The Week of the Young Child® (WOYC) officially kicks off on April 2. This is an important time to reflect and recognize that children's opportunities are our responsibilities. Now is the time to recommit ourselves to ensuring that each child experiences the type of environment—at home, at child care, at school, and in the community—that nurtures early learning. To help children turn five ready to thrive, Smart Start of Mecklenburg County allocates $33 million in state, county, and private funds to 18 local agencies providing 26 activities to families and children ages birth to five. This week, we take the opportunity to highlight some of our funded programs that align with the educational nature of WOYC. Join us April 2-8 for our annual celebration event by sharing pictures and stories about your family on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the #SmartStartStories and #WOYC22 hashtags.

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At Smart Start of Mecklenburg County, we approach our work with the optimism inherent in the young children we serve. We do our work, not in isolation but with and through our partners in the community. In honor of WOYC, we are highlighting a selection of Innovation Grant recipients and community partners whose programs help children enter kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed. Read about all of our 2022 Innovation Grant recipients HERE.

Innovation Grant funding supports WTVI-PBS Charlotte’s Creative Coders Program, a series of workshops, professional development, and training sessions that engage preschool students and their families in hands-on learning. The workshops use guided play to introduce both children and adults to exciting digital and tangible tools designed to support the development of science inquiry and engineering design practices. Over the course of the program, children have learned engineering techniques to build towers, were taught about chemical reactions by making lava lamps, and learned about the water cycle and how clouds are involved. Each child receives a STEM tablet, free App access to PBS programming for three years, and other PBS goodies to continue their love of learning.

Beatties Ford Family Child Care Network is providing PIVOT, a new parent and child virtual health and wellness training program aimed at using technology to connect parents and children in our community to more accessible, innovative, and dynamic health and wellness options. PIVOT offers Zumba, yoga on-site, and health and wellness classes available for teachers, including home child care providers and centers. The main goal of PIVOT is to introduce a sense of mindfulness, based on a more holistic lifestyle. We want our families to RENEW (Restore-Evolve-Nutrition-Evaluate-Wellbeing). PIVOT virtual fitness classes are offered twice a week. The Network is excited about their upcoming event to celebrate the WOYC. Details are provided below in case you want to join the celebration!

DO GOOD Week, a local celebration of National Volunteer Week, exists to encourage Charlotteans to DO GOOD with their time, testimonials, donations - anything that helps support nonprofit's missions. Stay tuned for information on how you can support Smart Start of Mecklenburg County or one of our valued Innovation Grant recipients this spring.

This year’s Opportunity for Influence campaign brings together early childhood professionals and dedicated individuals from throughout the community. Our digital event allows us to focus on the opportunities being provided for children prenatal-to-five throughout Mecklenburg County while highlighting the work done by local Influencers. Click the button below to reserve your complimentary space and join this engaging discussion. Together we can influence the outcome for our youngest children.

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The families we serve are a top priority for us, which means we would love to hear from you! Click the link below to share a testimonial about your experience with Smart Start of Mecklenburg County or one of our valued community partners. SUBMIT TESTIMONIAL

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. EARLY CARE & EDUCATION FAMILY SUPPORT HEALTH EARLY LITERACY

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