Did you know Smart Start is more than a funder of child-serving agencies across Mecklenburg County? We are a collaborator, leader, and convener in the early childhood space. Our team, together with the agencies we fund, ensure that children turn five ready to thrive. Continue reading to learn more about our current innovation efforts. Together we can make sure families with young children age 0-5 receive the support and connections to resources that they need to succeed.
We Are Excited to Announce Big Changes!
Our Funded Program, Guiding Parents to Services, Has Transitioned.
In 2019-2020, Smart Start of Mecklenburg County funded a landscape study that looked at how families with children 0-5 years with special health care needs (CSHCN) were supported in the county. A broad lens explored the current systems and showed this population is being underserved, so we are responding.

Therefore, effective July 1, our program Guiding Parents to Services (GPS) has evolved in partnership with the Children’s Developmental Services Agency (CDSA).
 
GPS has shifted to help families receiving CDSA services transition into the Charlotte Mecklenburg school system (CMS). GPS will help bridge the time as children are exiting from CDSA services, but are still pending programming with CMS, by supporting families and empowering them to get the services their child needs.
Boost your child's learning with Ready4K, a free text messaging service presented in partnership between Smart Start and Read Charlotte. Each week, you will receive three texts with fun facts and easy tips to help your child age 0-5 learn and grow. Sign up today by texting SSMC to 70138.
*data and message rates may apply
Is it time to enroll your future student in Pre-K? If so, you might be confused about which program to apply to. Learn more about Mecklenburg County Pre-K programs and eligibility by clicking the link below.
Smart Start of Mecklenburg County announces a new partnership with Bright Blessings. A local nonprofit, Bright Blessings serves babies and children living in homeless shelters, transitional housing facilities, domestic violence programs, and those receiving supportive services through qualified community agencies.

By making a gift through our AmazonSmile List during Shop for GOOD week this July 19-23, you can help us reach our goal of supplying local families with 250 boxes of diapers. Diapers are shipped directly to Bright Blessing's doorsteps so you know exactly where your donation is going.
We mobilize resources, forge partnerships, and support families to improve early childhood health, education, and development - all to help ensure children are prepared for kindergarten.

Click the links to learn more about our funded programs within our four areas of focus for children ages birth to five.
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