading, working in the community, traveling and most of all, spending time with family.
I fully embrace this new opportunity with Smart Start and look forward to working with all of you.
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Preventing child death in hot cars
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It can take just 15 minutes for a child to sustain life-threatening injuries in a hot car.
We all want to think something this devastating could never happen to us, but that simply isn't the case. Sleep deprivation, a change in routine, or a child playing in a car unsupervised can all lead to heat stroke. Being armed with information (i.e. Did you know a car can heat up 20 degrees in 10 minutes?) and a plan (i.e. Leaving your purse or phone next to the car seat) is the best way to prevent harm or death due to heat.
Visit these sites to learn more, read tips for prevention and find resources to keep your child safe this summer:
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A penny saved is a penny earned
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It's no secret that the majority of our early educators are woefully under paid (psst...have you checked out our
WAGE$ program yet?). Don't let your hard earned money go to waste by missing out on savings opportunities especially for teachers (with teacher ID).
Many clothing stores like Ann Taylor, Coldwater Creek and The Limited offer a 15% educator discount.
Ask about the teacher discount at The Dollar Tree, Staples and Michaels for savings on classroom supplies.
Need books? Barnes and Noble offers a 20% educator discount while Half Price Books lets teachers save 10%.
See a comprehensive list of teacher discounts
here. Happy savings!
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Upcoming Events You Won't Want to Miss!
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Ongoing - MECK Pre-K Registration
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8:30am-4:30pm, M-F | MECK Pre-K Offices
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June 8
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Live 360° Launch Party
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10:00am-6:00pm | Northlake Mall
Join us at Northlake Mall for a full day of demonstrations, performances, information and much more, programmed for the community, by the community. Come see us and sign up for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Upper Level Grand Court.
Learn More
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June 14 - Coffee & Conversation
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8:00am-9:30am | Thompson Family Services
Join Smart Start, Thompson and Shivani Mehta, MD, MPH as we discuss the science of early brain development, how toxic stress disrupts this process, and the importance of healthy brain development on the health and well-being of young children.
RSVP
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June 15 - Southern Summer
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6:00pm-10:00pm | Blue Blaze Brewing
Come "party with a purpose" with Kiwanis Uptown at their 9th Annual Southern Summer! This year's event will benefit Smart Start of Mecklenburg County. "Derby" attire optional but strongly encouraged.
Get Tickets
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Communities in Schools - Safe Journeys Parents as Teachers
Graduating Class 2019
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Communities in Schools provides case management and educational support using the Parents as Teachers program (PAT) curriculum
. This program assists participants with completing their high school education, delaying additional pregnancies, assistance with counseling and educational resources and effective parenting skills.
100% of all eligible seniors (32 in total) graduated this June. Congratulations to the 2019 Safe Journey graduates! These young men and women beat the odds and will undoubtedly continue to do great things.
Learn More
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FREE Books for children under 5!
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ALL children in Mecklenburg County are eligible to receive a FREE book in the mail each month until their fifth birthday. Start building up your child's at-home library when you
sign up today!
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